Would you buy a house with a cemetery on the property?

We were driving to look at a house we LOVE. Has the everything with a home and land that we want buuuttt we took a little road that is also connected and we’re thinking “oh maybe there’s a barn down here!” NOPE, it’s a 250 yr old cemetery and many of the headstones are for babies or toddlers. Most of the names don’t match so I have no idea of the history but if we expanded our backyard, you could walk right into the cemetery 😱 and it’s tucked into the woods out of sight. It comes with the house 😭 there was also another house on the property that was in the photos but burned down or was recently torn down so there is a gas line and a fireplace left, we also don’t know what happened with that (property has been listed for almost a year). The house itself was built in 1991 so it’s not old at all but I know that doesn’t really defend spirits off… it’s also a farmhouse style and has a balcony inside, lots of doors and windows and I felt like I was being watched before we knew about the cemetery? My husband still likes it but I’m like uhhhh no??!!
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I worked in historical resources for years and love cemeteries. I used to teach people how to properly care for headstones. Think of it this way, treat that cemetery like you would want one of your loved one’s graves to be treated. They’re often beautiful monuments to memory and can give amazing glimpses into local history. Now, as far as spirits go. I’ve been in so many cemeteries, many at night, and never once felt like there was a ghost around. Get the house, tend to that cemetery. You may even be able to find information on it on the website Find A Grave. If not, document and share in the website! That’s how some relatives/descendants are able to virtually pay their respects to loved ones when they can’t physically get to a cemetery.

Here’s resource for Mississippi (assuming that’s where it is since that is the location you have in your profile). https://www.mdah.ms.gov/historic-preservation/archaeology/abandoned-cemeteries

I’m happy to share more resources or cemetery stories if you want them.

If you felt like you were being watched before you even knew about the cemetery….eh, maybe not… BUT My parents’ old house had a cemetery next door backing up to their property. My dad always said the best perk of the house was the neighbors were really quiet 😂

I mean, I love stuff like this! It sounds kind of beautiful.

It just feels creepy because the house is completely surrounded by woods along with a little cemetery!

I wouldn't have a problem with this as I would find the history fascinating. I would put a small fence around the cemetery and plant some beautiful flowers. It's a 250 year old monument to the love left behind for the people who used to live there. Ultimately though if you don't feel comfortable on the property then I wouldn't by the house. You have to feel comfortable in the place you're going to live.

Have someone bless the house beforehand maybe 🤔

This is a tough one. On one hand, the place sounds so close to a dream spot for me too! And maybe there would be a way to respectfully partition off the cemetery from the rest of the property. A tasteful fence or wall then go down there regularly yourself to pay your respects. I think that's what I'd do and also maybe ask some more questions of the sellers. On the other hand, this 1000% sounds like the set up for a horror movie. If you are religious, maybe asking a priest or other authority figure in the faith to come with you to check it out? Like, a religious vibe check? Hahaha. I'd probably do that too, my husband rolling his eyes the whole time. But screw that, I don't wanna be murdered by some serial killer's ghost! Very tough decision! I'd love to hear what you two decide.

I’d have the house cleansed first for my peace of mind, but I also watch a lot of horror movies so this just gives me the jeebies I dunno

Hell no I’ve watched too many movies 😅

My now husband and I had our 2nd date in a historic cemetery. I had done research on the first burials there and was basically giving him a tour. I joked with him if he wanted another date he needed to pass the pop quiz at the end of the tour. This man pulled out a small notepad and pen and started taking notes during our date. He ended up proposing to me in a historic cemetery in West Virginia. I love this man so much. Back in the day, cemeteries were often also considered park spaces. https://publichistoryofcemeteries.org/cemeteries-as-parks/

I actually love cemeteries, I don’t find them morose or creepy at all. I used to live right next to an old Church with graves from 1700s as a kid and I would say hello to the names ☺️ I still walk through graveyards to this day, visit famous ones, look at the cool iconography. The only thing I don’t like is the weird angels (some doctor who ptsd right there)

Hose that bitch down with holy water lol 😆 ☠️ BUT serious note why not get it?

Yes, there's nothing to fear. Life isn't a movie where the bodies will pop up and get you.

