Belcourt Castle is a former summer cottage designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont. Construction began in 1891 and was completed three years later. It is noted for its incorporation of many European styles and periods (including French Renaissance, Gothic decor, German, English, and Italian). Regarded as being extravaganr and spectacular, it is also reputed to be one of the most haunted places in America.
The building is reputedly haunted by a number of apparitions. The first is that of a figure wearing a brown robe, which was linked to a statue of a monk. It is claimed that whenever the statue was moved into the house, the figure would be reported. However, once the statue was placed into the chapel, the sightings stopped. "Strange shadows" have been witnessed in the ballroom.
Other phenomena include footsteps, screams and strange sounds, cold spots and the movement of objects (including suits of armour). There are also two salt chairs in the house that are reputedly classed as haunted items.
Pictured left is the eastern facade of eBelcourt Castle courtesy of Faithlessthewonderboy.