The latest essay by American writer Jessa Crispin, My Three Dads, opens with a humorous and personal chapter set in an apartment uninhabited for over 15 years in an area of Kansas City known as “the serial killer neighbourhood”. Having just moved in, Crispin realizes she will be living in a house haunted by the ghost of its former owner, a despotic, paternalistic ghost, whom she nicknames Charlie. Unexpectedly, her daily clashes with him will eventually give rise to the central reflection of the entire book.

While Crispin seems to accept the idea of cohabiting with a judgmental ghost with inexplicable nonchalance, not everyone would be capable of displaying the same detachment and spirit of coexistence. This is because the gothic novel imagery of haunted mansions, eerie atmospheres, and supernatural apparitions continues to exert a certain influence on our highly rational psyche, the consequences of which can manifest well beyond the limits of our minds: such as in the real estate market, especially when global superstars like Adele are involved.

This is the case for British homeowner Nicholas Sutton, who has been unable to sell his Edwardian-style mansion, Lock House, for over 14 years. The property, valued at £6 million, has remained on the market due to a claim made by its former tenant, Adele, who in an interview with Anderson Cooper allegedly hinted that the house was haunted.

The issue began in 2012 when the pop star, who was renting the house at the time, described Lock House – formerly a convent – as having a “rather creepy” atmosphere. This comment was picked up by numerous tabloids and gradually transformed into the legend of “Adele’s haunted house” damaging the property’s reputation. Despite extensive renovations, Sutton claims that the entire affair has deterred potential buyers over the years. The additions of an outdoor and indoor pool, ten bedrooms, formal gardens, a tennis court, and even a helicopter landing pad have done little to change the situation.

Now, the homeowner has stated that his only option is to attempt to reclassify the historic estate into three houses and a cottage to offer a solution that is “in line with heritage conservation and housing policies”, as he explained to The Times. He hopes that this conversion will finally restore the image of this idyllic residence in West Sussex.

Opening image: Lock House, West Sussex.