The Watcher House, Grey Gardens, and more: ‘Dark House’ dives into some of the scariest homes
“Dark House” opens its doors to true crime, paranormal experiences, and the interior design of homes with dark histories. Join hosts and House Beautiful editors Hadley Mendelsohn and Alyssa Fiorentino as they uncover sordid pasts, infamous house histories, and bizarre stories “suggesting some inhabitants never left — and that perhaps history isn’t the only thing haunting them.”
In weekly episodes running less than 80 minutes on average, you’ll hear from guests like authors, psychic mediums, paranormal investigators, celebrity death historians, set designers, and more to examine why these homes’ stories are noteworthy.
If you can’t get enough of The Watcher on Netflix, tune into the podcast’s 2-part episode on 657 Boulevard in Westfield, New Jersey, the home that the series is based on and targeted by an anonymous stalker. This still-unidentified stalker sent threatening letters to homeowners.
The new owners, Derek and Maria Broaddus, purchased the home in 2014 and continued to receive letters. The co-hosts discussed the emotional and financial toll these letters have taken on the owners, and they explore why members of the community have accused the couple of fabricating this story. Past owners and neighbors were considered suspects.
In part 2, Alyssa and Hadley spoke with psychology and sociology instructor Casey Lytle to share which theories and suspects are most plausible. Casey, who specializes in conspiracy theories, deception, and murder, discussed additional true crime cases and unpacked the psychology behind murder and stalking.
In another episode, Hadley and Alyssa dove into Grey Gardens’ history, where the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lee Radziwill, Big Edie and Little Edie Beale, lived in East Hampton. Their story was shared in the 1975 documentary by Albert and David Maysles that highlighted their home, history, and slow downfall.
The property became dilapidated and was swarmed with raccoons, cats, and perhaps other un-earthly entities. Big Edie died in 1977, and Little Edie Beale kept the estate for two years after. It is said that Big Edie’s spirit watches the house. Author and Washington Post journalist Sally Quinn purchased the property in 1979 and claims it is haunted. In a bonus episode, Sally joined the co-hosts to share her experiences as Grey Gardens’ former owner.
10050 Cielo Drive in Beverly Hills was where Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, Wojciech Frykowski, and Steven Parent were murdered by Manson Family Cult members on August 9th, 1969. An episode detailed the home’s architecture, location, Charles Manson’s history, the Family’s story, and all events that preceded the Tate-LaBianca murders. The co-hosts then discussed how the home was demolished, the mansion that replaced it, and more.
Listeners of “Dark History,” “Haunted Road,” and “Snap Judgment Presents: Spooked” might also enjoy this series. Tune in weekly for new episodes of “Dark House” wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Discover