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No one wants to buy it so I’m gonna ask 1000 questions lol y’all are killing me 😂 and make good points

Could you watch a scary movie in the house? I couldn't.... Enjoy your creepy house, though, and may God have mercy on your souls... 😬

@Bonny yeaaaa we don’t watch scary movies much anyway but I’ve seen a looootttt with spirits haunting and killing so I’ll have to do a good walk through and visit the graves to get a better feel for the property before even getting close to a decision. And also probably find out the history of the property

A 250 year old cemetery? I think that’s pretty freaking cool

You guys with the positive comments are talking me into it lol I keep thinking about the poor babies there who might have lived with modern medicine now. I could 100% plant flowers everywhere and put a fence up (mostly to keep my dogs and kids out). I wouldn’t want my babies graves to be left unattended in overgrown woods, I would want someone visiting everyday ❤️

I love cemeteries , I find them so beautiful but I also am not freaked out by anything spiritual

So my house is a historical property built in 1786 that was originally an inn. It gives some off vibes in the attic section----but the rest of the house is fine. Pieces of history can feel creepy but we have to remember that these places were people's lives too. The good and bad. A property may still be worth buying even with some off putting historical instances.

My husband would say no lol, but I totally would if I could! I am obsessed with all things horror & paranormal & spooky! My mom grew up by one & I don’t know if she had any experiences, but it could have been possible. If it’s not something you feel comfortable with, you shouldn’t move there because you will be living there for a while. However, if everything else is perfect, it may be worth giving a chance.

I love spooky and spirits and shit. But as a zombie lover is a no from me 💀😂 no bonies for meeee

Since you’re in the US, look into the tax perks for having a cemetery on your property. You get exemptions other residential properties don’t. On the other hand, you could create a natural divider if it creeps you out (bc I would definitely be scared AF since the dead aren’t related to me 😅)

That house is probably haunted AF.

I live right next to a cemetery I find it calming, also my family is in there (dad and grandparents) it’s not the dead you need to fear

I also want to add, this can happen to anyone without them even knowing! I know you said it was mostly children and it reminded me of the scene in the Help where she buried her losses with trees/bushes. We never truly know if anyone has buried anything in our own yards! We have family who bury their pets in their yards too. Can happen to anyone but I personally think it’s so cool and such a fascinating little piece of history to add to the home

I would learn how to treat and look after the headstone to keep their memories for generations to come, I would feel like a carer for the little lost ones ❣️

Toddlers and babies :( part of me would be a little weirded out, but the other half would be “what if the next owner doesn’t respect their graves? What if they build over it??” I would want to make sure they’re okay but I’m also just empathetic to a concerning point when it comes to that stuff so don’t mind me. I’d probably make sure their graves are kept up with flowers and send my love down to those poor babies

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I’ll add, we have farm animals that we’ll have to put around it

It’s flipping gorgeous. It looks perfect for a family with animals!

@Stacey 🇵🇸 I keep looking for faces in the windows lol

It looks really cute and not at all like one of the houses you see I'm horror movies, haha. But seriously, I think it looks great! And with farm animals too? ❤️

The house is very nice. Slap a coat of paint on it (black would look amazing IMO) and it would be perfect

@Kate if I didn’t know about the cemetery, I would buy that house for the deck alone. It’s so cute! No creepy vibes at all. I actually get a kind of calming, peaceful feeling. I definitely think having animals around would help too! They would probably also sense good/bad vibes on the property.

@Kate hahaha

that house is gorgeous. cemetery would be a bonus for me, i love graveyards!

I might be the odd one out but it would be a noooo from me👀 I hate all things creepy lol. It would mess with my head too much. Especially with it being toddlers and babies. I wouldn’t want to be constantly reminded of the death of those children. Everyone has different feelings about it though. Overall you should go with what feels right to you!

It is crazy I find peace in a cemetery? My grandparents died when I was little. My family likes to spend time at the cemetery when it’s their birthdays or anniversaries. Now my aunt and cousin are also buried by them. We will bring snacks and play music for our loved ones. It’s just been something my family has done for a long time ❤️🙏🏼✝️

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