Sunday 3 October 2010

Pleasing Charlotte


When we bought our house in 2002 the real estate agent told us all it's good points. He explained the benefits of buying such a treasure even tho' it would cost us more than we could afford. The newly wired electrics, the thoughtful restoration, the clever details, the shady, easy care garden.

What he didn't tell us about was Charlotte!
No one did!
That is until after we'd signed on the dotted line and committed to moving 360 kms away from our city home and business to start life here, unemployed and in the country.
Then the locals couldn't wait to tell us we'd bought a haunted house. There is even a book written about it.

On moving day we met  felt Charlotte. She was rattling her chains so to speak as we trudged through her house dumping cartons and positioning furniture. She was not happy.
We made the decision not to sleep in that room, the one that felt so creepy........
At night she sobbed loudly, during the day she startled the pets and caused the hair to rise on the necks of everyone who came near.
A call to the local historical society filled in the gaps a little.
Charlotte had lived in our house in the late 1800's. Left jilted and pregnant by the man she loved, poor Charlotte was condemned to a life as spinster aunt to her daughter. Watching on as her brother and sister in law raised her baby with their own 7 children.
At least we knew why she was so sad and unsettled but what could we do about it?
Advice came from all quarters and eventually we filled Charlotte's room with pretty things, burnt sweetly scented candles and changed the name of the house to honour her.
The bloke, who spent most of the first year here alone as I wound up our business in the city, spent many evenings sitting in her room and talking to her. Gradually she settled and it's been some years since we've even noticed her about.

Today I cleaned up her room, fresh linen, tidy shelves and a sweep out.
I like to think she loves it like this.

14 comments:

Liz said...

Poor Charlotte, no wonder she was sad, it's nice to think you've given her a little peace and understanding...
Lizzie
xxx

Unknown said...

Wow thanks for sharing a the story. Truly amazing.

BubzRugz said...

What a story..... I wondered about your blog name - poor Charlotte
Hugz

Bec Clarke said...

Oh what an amazing story, so wonderful that you were able to help her have some peace. I hope your house continues to be peaceful.

Julia said...

OMG Sue..what a story.
Perhaps you made her feel part of your family and she now has someone that loves her and made her place a home..she's at peace now!
Julia ♥

Needled Mom said...

Great story! I thought the realtors had to "reveal" such information.

Sandy said...

I don't know how I'd feel if I moved into a haunted house. But how you handled it seems to have worked out well for both you and Charlotte. I love that you fixed up a room for her.

Carole Burant said...

How awesome that your house is haunted! I know, most people wouldn't think it was awesome but I'm the type who loves that kind of stuff! lol I have no doubt that she loves her little room and how you've decorated it for her. Have you had guests sleeping there without telling them about Charlotte??? hehe xoxo

Heidi said...

Wow.. great story. Poor Charlotte. We used to feel someone in our first house when our first son was a toddler. Many stories and when we tell people - it always gives everyone the chills. I love these type of stories.

It sounds like she's happy with her home now.

Marlene said...

What a wonderful story. I am glad to hear that you have made Charlotte rest peacefully.

Melody said...

What an amazing story. You are both so kind to give Charlotte some peace.

Allie said...

What a truly amazing story - I love what you've done with Charlotte's room, I'm sure she's quite happy now!

Maria said...

OMG Charlotte's room looks lovely. I am sure she will approve.

rosie said...

Poor Charlotte, there would have been so many women like her in days gone by... thank goodness times have changed..