Spooky halloween houses

Wingmore, Kent: From the outside the four-bed Palm Tree Inn looks like an idyllic family home. But watch out for the little girl ghost who plays with dolls and the heard but not seen “heavy-footed gentleman” which the owner claims share the property. The £695,000 house dates back to the 1700s when it was a pub and frequented by a notorious smugglers’ gang (the bar remains in the family room). You’re surrounded by stunning views, although the peace has allegedly been disturbed by the ghosts of King John’s 50,000 soldiers. And wrap up warm – not even the open log fires will warm you from the inexplicable chill that many guests say they feel. The owner says it’s a “wonderful feeling” to live in a home with such history, so don’t be too afraid.
Geering & Colyer, 01227 457 253 Photograph: Geering & Colyer/Geering & Colyer

Cilcain, Wales: Brithdir Mawr has changed little since it was built in the 16th century, and it remains one of the area's oldest houses. On the market for £795,000, the four-bedder creaks with history and boasts big oak doors, wood panelled walls and quarry tiled floors; stand in the middle of the drawing room and you can look down into the original central hearth, preserved beneath a glass screen. Set in 12 acres it stands at the end of a no-through road. According to one author with an interest in the supernatural it is rumoured to be haunted by a lady with long hair in a flowing grey gown. One taxi driver was said to be so scared by the sight of her that he vowed never to drive down the lane again after dark.
Strutt & Parker, 01244 354 888 Photograph: Strutt & Parker/Strutt & Parker

Thetford, Norfolk: St Mary the Less is believed to Thetford's oldest church, and with planning permission could be converted into a four-bed home for an Addams family. Inside the wooden pews are covered with dust and cobwebs, while outside headstones are hidden among the overgrowing grass. On the market for £224,995, the stained glass windows could do with a polish, and who knows what is lurking in the vaults. There are plenty of original features including stone carvings and the rickety pews that could be preserved should this church be converted. The fact it once appeared in an episode of Dad’s Army makes it slightly less scary.
Abbotts Countrywide, 01284 725 566 Photograph: Abbotts Countrywide/Abbotts Countrywide

St Issey, Cornwall: According to the estate agents everyone who comes to view the Old Vicarage gets 'a strange chill when they go round'. But whether this is down to it being so lofty or because of a supernatural presence is anyone’s guess. The nine-bed grade II-listed house has been empty for some time, with chandeliers and fireplaces untouched and a permanently locked door dividing one side of the house from the other – so imaginations can run wild should they wish. It is four miles from Wadebridge where there have been sightings of a ghostly stagecoach with a headless coachman.
Stratton Creber, 01872 240 999 Photograph: Stratton Creber/Stratton Creber