Southern Mansion

Built in 1860, this elegant Italianate mansion served as a seaside summer escape for wealthy businessman George Allen and his family for 83 years. The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) from Ghost Hunters spent a night here investigating in 2010.

The Southern Mansion was built in 1863 by Philadelphia industrialist George Allen, who made his fortune selling uniforms to both Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War. Designed by renowned architect Samuel Sloan—fresh from fleeing Mississippi when war descended on his unfinished masterpiece Longwood—the Italianate villa served as Allen's seaside entertainment palace for 83 years. The Allens hosted legendary parties here, with guests including the Prince of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, boxer Gene Tunney, and Will Rogers. During Prohibition, alcohol was smuggled from Cape May Point beaches for these lavish gatherings.

After George Allen's death, his great-niece Esther Mercur inherited the property and continued the tradition of grand entertaining until her death in 1946. Her husband Ulysses then sold the mansion—furnishings and all—for just $8,000 to a couple named Curly, who converted it into a boarding house. For nearly 50 years, the once-magnificent estate fell into disrepair, its exterior painted white, its grand rooms partitioned into cramped units.

The haunting began—or at least intensified—after Barbara Bray Wilde purchased and meticulously restored the property in 1994-1997. Paranormal investigators note that renovation of old buildings often stirs dormant spirits. The most active ghost is Esther Allen herself, described as "a joyful spirit who dances around the home." Staff and guests have witnessed her apparition gliding through rooms, heard her distinctive perfume wafting through the halls, and caught the rustle of her Victorian petticoats. Her ghost has been spotted in the kitchen, as if checking on party preparations that ended decades ago. Wine and champagne glasses have shattered for no reason, and others have been found with red lipstick on their rims—Esther reportedly loved to drink.

Mary Curly, who ran the boarding house for years, also reportedly lingers. Tour guide Terrie Rosania confirms both women "still contentedly reside at The Southern Mansion." Cold spots materialize throughout the building, and guests have reported playful encounters: sheets moving beside them and toes being tickled under blankets. Investigators have photographed orbs and captured EVPs throughout the property.

In March 2010, The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) from SyFy's Ghost Hunters investigated the mansion in an episode titled "Touched by Evil." Bruce Tango, father of investigator Dave Tango, joined after experiencing firsthand paranormal activity at the location. The team heard footsteps walking around empty rooms. Dave Tango later declared the Southern Mansion "the most active location he ever set foot in," and TAPS members continue hosting paranormal events there.

The mansion now operates as Cape May's premier luxury bed-and-breakfast, ranking at the top of Haunted Rooms' list of most haunted hotels by state. Guests can still encounter its friendly spirits—and perhaps join one of Esther's eternal parties.