In the heart of Winchester, Virginia, stands Abram’s Delight, a stately stone home that is the oldest surviving house in the city. Built in 1754 by Abraham Hollingsworth, one of the area’s early settlers, the house is not only a treasured historical landmark but also a site of mysterious hauntings. Over the centuries, Abram’s Delight has seen its share of family history, tragedy, and war, leading many to believe that its walls have absorbed the emotions and energy of the past. Today, both visitors and staff report strange occurrences and paranormal activity, making it one of Winchester’s most intriguing haunted locations.

A History of Pioneer Life

Abram’s Delight was the home of the Hollingsworth family, pioneers in the Shenandoah Valley. Abraham Hollingsworth, the family patriarch, arrived in the area in the early 18th century and established a successful mill and plantation. The homestead was passed down through generations of the Hollingsworth family, becoming a centerpiece of life in early Winchester. The stone house, with its large windows and stately architecture, reflects the family’s wealth and prominence during the colonial period. Over time, the home transitioned into a museum, preserving the Hollingsworth legacy and offering visitors a glimpse into 18th-century life.

However, Abram’s Delight is not just a relic of the past—it’s also believed to be home to several spirits. The combination of the family’s history, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War, along with the everyday struggles of early settlers, seems to have left an indelible mark on the property. From ghostly apparitions to unexplained noises, the hauntings at Abram’s Delight have become a central part of the house’s story.

The Lady in the Long Gown

One of the most frequently reported apparitions at Abram’s Delight is that of a woman in a long, flowing gown. Visitors and staff have spotted her wandering through the house, particularly near the main staircase and in the upstairs bedrooms. Some believe this spirit could be Mary Hollingsworth, one of Abraham’s descendants who lived in the house until her death in the early 19th century. Mary is said to have been deeply attached to the home, and some speculate that her spirit has remained to watch over the house and her family’s legacy.

Those who have encountered the Lady in the Long Gown often describe her as appearing translucent, dressed in clothing typical of the early 1800s. Witnesses have seen her standing at windows, gazing out over the grounds as if waiting for someone. Others have reported seeing her walking down the stairs only to vanish midway, leaving behind a sudden cold chill.

While her presence is not described as menacing, the Lady in the Long Gown has startled many visitors. In one notable incident, a group of tourists touring the upstairs rooms reported hearing the sound of rustling fabric, as though someone was brushing past them. When they turned around, they saw the faint outline of a woman’s figure near the window, only for her to fade away moments later. The experience left the group convinced that they had witnessed one of Abram’s Delight’s resident spirits.

Phantom Footsteps and Mysterious Noises

One of the most common experiences at Abram’s Delight involves the sound of phantom footsteps. Visitors and staff alike have reported hearing heavy footsteps echoing through the halls and up the staircases, even when no one else is in the house. The footsteps are often described as deliberate, as if someone is pacing the house, checking on the rooms. These sounds are particularly common in the early morning or late evening, when the house is quiet.

In one chilling account, a night security guard patrolling the house reported hearing footsteps above him on the second floor. Thinking someone had broken in, he quickly made his way upstairs, only to find the rooms empty. Yet the sound of the footsteps continued, this time coming from the hallway just outside the room he was standing in. Frightened, the guard left the house, convinced that something beyond the physical was responsible for the noises.

Visitors have also reported hearing the sound of doors creaking open and furniture shifting, even though the objects remain in place. In some cases, guests have described hearing whispers or muffled conversations, as though people are talking just out of earshot. These strange auditory phenomena have led many to believe that the spirits of former residents or workers may still linger in the house, going about their daily routines long after their physical lives ended.

Cold Spots and Flickering Lights

In addition to the ghostly apparitions and noises, many visitors to Abram’s Delight have reported experiencing sudden cold spots—areas where the temperature drops significantly, even in the heat of summer. These cold spots are often found near the main entrance and in the basement, where some of the house’s most chilling activity has been recorded. Paranormal investigators who have explored the house often describe these areas as the most active, with cold spots frequently coinciding with other phenomena, such as flickering lights or the sensation of being watched.

One particularly unsettling incident involved a couple touring the house on a warm afternoon. As they walked through the parlor, they suddenly felt a wave of cold air pass over them, despite the fact that there were no open windows or air conditioning running. Moments later, they saw the lights above them begin to flicker, dimming and then brightening again as if someone was playing with the switch. Convinced that they were not alone, the couple left the room, only to feel the cold vanish as they stepped into the hallway.

A Revolutionary War Haunting

Abram’s Delight also has ties to the Revolutionary War, as Abraham Hollingsworth and his descendants were part of the local militia. Some believe that Revolutionary War soldiers haunt the grounds, as several unmarked graves are said to be located near the property. Guests exploring the gardens have reported seeing shadowy figures near the tree line, figures that disappear upon approach. These apparitions are often described as wearing military uniforms, and many believe they are the spirits of soldiers who fought and died in the area.

Some paranormal investigators have also captured EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) near the house’s outbuildings, with voices that seem to say words like “march” or “home.” These recordings, along with the sightings of uniformed figures, have led many to speculate that the property’s connection to the Revolutionary War may have left a lasting spiritual imprint.

Conclusion: Where History and the Supernatural Meet

Abram’s Delight offers more than just a glimpse into the pioneer history of the Shenandoah Valley. It provides visitors with the chance to encounter the spirits of the past, whether through the phantom footsteps echoing through its halls or the fleeting appearance of the Lady in the Long Gown. The house’s long history of family life, war, and tragedy seems to have created a spiritual presence that lingers to this day. For those who visit, Abram’s Delight is not just a historic home—it’s a place where history and the supernatural come together in ways that continue to captivate and intrigue.

Main photo by APK (CC4.0)