A “haunted” house near Swindon has had a hefty £100k discount after it was still unsold.

Westrop House in Highworth was reported by the Advertiser in April as selling for £1.85 million but was reduced on September 4 to £1.75 million.

The eight-bedroom townhouse has been the scene for many spooky stories over the years, from ghosts in the cellar to haunted secret tunnels.Old photograph of Westrop House, date unknown (Image: Highworth Historical Society)

But this should not put off potential buyers of this “fine Georgian property”, being sold by Butler Sherborn.

It was built in 1818 by a renowned local solicitor, writes the agent, and features high ceilings, “pleasing” proportions, original cornices and mouldings, flagstone flooring and a “splendid” stone cantilevered staircase.

An “imposing” Doric portico “would have “impressed both guests and clients”, both of this world and otherwise.(Image: Butler Sherborn)

One story recorded by the Highworth Historical Society says a mother and her son, who were living there at the time, heard a knock on the door as they were preparing to go to bed.

When they opened it they saw the shape of a man, standing there as they watched him gradually fade away.

The ghost might have been enjoying the house’s ‘delightful and peaceful gardens’ which amount to 1.47 acres, with an ornamental pond and ‘beautiful’ landscaping.(Image: Butler Sherborn)

It could equally have been seeking the tunnels which connected the House with neighbouring Westrop Cottage - an equally haunted abode.

The Cottage’s ghost “just wafted out [one night]”, the current resident told the Society. “It gave a motorbike rider such a fright that he didn’t take his bike down there again.”

The Society adds that the ghost could be the mistress of the man who built the tunnels.(Image: Butler Sherborn)

It adds: “There are also reports of the ghost knocking on the door of Westrop House but no-one can say what, or who, she is looking for.”

Reassurances that the ghosts are not seen much anymore have so far failed to convince prospective buyers of the “impressive” grade II listed house.(Image: Butler Sherborn)

Perhaps it is due to tales of more recent sightings, such as in the 1980’s when work was going on in the hallway of the property. 

A decorator was pasting wallpaper when he looked up to see a lady in a long dress on the gallery.

“The experience is said to have shaken him so much that he went home for the rest of the day”, records the Society.