The stunning Flavel House in Astoria offers a glimpse into this coastal Oregon town’s past. On a recent trip, I discovered it has a spooky history as well. From ghost sightings to items moving around to an inoperable music box playing at random, locals know that “friendly” ghosts reside at this historic home.
I've driven by this gorgeous mansion dozens of times but had never stepped inside until a few weeks ago.
Sarah Vanbuskirk
I was blown away by the beauty of the house, which was built in 1884-1885 for Captain George Flavel.
Captain Flavel was a successful businessman in Astoria who was both a Columbia River bar pilot and a real estate tycoon.
Sarah Vanbuskirk
On the day I visited the home and adjacent carriage house, I was in for a surprise.
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I got my tickets in the carriage house on the opposite corner of the property.
Sarah Vanbuskirk
Inside, I found a cute shop with Victorian period-inspired items like jewelry, books, and tea cups. There is also a short film to watch about the home and the Flavel family as well as a carriage displayed in the adjacent room.
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When I entered the house, the docent welcomed us and told us a bit about the self-guided tour.
Sarah Vanbuskirk
The home is full of gorgeous period details like ornate woodwork and immense windows. The Victorian-era furniture gives you a full sense of what the home was like when the Flavel family lived there.
And according to a friendly, very smart local boy who happened to be there at the same time as me and seemed to know endless details about the home, the place is haunted, too. If you're lucky, when you visit, he'll be there to answer any questions you have and offer his insights about the mansion—and its spirits.
Sarah Vanbuskirk
The home is a prime example of Queen Anne architecture and has been lovingly preserved.
"What exactly do these ghosts do?" I asked this young man, who reminded me a bit of Charlie from the original "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" film, with his pale yellow crown of curls, sweet face, and earnest demeanor.
He told me that many visitors have seen apparitions of Flavel family members. And many objects have mysteriously moved, particularly in Captain Flavel's bedroom.
The way that the furnishings are arranged also gives the impression that the Flavel family was just there and just happened to walk out of the room right before you entered.
While I didn't see any evidence of apparitions myself, the knowledgeable young tour guide attested to the truth of the many ghost tales. And I have to say, there was a creepy, ghostly feeling in the home.
Either way, looking for signs of an otherworldly presence added to the fun and deepened the sense of walking through history in this magnificent mansion.
Sarah Vanbuskirk
I look forward to returning for another tour and when I do, I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open for spirits.
For more information about this haunted hidden gem in Oregon, visit the Flavel House Museum website. If your visit to this Astoria landmark includes a drive, you may want to stock up on car-friendly snacks — or stop at one of the great eateries in town!
We’d love to know how you enjoyed your visit to the Flavel House Museum (and if any apparitions appeared), so please leave a comment. Also, feel free to share your favorite haunted spots in Oregon that we should check out next.
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