The Old Stagecoach Inn is an historic bed and breakfast built in 1826, located in the center of Waterbury Village, VT.
Formerly a tavern, stagecoach stop, and private residence, it is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Is there a “ghost in residence” eternally occupying the Inn?
Room 2 is reportedly haunted by a lady named Margaret Spencer who supposedly died there. Built in 1826, by a wealthy millionaire, It has served as a tavern, stagecoach stop, and a private residence and is now one of Waterbury Vermont's most well-known historic Inn. In 1890, the Old Stagecoach Inn underwent its first character structural transformation “from New England Federal to Victorian, an aspect that was meticulously restored in 1987 as an example of country elegance,” which can be seen in great detail in its elegant parlor or in the cozy library bar.
The Old Stagecoach Inn has three floors. In the downstairs area, there is a large parlor with original antiques, and the rooms throughout the inn also have era antique sofas, easy chairs, organ, tapestries, and oriental carpets. The second and third floors, where the guest rooms are, there are 8 uniquely different rooms, and 3 more modern suites with TV, Cable, eat-in kitchen alcove and private bath.
A Ghost of the Former Owner in Residence?
During the 1920's, through the '40's, the Old Stagecoach Inn was the private home of a wealthy socialite, Margaret Spencer. In 1947, Margaret died at the age of 98, in her own bedroom, which is known as Room 2. Margaret Spencer loved her home so much, she chose not to move on to the other side, but instead decided to haunt old bedroom, appearing occasionally to startled guests, wearing a white shawl. Margaret Spencer apparently has no plans to ever leave and has made no effort to do so. However, she seems to be willing to share her room with the living, though the living may find a ghostly roommate slightly unnerving.
Some people pass on but are so attached to their past lives that they choose to remain here, and walk among the living. This actually fits in quite well with the Vermont folklore, that often boasts that an old house is not really the genuine article unless there is a ghost in residence.
The Old Stagecoach Inn would seem to be the epitome of such folklore. There is a long history and stories of strange goings on there, which the new owners may have dismissed as products of the imagination. But as time passed a continuing series of “happenings” most likely forced them to reconsider.
These “happenings” are mostly minor, almost practical jokes, as though someone or some thing were having fun with a perplexed housekeeper or guest. They would occur as often as not, in broad daylight with living people present, at other times in the dead of night. For example, a rocking chair may begin to rock in an agitated manner, continuing for awhile with no one near it; furniture items move on their own; beds have their linens stripped and neatly folded while the housekeeper is working nearby, plus other similar incidents too numerous to mention. The “ghosts” seem to be playful though and not malevolent. The only ill effects have been a reluctance of cleaning staff to work alone upstairs.
Old Stagecoach Inn Haunted by the Former Owner?
The Old Stagecoach Inn has long been rumored to have a resident ghost. According to local lore, the spirit is possibly that of a former owner, who passed away over a century ago but still keeps watch over her beloved inn.
Perhaps current owner John Barwick was skeptical of the ghost stories when he first acquired the property. But over the years, he and his staff have experienced enough peculiar events to make them question their doubts.
These occurrences are generally harmless pranks—a chair rocking of its own accord, items mysteriously rearranged, or linens folded neatly while the housekeeper's back is turned. The staff may hesitate to work alone upstairs, but there is never a sense of menace.
Paranormal Activity, Ghost Hunter Visits
A self-proclaimed ghost hunter recently visited the inn, device in hand, in hopes of confirming the presence of paranormal activity. As he slowly surveyed each room, his instrument indicated powerful and inexplicable energy fluctuations, especially in rooms four and nine. Interestingly, staff and guests have frequently reported ghostly sightings in the room over the years.
One incident continues to baffle John. On a busy summer weekend with a full house, he personally took a call on Friday evening to cancel the reservation for room three. By Sunday morning, all the rooms were occupied except for that one.
As Mark assisted with breakfast service in the dining area, two unfamiliar guests came downstairs and seated themselves. When he inquired, they said they were staying in room three – a double occupancy. John was puzzled, since he knew that room to be vacant.
When he asked what time they had arrived, they replied around 2:30 AM. They said an elderly woman in old-fashioned dress had kindly allowed them in when they were unable to find lodging elsewhere. Mark queried the other guests, but no one admitted to the encounter.
To this day, he cannot explain the presence of guests in a room he knew to be unoccupied. While not definitive proof, this strange occurrence only deepens the mystery surrounding the Old Stagecoach Inn and its resident specter. Whether skeptic or believer, Mark knows there are some riddles even he cannot solve.
Visit and Stay at The Old Stagecoach Inn
Regardless of whether the Old Stagecoach Inn is truly haunted or not, it certainly is a beautiful place to stay for a night or two in Vermont! It is located in Waterbury, Vermont and is very easy to find.
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