If you’re a fan of the paranormal and want to experience a night in a real haunted house, look no further than the George Clarke House Bed and Breakfast in Lexington, Kentucky. This charming Victorian-era home, built in 1890, offers more than just historical ambiance—it also comes with a rich tapestry of ghost stories that guests have recounted over the years. These chilling tales of apparitions, mysterious occurrences, and playful spirits make the George Clarke House one of Lexington’s most intriguing bed and breakfasts.
A Step Back in Time
Walking through the front doorway of the George Clarke House feels like stepping back over a century into the past. The decor reflects the home’s original Victorian style, and every room has its own unique charm. The house has seen many families come and go, but none left a mark as profound as the Clarke family.
George Clarke and his wife, Julie, lived happily with their family in the home for twelve years. However, in 1912, tragedy struck when Julie fell seriously ill. At the time, it was believed that the dry air of the Old West could cure many ailments, so George sold the house and moved the family to Garfield, Oklahoma. Unfortunately, Julie never recovered. Her heart ached for her beloved Kentucky, but her illness prevented her from returning. Just fourteen months after relocating to Oklahoma, Julie passed away. Heartbroken, George moved the family back to Lexington, leaving Julie buried in a lonely grave far from the bluegrass she loved so dearly. After her death, George never spoke of her again, but it seems Julie wasn’t content with her eternal rest in Oklahoma. Instead, her spirit returned home to Lexington.
Haunting of the George Clarke House
Julie Clarke’s ghostly presence has been seen and felt numerous times since her death. Guests who have stayed in the bed and breakfast recount eerie experiences, from unexplained laughter to full-bodied apparitions. The most frequently reported sightings of Julie occur in the main hallway of the house, where at least three guests have claimed to see her ghost. Her presence is often accompanied by the sound of soft, distant laughter or muted conversations, as if she’s reliving moments from her life in the home.
One particular instance involved Julie’s grandson, who visited the house when he was eighty years old. During his stay, he reminisced about raising forty acres of sunflowers on the family’s property. Shortly after his visit, the proprietress, Kathryn Bux, placed a vase of sunflowers in the Ermina’s Chamber room. The next morning, a loud crash echoed from upstairs. When Kathryn and the guest investigated, they found the vase of sunflowers had flown five feet across the room and landed on a Persian rug. Realizing the significance of the sunflowers to Julie, Kathryn began placing them in Julie’s old room—the Augustine Room—and the mysterious occurrences with the flowers ceased.
Other guests have experienced Julie’s ghost in more personal ways. One couple staying in Julie’s room reported waking up to find their belongings mysteriously moved during the night. The husband’s watch, which had been on the nightstand, was found on a suitcase across the room, while his wife’s jewelry had inexplicably ended up in the bathroom. Another guest, while reading in bed, claimed to see the feet of a child hovering near her bed, possibly the spirit of Julie’s youngest daughter, Jessie, who was born in the house.
Friendly Spirits of the Clarke House
Despite these eerie encounters, the spirits of the George Clarke House are believed to be friendly. Kathryn Bux, the current owner, assures guests that the ghosts, though sometimes mischievous, enjoy the presence of visitors and have no malicious intent. Kathryn herself has experienced paranormal activity in the home and proudly displays photographs of apparitions that have appeared throughout the years. One of the most famous photographs shows George Clarke’s ghostly face in the mirror above the fireplace in the parlor.
Guests have reported feeling a warm, welcoming presence in the house, as if the spirits—particularly Julie and George—enjoy their company. The ghosts occasionally play lighthearted tricks to make their presence known, such as moving objects or making soft noises, but these actions seem more playful than sinister.
An Unforgettable Stay
The George Clarke House Bed and Breakfast is more than just a place to rest your head—it’s an opportunity to connect with the past. Guests can soak in the beauty of the Victorian architecture, stroll through the lush gardens, and enjoy the warm hospitality of Kathryn Bux. The resident ghosts simply add to the experience, creating an atmosphere that is equal parts mysterious and inviting.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, spending the night in the George Clarke House offers an unforgettable glimpse into Lexington’s haunted history. The house’s tragic past, combined with the friendly yet mysterious spirits that linger within its walls, makes this bed and breakfast a must-visit for anyone interested in the paranormal.
The Paranormal Hospitality of Kathryn Bux
Kathryn, the proprietress, is known for her warmth and her willingness to share the house’s haunted history with guests. She has gathered stories from numerous visitors over the years and is happy to show photographs of ghostly faces and mysterious figures. Kathryn’s welcoming demeanor, paired with her love for the home’s history and its resident spirits, ensures that every guest leaves with an unforgettable experience.
The George Clarke House may be haunted, but it is far from a place of fear. Instead, it serves as a unique reminder of the lives that once filled its halls and the spirits that continue to watch over it.
