You'll Be Surrounded By History And Maybe A Few Spirits At Baer House In Mississippi

The Baer House is a recipient of the HotelsCombined Recognition of Excellence, which is a prestigious award given only to a select group of hotels.

Both a historic and architectural gem, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been deemed one of the best examples of "Eastlake Victorian-style in the state of Mississippi."

During the 60-90 minute tour, you’ll hear about the home’s original owner, Leona Blume, who, in 1870, purchased a Greek Revival-style home that was damaged during the Civil War and transformed it into a Victorian-style mansion – all prior to being married! Eventually, though, she did marry. Her husband was a Jewish merchant named Lazarus Baer, which is why the home is known today as the Baer House.

No expense was spared when constructing Baer House. Leona was high society and often entertained in her home, so she filled the Baer House with first-rate furniture and fine art. She also had "modern-day amenities," including indoor plumbing. To Leona’s dismay, the home’s kitchen was initially housed in a separate building away from the house, which was customary at the time. When the outdoor kitchen caught fire in 1870, Leona refused to let the fire department put it out. Completely destroyed by the flames, the Baers had no choice but to build a new kitchen, which, per Leona’s urging, was added to the basement of the Baer House.

Leona and Lazarus had four children – three girls and a boy. All four children were confined to the second floor of the home, per Leona’s orders. The first floor of the home was reserved for Leona, Lazarus, and their many guests. An outdoor staircase further ensured the guests and the Baer children never crossed paths.

Though she limited her children to one floor of the home, Leona was an involved mother and arranged marriages for all of her daughters. One daughter, Sarah, eloped, rather than marrying the man Leona selected. Because of her defiance, Leona essentially cut Sarah out of the family and went as far as having a "funeral" for Sarah. Leona went to her grave in 1897, without reconciling with Sarah. Lazarus did, however, reunite with Sarah. The story goes that the widowed Lazarus would sit on his porch and speak with passersby. Among those passersby were a nanny and two children, which wound up being Sarah’s nanny and her children – Lazarus’ grandchildren! The father and daughter let bygones be bygones and upon his death, Lazarus left the home to Sarah.

According to paranormal investigators, Leona and four other spirits haunt the Baer House. Throughout the years, the resident ghosts have been spotted all over the house and, in some cases, captured in a photograph. Aside from making an appearance from time to time, the ghosts apparently like to steal things, particularly glasses.