One of Vernon’s most historic houses will be inviting viewers for a spooky tour.
The Caetani Centre house, set back off of Pleasant Valley Road, was notorious for the scary stories of those who visited. There were legends whispered of the three mysterious women who isolated themselves inside for decades. Now, the gates will swing open on the property to invite in those who dare.
From Oct. 26-28, the Cateani Centre will be hosting guided, theatrical tours of the house to explore some of the lore and legends within.
The tour will allow patrons glimpses into the lives of Italian Duke Leone Caetani, his partner Ofelia, their daughter Sveva, and the family’s private secretary, Miss Jüül. Together, they left their life of privilege, fleeing the rise of Fascism in Italy, and arrived in Vernon in 1921. When Leone died in 1935, the women shut the gates on their property and secluded themselves from the world.
“After the death of her beloved Leone, Ofelia, who had never adjusted to life in small town Canada, went into mourning…and never came out,” explained executive director, Laisha Rosnau. “She wouldn’t leave the house again until her death 25 years later. Unfortunately, she coerced her daughter, Sveva, and Miss Jüül into a life of lonely seclusion with her.”
According to Rosnau, Halloween was one of Sveva’s favourite times of the year as she and Miss Jüül would greet neighbourhood kids lined up outside the door and hand out imported European treats.
The tour will capture that history as well as unexplained and ghostly occurrence that residents, staff and visitors have experienced over the years.
The haunted tours run three times a night, at 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26, 27, 28.
Tickets are $30 per adult and $20 for youth 18 and under. Visit ticketseller.ca to purchase.
Proceeds will go towards the maintenance and upkeep of the Caetani Centre and its facilities and programs.
Tours take approximately one hour and are not recommended for children 12 and under or for those sensitive to frightening content. Mobility issues should be taken into consideration as guests will be required to climb stairs. Visit caetani.org for more information.
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