Creepy mansion sees $800k price drop after tragic fire

The historic house used to be a popular horror film location until a fire burned it down. 

Whitin Lasell Manor in Northbridge, Massachusetts, has been an iconic local landmark for more than a century. 

Built in 1890, the manor was then a lavish 23-bedroom house for a wealthy industrialist during America’s Gilded Age. 

In February 2024, the property was listed for sale at $US2.5 million ($AU4 million). 

But less than a month later, a massive fire broke out early on the morning of March 1, ravaging the mansion’s 43 rooms. 

It took four-and-a-half hours for firefighters to get the blaze under control. No one was injured in the fire, but over $140,000 worth of property was destroyed. 

The cause of the fire was ruled accidental. 

At the time, the manor was being used as a co-living community for artists. Sixteen residents lost their belongings in the fire, including three children. 

Whitin Lasell Manor is currently on sale for $US1.95 million ($AU3.13 million) after a series of price cuts. 

The once-elegant home is in a derelict state. Most of the roof has fallen away, and the floors are covered in white mould. 

Many of the home’s original features remain, including carved wooden panelling, a grand staircase, and nearly 15 ornate fireplaces. 

The house sits on 25 acres of land, including woodland and a running stream. 

Before the fire, the manor was a popular filming and photography location for horror, film noir, and period films.