Nestled in the heart of Guthrie, Oklahoma, the Stone Lion Inn stands as more than just a bed-and-breakfast — it’s a portal to a bygone era and a hotbed of paranormal intrigue. With its towering gables, rich Victorian charm, and spine-chilling ghost stories, it has become a must-visit for history buffs, ghost hunters, and curious travelers alike. Whether you’re in search of a quiet night’s stay or the kind of chills that stick with you, the Stone Lion Inn offers something special. This isn’t just a place to rest your head; it’s a place to awaken your senses. Let’s dive deep into the shadows of this historic home to uncover the eerie and fascinating stories that make it one of Oklahoma’s most haunted destinations.
The History
Origins in Elegance: Built in 1907
The Stone Lion Inn was originally constructed in 1907, during a period of economic boom for the small city of Guthrie, which at the time was the capital of Oklahoma Territory. Designed in the Georgian Revival style, the house was commissioned by F.E. Houghton, a wealthy pharmacist and entrepreneur who wanted to provide his growing family with a grand home befitting their social status.
The home boasted 8,000 square feet spread across three floors, with rich wood paneling, elegant fireplaces, and leaded glass windows that hinted at the grandeur of the age. Over time, the majestic family home fell into disrepair but was eventually restored and converted into a bed-and-breakfast in the 1980s, preserving its historical integrity while adding modern amenities — and, some would argue, awakening something else within its walls.
From Family Home to Funeral Home
After the Houghton family vacated the premises, the building took on a very different role during the 1920s and 1930s. Local folklore and some historical records suggest that the house may have briefly functioned as a funeral home. Whether or not this is entirely verifiable, the story gained traction quickly, perhaps due in part to the home’s naturally gothic ambiance and its cavernous basement — the perfect spot, many speculate, for embalming practices common at the time.
This chapter in the building’s past has fueled a great deal of the supernatural speculation that now surrounds it — and may even explain why some restless spirits seem to walk its halls. Objects mysteriously move, strange scents linger, and footsteps echo where none should be. But more on that later.
The Restoration and Rebirth
In 1986, Linda Hill, a woman with a flair for both hospitality and theatrical storytelling, purchased the home and lovingly restored it into the Stone Lion Inn that visitors can explore today. Hill leaned into both the historical importance of the building and its spookier reputation. She began offering not just overnight stays, but also elaborate murder mystery weekends and ghost tours — a clever blend of entertainment and local lore that brought renewed life (and some say afterlife) into the home.
The Haunt
A Child’s Spirit in the Stairwell
Among the most enduring ghost stories connected to the Stone Lion Inn is that of a young girl named Augusta. According to legend, Augusta was one of the many children in the Houghton family. She allegedly fell ill with whooping cough and was accidentally overdosed with cough syrup containing opium — a common, though deadly, medicinal ingredient in the early 1900s. Her spirit is said to linger particularly near the staircase, where visitors claim to hear the padding of tiny feet or the faint sound of a child’s giggle when no one is around.
Paranormal investigators and guests alike frequently report feeling suddenly cold or seeing flickers of movement on the staircase. Some even swear that they have been tugged at by invisible hands — playful, but undeniably real.
Mysterious Footsteps and A Cigarette-Smoking Ghost
The upper levels of the house are particularly active as well. Visitors commonly report hearing phantom footsteps pacing the hallways late at night, sometimes even accompanied by the sound of a door opening and closing with no discernible cause. In one of the bedrooms, guests have smelled fresh tobacco smoke despite the no-smoking policy and the fact that no one has lit a cigarette anywhere near the room.
A former paranormal investigation team who visited the Inn detected EMF (electromagnetic field) spikes in this room and captured several EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) recordings. One of the most chilling photos purportedly shows a misty, humanoid shape hovering near the foot of the bed.
Unseen Hands and Shifting Shadows
Then there are the more tactile encounters. Several overnight guests have reported the sensation of someone sitting on the bed or brushing against them while they sleep. Others wake up to find personal items moved or even flung across the room. Shadow figures reportedly lurk just out of the corner of the eye — never quite clear enough to identify, but unsettling nonetheless.
The basement, which is closed to public exploration, is often mentioned in whispered tones by staff and ghost enthusiasts. Though off-limits, psychics and sensitives who’ve visited claim the energy there is heavy and chaotic — as if something unresolved lingers in the darkness below.
Investigations and Media Attention
The Stone Lion Inn has garnered attention from paranormal researchers across the country and has been featured in various television specials and ghost-hunting YouTube channels. Shows like “Ghost Hunters” and “Ghost Adventures” have expressed interest, and numerous amateur paranormal groups have published their findings online, contributing to the home’s growing legend.
One local team documented a séance — hosted with the permission of the Inn — in which a participant reportedly became momentarily possessed or overwhelmed by emotion. Their footage, while not definitively proving anything, adds to the aura of mystery that wraps around the home like mist on a moonlit night.
Why Ghost Hunters Should Visit
The Stone Lion Inn isn’t just another charming, antique-laden bed-and-breakfast — it’s a living (and possibly haunted) piece of Oklahoma’s history. From its opulent Victorian roots to its chilling ghost stories, the Inn offers an unparalleled blend of elegance and eerie adventure. It’s the kind of place that keeps you reaching for your EMF reader even as you settle in with a cup of tea by the fireplace.
If you’re a paranormal investigator — amateur or professional — or simply someone intrigued by the unexplained, put the Stone Lion Inn on your must-visit list. Bring your camera, your courage, and your curiosity. Who knows what you might uncover in the shadows of this historic gem?
And even if you don’t experience a ghostly encounter, the stories and ambience alone are worth the trip. Because at the Stone Lion Inn, the past isn’t just remembered — it might still be roaming the halls, waiting to say hello.