Rispin Mansion, once a fabulous landmark of the Monterey Bay, now sits in ruin overlooking the community of Capitola. Built by Henery Allen Rispin and his oil heiress wife, Annette Winfeld Blake,in 1921. The eventually estate went from the Rispin family to the Catholic church where it was used as a monastery from 1940 until it was abandoned by the nuns in 1957. In the 1960's, the mansion found itself the home of a commune of hippies until they were forced to leave.
It's said that the old mansion has several resident ghosts, with sightings of a woman dressed in black like the nuns were. There's also been sighting of a well dressed woman, but her identiry is anyone's guess.
Since the mansion was built during the prohibition, it also has a rum-runner's history with many hidden rooms within the house.
The mansion is not currently open to the public. In fact, if you go there be prepared to speak with the local authorities. Learn more about the ghosts and history of Rispin Mansion.
In the heart of the redwoods sits the historic Brookdale Lodge. Originally the headquarters of the Grover Lumber Mill, in 1900 it was converted into campgrounds and a hotel. It's been a hotel ever since, but a hotel with a shady past.
Once upon a time , the Brookdale Lodge was the second most popular resort in California, hosting rich and famous Hollywood stars, prominent families, foreign diplomats, and even President Herbert Hoover to visit the scenic lodge.
The lodge markeed a decline in 1945, as the lodge entered its most notorious period, becoming a home for gangsters and other questionable characters.
Learn more about the ghosts and history of the Brookdale Lodge.
