The Haunted Old Bermuda Inn

Staten Island is home to several haunted places, one of the most intriguing is the Old Bermuda Inn.  Located at 301 Veteran’s Road West, the centuries-old home is now a bed and breakfast, restaurant, and event venue, the building has a long history and a haunting story that is unique. 

Let’s travel back in time to the 1830s, to Staten Island. By then, freedmen and women were steeling on Staten Island, some from as far away as Virginia.

Aaron Burr, vice president to Thomas Jefferson, and famous for killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel, settled on Staten Island, and died there in 1836.

Just a few years earlier, newlyweds, Martha and David Mersereau had built a Staten Island mansion as a summer residence. They remained happy with their new home for over two decades.

However, when the Civil War took hold of America, Davis was called to serve his country. Martha anxiously awaited his return, keeping a candle burning in her bedroom window each evening, to guide her husband’s ship safely home.

It was only a matter of months before Martha received news that her husband had been killed in battle.

As the realization that her love was not coming home took hold of Martha, grief began to overwhelm her.

Her health worsened and she retreated to her bedroom, from which she never emerged. Not long after, poor Martha died, many claimed, from a broken heart.

Let’s fast-forward to the present day. The Historic Old Bermuda Inn remains richly adorned with elegant antiques. The venue now has additional rooms, but the original area of the mansion is still intact.

Although it has been several centuries since Martha died, her mournful ghost remains. Many guests at the inn have reported seeing the young woman wandering through the dining room and appearing on the stairs. Others describe an eerie feeling of being watched. 

Employees talk of strange noises and report that an oil painting of Martha once inexplicably caught fire during renovations. The painting still hangs in the first-floor hallway, with visible singe marks.

Other paranormal activities attributed to Martha include a chandelier that will not shut off, a woman’s voice whispering “listen” and cameras that will not work in Martha’s room.

The old Bermuda has four suites, each decked in opulent historical detail while also providing modern amenities. In the grand Parlor, guests can relax by the fireplace while enjoying gentle piano music and the Inn’s welcoming hospitality.

If you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon getaway, the Cottage is the perfect setting. This venue can also be booked for weddings and other special events. 

Website: www.theoldbermudainn.com | Phone: 718-948-7600

If you’re staying at the Old Bermuda Inn and you’re interested in visiting other haunted locations on Staten Island, you won’t have to travel far. 

Historic Richmond Town

This authentic town and farm museum is renowned as one of Staten Island’s most haunted places. Several of the historic houses have been moved from other areas of Staten Island. One of them was owned by the Lake family.

Although the Lakes had many children, sadly many of them did not make it to adulthood.

Employees report noises coming from the children’s bedroom upstairs including footsteps and a penny whistle playing when no one else was in the house. Toys have also been known to move around. www.historicrichmondtown.org

Seaview Hospital and New York Farm Colony

Established in the 1830s, this poor house-turned-tuberculosis hospital has a long history of haunting. Since the historic site was designated as a landmark in 1985, witnesses report seeing ghosts of former patients wandering around the grounds.

Vanderbilt’s Tomb

Within the heart of Staten Island’s Moravian Cemetery, you’ll find a three-story Romanesque tomb of Cornelius Vanderbilt and his family. Built in 1886, the tomb is gated from the rest of the cemetery and closed to the public.

However, visitors have reported seeing a glowing figure of a woman standing near the edifice. Many believe it’s the ghost of a woman who died when the gate fell on her and killed her. 

The Conference House

The Tottenville Conference House was built in 1680 by English Royal Navy officer Christopher Billop. There are various legends associated with the house. One is that Billop stabbed his maid to death after he caught her signaling to the Americans.

People have reported seeing the light of her candle in the window at night. Another legend says that Billop abandoned his fiancée in the house, where she died of a broken heart. Locals report hearing her calls and pleas throughout the house. conferencehouse.org