Previously: “The Thing In The Mirror.”
Published to the Creepypasta Wiki in 2015, Elliot Cowling’s story “In Residence”… isn’t quite a haunted house story. It’s also not quite a home invasion story. But it’s kind of both. But also, it’s something… entirely else.
It’s not perfect. But it sticks with you. And if you’ve been in the market for a new home recently, it… might make you look a little more closely at each real estate listing. Never, ever neglect to do your research on a house you’re considering putting in an offer for — or the neighborhood in which said house is located.
[Like what you read? Check out Dangerous Games To Play In The Dark, available from Chronicle Books now!]
I remember the email popping up on the screen scaring the wits out of me.
Dear Rebecca.
This abandoned property on Hamilton Way has potential to be stunning, but it needs work. A definite fixer-upper. If you and your team can get down there ASAP then that would be great.
Many Thanks.
Chris
Underneath the text was a link to the street view of the house. I remember looking at the picture and having to take a large mouthful of coffee. It was completely devoid of any colour. Two stories of dark grey brick, smashed windows and a splintered wooden door.
Dear Chris.
DEFINITE fixer-upper! Will get over there on Friday.
Best Wishes.
Rebecca
So the team and I headed down to the place on Friday. We all commented on the gloomy vibes emanating from the place.
Property consists of a hallway, living room, dining room, kitchen, one downstairs bathroom, one upstairs bathroom, one master bedroom, one single room and a back yard with tire swing (need measurements).
All furniture in the property has been removed except for one functioning refrigerator. There is also a built-in cupboard in the master bedroom.
Upon arrival we noticed a peculiar smell coming from the upstairs bathroom. We do not know where in the bathroom the smell is coming from. The master bedroom window has been smashed by a tennis ball. We found the ball laying on the floor in the very far corner of the room and the cupboard doors wide open.
Splintered floor boards throughout the property.
Tire swing in the yard has been cut down.
Grass, shrubbery and foliage are incredibly overgrown.
I felt overwhelmed by the property. There was so much work to be done. I’ll spare the details. We got it done in nine months. The house had been done up superbly. The outside had been painted completely white, the plumbing was operational, the floors were fixed and the garden was no longer looking like a jungle. However, there was one problem that we couldn’t get rid of and that we hoped the family didn’t notice: The smell in the bathroom.
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[Photo via Tama66/Pixabay]
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