Step into the hauntingly beautiful Lizzie Borden House, a masterpiece of Victorian design with a chilling history.
This article uncovers the home’s ornate interiors, mysterious murders, and its status as one of America’s most infamous haunted locations.
Whether you’re captivated by its dark past or its architectural brilliance, this house offers a story unlike any other.
- 📍 Location: 230 Second Street, Fall River, Massachusetts
- 💰 Estimated Price: Sold in 2021 for $2 million
- 🏗️ Year Built/Remodeled: Built in 1845; remodeled in 1872 by Andrew Borden
- 🌳 Size of Land: Approximately 0.187 acres
- 🏠 Size of House: Just under 3,000 square feet of living space
- 🛏️ Rooms: 6 bedrooms, including two suites with two beds each
Would You Spend a Night at the Lizzie Borden House?
Many visitors to the Lizzie Borden House enter with curiosity and leave with stories they’ll never forget. Reports of eerie footsteps echoing in the night, sudden chills in the Andrew & Abby Suite, and shadowy figures near the staircase are all part of the experience. While some believe the hauntings are merely the weight of the home’s tragic past, others insist the spirits of Andrew, Abby, or Lizzie herself may still linger.
So, would you stay the night? Over 70% of past guests say they would return for another visit, but not without company!
The Entrance and Staircase
Upon entering, you’re immediately transported to the late 19th century.
The wooden banister, worn smooth from decades of hands gliding over it, spirals gracefully upward, adding elegance to a space rooted in history.
Near the staircase, a mannequin clad in Victorian attire greets you like a ghostly resident of the past.
The entrance showcases subtle touches of the era, like the decorative radiator, which is both functional and a reminder of Victorian ingenuity.
The Parlor
The parlor is where elegance meets unease.
Anchored by a black fireplace with intricate detailing, the space features floral wallpaper that softens the room’s stark historical significance. Guests may sit on the tufted velvet sofa or in one of the period armchairs, absorbing the ambiance while reflecting on the room’s storied past.
This is not just a place to relax; it’s also the room where Andrew Borden’s funeral was held. You can almost feel the weight of history pressing down as you take in the carefully restored bookshelves and framed artwork. Does the fireplace hold secrets, or is it just the design lover in me reading into its ornate craftsmanship?
The Dining Room
The dining room tells its own story with an inviting yet eerie atmosphere.
Dark wood furniture, including a central table draped in a lace tablecloth, brings sophistication to the room. Paired with deep red curtains and floral wallpaper, the space feels warm despite its somber legacy.
Macabre details, like simulated skulls used to depict the infamous hatchet wounds, add an unexpected layer to the decor.
As a designer, I’m amazed at how the room manages to maintain its Victorian beauty while incorporating such chilling artifacts.
Andrew & Abby Suite
The Andrew & Abby Suite is a masterpiece of Victorian elegance, with its intricately carved wooden bed and matching furniture.
Lace curtains frame the windows, while floral wallpaper provides a serene backdrop.
This is also the room where Abby Borden met her tragic end—a stark contrast to the calm beauty of the decor.
Lizzie & Emma Suite
The Lizzie & Emma Suite reflects a softer, more feminine touch. Twin beds dressed in pastel quilts are complemented by a chaise lounge and built-in cabinetry.
While the room feels tranquil, many guests report an eerie sensation of being watched. Could the design itself enhance the house’s infamous atmosphere?
Bridget Sullivan Room
The Bridget Sullivan Room, located under the attic’s sloping ceiling, is more modest than the others.
The floral wallpaper and patchwork quilt give it a humble charm that suits its history as the maid’s quarters.
However, reports of children’s laughter and moving objects bring an unsettling air to this otherwise cozy space.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is where Victorian practicality shines.
At the center is a cast-iron wood stove, surrounded by shelves filled with period-accurate utensils. The floral wallpaper adds a cheerful touch to the room, while neatly stacked firewood and vintage cookware enhance its authenticity.
As a designer, I often think about how homes evolve. This kitchen, while rooted in history, feels like it could still serve a family today—if they didn’t mind the occasional ghostly interruption.
Paranormal Mysteries and Legends
| Room | Reported Paranormal Activity | Guest Reactions |
|---|---|---|
| Parlor | Heavy atmosphere, feeling of being watched | Guests often feel a sense of unease. |
| Andrew & Abby Suite | Cold spots, strange whispers | Guests frequently experience chills. |
| Lizzie & Emma Suite | Unexplained noises, sensation of being watched | Many report sleepless nights. |
| Bridget Sullivan Room | Children’s laughter, moving objects | Some guests feel a playful, yet eerie vibe. |
| Staircase | Shadowy figures, sounds of footsteps | Guests often feel reluctant to walk alone. |
| Kitchen | Faint footsteps, objects shifting positions | Visitors feel the space is lively and active. |
Abby Borden’s Room
The Abby Borden Room, part of the Andrew & Abby Suite, is not just a place to rest. It’s the site of one of the most infamous crimes in American history. Guests often describe feeling a chilling unease as they step inside. Is it the design, or is the past reaching out?
Crying Sounds
Many visitors have reported hearing a woman crying near Lizzie’s old room. Could this be a trick of the house’s acoustics, or is it tied to the home’s tragic history? Either way, the ambiance adds to its intrigue.
Ghostly Shadows
The staircase, a feature of architectural beauty, is also a hotspot for ghostly shadows. Guests often claim to see figures moving along the stairs or lingering in doorways. It’s the kind of phenomenon that reminds us that even the most beautiful designs can carry a darker side.
Visitor Experiences
Visitors to the Lizzie Borden House can choose from historical and ghost tours, each offering a unique perspective. As someone who has walked these rooms, I can confidently say: these tours bring the past to life.
For the brave, staying overnight is an experience like no other.
Rooms like the Andrew & Abby Suite or Bridget Sullivan Room offer a mix of comfort and intrigue.
Whether you’re there for the history or the hauntings, the house ensures you’ll leave with a story to tell.
What is the address of the Lizzie Borden House?
The Lizzie Borden House is located at 230 Second Street, Fall River, Massachusetts, 02721. The original address was 92 Second Street, but it was changed due to the growth and redirection of city streets.
How much is the Lizzie Borden House worth?
The Lizzie Borden House was listed for sale in January 2021 with an asking price of $2 million. The property was sold later that year to Lance Zaal, founder of US Ghost Adventures.
Who owns the Lizzie Borden House now?
As of 2021, the Lizzie Borden House is owned by Lance Zaal, president and founder of US Ghost Adventures. He has undertaken preservation and restoration projects to maintain the property’s historical integrity.
Can visitors stay overnight at the Lizzie Borden House?
Yes, the Lizzie Borden House operates as a bed and breakfast, allowing guests to stay overnight. Visitors can book rooms and experience tours that delve into the history and reported hauntings of the property.
Conclusion
The Lizzie Borden House isn’t just a home; it’s a living piece of history. Every room tells a story, whether through its elegant Victorian decor or its eerie, unsolved mysteries. As a designer, I’m captivated by how this house bridges the gap between beauty and the macabre. If you ever visit, take a moment to sit by the parlor fireplace or stand in Abby Borden’s room. You might feel more than just the weight of its history—you might feel the house itself watching you.
