In the heart of Savannah, Georgia, nestled among Spanish moss and cobblestone streets, lies a mansion known for its Southern charm, opulent décor—and eerie tales whispered through generations. The Kehoe House stands as one of Savannah’s most beloved historic bed and breakfasts, but for those attuned to the paranormal, it offers more than just romantic architecture and gourmet breakfasts. This elegant 19th-century estate holds a rich past layered with affluence, mystery, and an unmistakable touch of the supernatural.
Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or a curious traveler drawn to Georgia’s haunted heritage, the Kehoe House promises an unforgettable stay wrapped in history and perhaps something a bit more… haunting. Read on to uncover the fascinating history, tragic events, and spine-tingling stories that make the Kehoe House a must-visit for those pursuing the paranormal.
The History
The Birth of a Mansion
The Kehoe House was built in 1892 by William Kehoe, a wealthy Irish immigrant and iron foundry owner. Positioned at 123 Habersham Street, the mansion was constructed to mirror the affluence and success Kehoe had achieved since his arrival in America. Designed in the Renaissance Revival style, the home was a marvel of its time—with intricate iron railings and details crafted personally by Kehoe’s foundry, it served as both a family home and a statement of prominence in Savannah society.
William Kehoe and his wife, Anne, had ten children, and their spacious home was filled with the bustling energy of a large and well-to-do family. It became a cultural fixture in the historic district, known not only for its elaborate exterior but also for its refined interior, featuring hand-carved fireplaces, coffered ceilings, and beautifully preserved hardwood floors.
Transitions Through Time
After the Kehoe family moved out in the 1930s, the house underwent a series of transitions that added even more layers to its already storied background. At one point, it operated as a funeral home, an eerie detail that only fuels the building’s haunted reputation. Later, it became a boarding house before being restored in the mid-1990s and transformed into the luxury bed and breakfast it is today.
Despite—or perhaps because of—its various incarnations, the house has retained much of its original charm. Today, the Kehoe House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is revered as one of Savannah’s most romantic and historically rich inns. But for those with a fascination for the unexplained, it may be something more: a portal to the whispers of the past.
The Haunt
Are Ghostly Children Still at Play?
Among the most frequently reported paranormal phenomena at the Kehoe House are the sounds of children playing when no children are on-site. Guests have reported hearing footsteps, laughter, and the distant call of voices echoing through the hallways, especially at night. This is often attributed to the Kehoe children, some of whom are believed to have died tragically in the home—though historical records remain vague.
One popular legend suggests that two of the Kehoe children may have died in a chimney flue, having become trapped while playing. Though there is little documentation to confirm the event, visitors and paranormal investigators alike describe a playful energy consistent with the presence of lingering young spirits.
Spectral Figures and Sensory Encounters
Guests staying in rooms on the upper floors of the house frequently report seeing mysterious apparitions. A common sighting involves the figure of a woman presumed to be Anne Kehoe, still watching over her children and beloved home. She is said to appear most often in the early morning hours, standing silently near the foot of the bed or peering out windows.
Others have reported sudden cold spots, unexplained breezes brushing their skin, and even the distinct scent of perfume—flowery and old-fashioned—hanging briefly in the air before vanishing altogether. The staff, while professional and discreet, often acknowledge these occurrences with a knowing smile. While they may not admit to a haunting outright, many will share their own strange stories when asked in confidence.
Modern Paranormal Investigations
Due to its reputation, the Kehoe House has become a popular stop for paranormal investigators visiting Savannah. Some teams have captured EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) featuring childlike voices, and infrared cameras have allegedly recorded strange shapes moving throughout unoccupied rooms. These findings lend credence to the building’s haunted legacy and continue to attract those hoping to make contact with the otherworldly residents reportedly still calling the mansion home.
Importantly, the Kehoe House doesn’t lean heavily into a haunted hotel gimmick. Its approach is refined and respectful—matching the building’s genteel spirit. Guests are welcome to ask about paranormal activity, and some ghost tours in Savannah include the house as a point of interest, but the focus remains on history and hospitality first.
Plan Your Visit to the Kehoe House
If you’re a ghost hunter, historian, or simply someone who enjoys a blend of opulence and old-world mystery, the Kehoe House should sit high on your paranormal bucket list. Not only will you experience the elegance of a bygone era, but you’ll walk the same halls that may still echo with the laughter of unseen children and the quiet footsteps of spirits who never truly left.
- Location: 123 Habersham St, Savannah, GA 31401
- Accommodations: The Kehoe House is a luxury B&B, offering beautifully appointed guest rooms with fireplaces, clawfoot tubs, and antique furnishings.
- Best Time to Visit: Autumn, when Savannah’s ghostly charm is at its peak and the air turns crisp—the perfect backdrop for paranormal encounters.
- Ghost Tour Tie-In: Many of Savannah’s more reputable ghost tours include stops at or near the Kehoe House. Be sure to ask if your guide has a personal story!
- Investigative Tip: Book into rooms on the second or third floor, where most paranormal activity has been reported. And always bring your recorder—just in case.
Whether you’re hoping for a haunted honeymoon or a spectral sleepover, the Kehoe House delivers a rare combination of luxury and lore. Your ghostly hosts may not appear on cue, but their presence lingers in whispers, shadows, and unexplained moments that even skeptics might find hard to ignore.
So pack your EVP reader and a sense of adventure—Savannah’s most elegant haunt is calling. The Kehoe House is waiting to show you its ghostly grandeur.