Quote from Angela on September 9, 2021, 7:01 pm

The Robert Louis Stevenson House located in Monterey State Historic Park, California, was built in 1830 as a traditional Georgian styled rooming house.

In 1879 Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson stayed here. Stevenson was the author who wrote the timeless childrens book Treasure Island and it was here along the Monterey Coastline where he became inspired for that novel.

He also penned the adult horror The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. He wrote some outstanding works which are now revered as 'timeless classic Stevensonia' and some of the rooms today are adorned in relatable quirky decor.

This humble two storey home has catered to a whole array of society from the working class family, fishermen, artists, writers and even to elite and government officials.

The original owner was Manuela Girardin, a mother who tirelessly took care of her family, watching helplessly as they all worsened with typhoid fever. Manuela nursed her husband and even her grandchildren until one day the deadly fever took Manuela herself. She never would know that her beautiful grandchildren actually survived and went on to live healthy happy lives.

It is speculated that Manuela resides here in spirit today, still searching for her beloved grandchildren.

The home is open today for visits and tours. Many who come here report an unexpected aroma of disinfectant. 

Could this be a residual haunting as Manuela would have disinfected diligently when caring for her family here?

Could this be perfume phenomena? Phantom odours often accompany hauntings due to individual traits and preferences eg a favourite perfume, the aroma of a cigar.

Many have claimed they saw the rocking chair in the area which was once the house nursery, move unaided, and even heard the continual audible creakings of that chair, almost as it somebody was sitting there. 

Could Manuela be supernaturally sitting in this chair still waiting her precious grandchildrens return?

Several visitors have been visibly shaken upon witnessing a female entity, in a long black dress, lurking in the far corner of the nursery. Be warned that lights will spontaneous switch on and off unaided.

One may visit the house today and even view first edition transcripts of Stevensons novels, photographs and nostalgia.

But are you ready for Manuela?

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