Address: 123 Habersham Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 232-1020
Website: kehoehouse.com
A Savannah Landmark Steeped in History and Mystery
Savannah, Georgia is often called one of America’s most haunted cities, and the Kehoe House might be its most elegant ghost story. Perched on the edge of Columbia Square, this stunning 1892 mansion looks more like a scene from a romantic Southern novel than a place whispered about on ghost tours. But once you know its history, you start to understand why guests still talk about the things they’ve heard, seen, and felt within its walls.
Built for Irish-born iron magnate William Kehoe and his wife Anne, the house was a true showpiece of craftsmanship and ambition. Kehoe poured his success from the Kehoe Iron Works into the mansion, outfitting it with intricate iron railings, moldings, and fireplaces that mirrored the work he was famous for. The family raised their ten children here, and for decades it was a lively household filled with laughter and Southern tradition.
When the Kehoe family moved out in the early 20th century, the home began a new chapter as a boarding house, and later, in one of its eeriest transitions, a funeral home. It was this darker era that many say left an imprint on the property, and perhaps some of its spiritual residents never moved on.
Whispers in the Hallways
The Kehoe House’s paranormal reputation has become part of Savannah folklore. While some stories lean into legend, others come from the firsthand experiences of guests who’ve stayed there.
One of the most enduring tales involves two of the Kehoe children, believed to have died tragically in the home. Some versions claim they suffocated after climbing into a chimney during a game of hide and seek. While historians haven’t found records confirming this, guests often report hearing child like laughter echoing through the halls, or the soft patter of footsteps running just out of sight.
One woman who stayed in Room 201 described waking to feel tiny hands gently brushing her hair and cheek, then seeing a young boy standing near the foot of her bed before fading into the dark. The inn’s staff later told her that multiple guests had reported similar encounters in the same room.
Another common report centers around a kind female spirit believed to be a former housekeeper or perhaps Anne Kehoe herself. Guests in Room 203 have felt the mattress dip, as if someone had just sat beside them, followed by a fleeting warmth or a whisper close to their ear.
The Residual Energy of a Funeral Home
When the Kehoe House operated as the Goette Funeral Home, the basement reportedly housed embalming equipment and preparation rooms. Some believe this phase of the building’s history contributed to its lingering energy. Staff have spoken of hearing rolling sounds, as if gurneys were being moved across tile floors, and the unmistakable sense of being watched when descending to storage areas.
On quiet evenings, guests and employees have described the smell of old perfume or flowers drifting through the hallways, often associated with funerary customs of the past. Others have mentioned the front doorbell ringing three times, followed by the latch turning and the door swinging open, only to find no one outside.
A Polite and Persistent Presence
What’s fascinating about the hauntings at the Kehoe House is their tone. The spirits here, if they are indeed present, don’t seem malicious. The encounters are gentle, even affectionate and almost as if the Kehoe family is still keeping an eye on their home.
Staff members have noted lights flickering in the attic cupola late at night, a part of the home rarely accessed. Some like to think it’s William Kehoe himself, tending to his proud creation.
For all the stories, one thing is clear: the Kehoe House doesn’t rely on gimmicks. The activity is subtle, the experiences personal, and that’s exactly what makes them so believable.
Visiting the Kehoe House
Today, the Kehoe House is a luxury bed and breakfast known as much for its hospitality as its history. It’s part of Savannah’s historic district and has been lovingly restored, maintaining its original grandeur. You can stay in one of its 13 rooms, many of which retain period features from the 1890s.
Guests hoping for a brush with the paranormal often request rooms on the second floor, particularly 201 and 203, where most activity is reported. Even if you don’t experience anything otherworldly, it’s easy to feel the presence of history in every carved banister and cast iron flourish.
For those not spending the night, the Kehoe House is a popular stop on many Savannah ghost tours, though access is limited to guests after hours.
Our Impression
What we thought was so remarkable about the Kehoe House is how the stories and history blend together. Unlike some haunted hotels where tales feel exaggerated, this one carries a quiet authenticity. You don’t need to see a ghost to sense that this home has lived a long life, and perhaps still houses a few who never truly left.
A Note of Caution
Ghost hunting can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. Always obtain permission before exploring private or restricted areas, and respect the property and its guests. Never trespass, many of these historic homes are still private residences or working inns.
Sources
- Ghost City Tours – The Haunted Kehoe House
- US Ghost Adventures – Haunted Kehoe House
- Spooky Savannah Ghost Tours – The Ghost Twins of Kehoe House
- Georgia Haunted Houses – Kehoe House
- Savannah Ghost Tour – Spirits of the Kehoe House
- Genteel & Bard – The Bittersweet Ghosts of Savannah’s Kehoe House
- Savannah First Timer – Haunted Bed and Breakfasts
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