The Haunted Captain Lord Mansion
Located on the picturesque southwest coast of Maine, Kennebunkport is a captivating village known for its maritime heritage and charming atmosphere. Amidst the historic ships and bustling tourist shops, the village holds a hidden secret—a lingering spirit that adds an extra touch of intrigue to its storied past. One of the notable locations in Kennebunkport with a ghostly reputation is the Captain Lord Mansion. Built by Captain Nathaniel Lord in the 19th century, this elegant federal-style mansion has become renowned not only for its architectural beauty but also for the paranormal encounters reported within its walls. From the apparition of a lady in a nightgown to mysterious footsteps and unexplained phenomena, the Captain Lord Mansion has captivated the curiosity of visitors and paranormal enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Captain Lord Mansion and explore the reports of ghostly activity that have made it a destination for those seeking a brush with the supernatural.
The History of the Captain Lord Mansion:
Kennebunkport, a charming coastal village in southwest Maine, boasts a rich history intertwined with tales of shipbuilding and prosperous maritime trade. One of the notable figures associated with this area is Captain Nathaniel Lord, a wealthy shipbuilder whose plans to construct ships were thwarted by the War of 1812 and the British coastal blockade. Undeterred, Captain Lord redirected the efforts of his skilled shipwrights towards the creation of an elegant, federal-style mansion.
The mansion became a showcase of the shipwrights’ craftsmanship, adorned with intricate interior and exterior moldings carved by their skilled hands. Inside, satin wall coverings and empire-style furnishings exuded opulence and captured the essence of wealth. Captain Lord and his wife, Phoebe, raised their nine children within the grandeur of the mansion, enjoying a life befitting their status.
Tragedy struck the Lord family when Captain Nathaniel Lord met an untimely death at the age of 39 in 1815. Left behind to care for their children, Phoebe continued to reside in the mansion. However, after her passing, the ownership of the mansion changed hands several times, leading to various renovations and alterations. It remained in the Lord family until 1972 when financial circumstances forced Lord’s great-granddaughter to sell the estate.
In 1978, new owners purchased the mansion with a vision to transform it into a Bed & Breakfast Inn. The property underwent extensive restoration to recapture its original 19th-century splendor. Each room in the inn was given a name, and one of them, initially named Wiserteria, held a significant connection to the mansion’s ghostly history. Wiserteria, meaning “remembrance of the dead,” soon became a focal point for paranormal encounters.
Is the Captain Lord Mansion Haunted?
Following the opening of the inn to guests, reports of an apparition dressed in a 19th-century nightgown began to emerge. This spectral figure was often observed floating around what was then called the Wiserteria room and even on the spiral staircase. Due to the resemblance to Phoebe Lord, many believe that the ghostly presence is that of the former Lady of the mansion herself.
Phoebe’s alleged spirit has become an enduring presence at the inn, with encounters continuing to be reported to this day. To respect the historical connection and the ghostly associations, the innkeepers made the decision to rename the room from Wiserteria to the Lincoln Room. Despite the change, reports and experiences of the apparition persist, captivating guests and igniting curiosity about the mansion’s haunted legacy.
To delve deeper into the haunted history of the Captain Lord Mansion, you can explore reputable sources such as “Haunted Inns of New England” by Mark Jasper and “Ghosts of Maine: The Most Haunted Locations” by T.M. Gray. These sources provide further insights into the reported ghostly encounters and investigations conducted at the inn.
Address: 6 Pleasant St, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
As you visit the picturesque village of Kennebunkport, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich maritime history and explore the enchanting Captain Lord Mansion. Whether you stay in the Lincoln Room or simply appreciate the ambiance of this restored 19th-century gem, remain open to the possibility of encountering the ethereal presence of Phoebe Lord, a spirit that adds an intriguing layer to the mansion’s storied past.
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