If you’re a fan of Victorian architecture, historical interiors, or paranormal mysteries, then the May-Stringer House in Brooksville, Florida deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
As the owner and lead designer at Omni Home Ideas, I’ve worked with homes of all styles—from sleek modern mansions to lavish historic estates. But nothing quite compares to walking into a house where the past refuses to leave.
This house, often called Florida’s most haunted, is a masterclass in Victorian design, showcasing period-specific decor, intricate craftsmanship, and an ambiance that feels like a time capsule… if time also had a few ghosts lurking around.
- 📍 Location: Brooksville, Florida
- 💰 Estimated Price: Not publicly available
- 🏗️ Year Built/Remodeled: Built in 1855; remodeled circa 1903
- 🌳 Size of Land: Approximately 1 acre
- 🏠 Size of House: Four stories with 14 rooms
- 🛏️ Rooms: 14 rooms, including themed exhibit rooms such as an Elegant Dining Room, Victorian Bedrooms, Military Room, an 1880s Doctor’s Office, and a 1900s Communication Room
A Home Built on History and Tragedy
The May-Stringer House began as a modest four-room homestead in 1855, built by John L. May. Unfortunately, John passed away from tuberculosis just three years later, leaving his wife Marena Saxon May to raise their children alone.
The home saw its first heartbreak when Marena died during childbirth in 1869. Her daughter, Jessie Mae, survived but tragically passed away just a few years later.
After Marena’s death, Confederate soldier Frank Saxon took ownership before selling it to Dr. Sheldon Stringer, who expanded the home into its current Victorian grandeur.
Over the years, the house changed hands multiple times before being transformed into a museum by the Hernando Historical Museum Association.
And that’s where things get really interesting…
Foyer & Grand Staircase: A Stunning (and Spooky) Entrance
Upon entering, you’re greeted by rich burgundy walls, polished wooden floors, and a grand staircase with white balusters and dark wood accents. It’s a warm yet ominous introduction to the home.
A Victorian organ sits against the wall, a silent centerpiece—though some say its keys have been known to play by themselves at night. And let’s not forget the lace-covered side table, carefully arranged with brochures and artifacts, reinforcing the house’s museum-like charm.
The Parlor: Elegance and Haunting Whispers
This Victorian parlor is pure 19th-century charm. The floral-patterned wallpaper, mahogany furniture, and plush, velvet-upholstered seating create an atmosphere of luxury, nostalgia, and a touch of eeriness.
The grand black piano adds a gothic richness to the room, while the ornate wooden fireplace and large mirror bring a sense of depth. Some visitors claim to see shadowy figures reflected in the glass—but whether that’s a trick of the dim lighting or something else is up for debate.
Would I design a modern parlor with these elements? Yes, but I’d swap the floral wallpaper for textured damask and incorporate antique gold frames for a more contemporary take on Victorian style.
Dining Room: A Royal Blue Masterpiece
The dining room is painted a deep navy blue, contrasting beautifully with the golden tablecloth and rich wood furniture. This color choice was bold for its time—back then, darker colors were seen as a sign of wealth and elegance.
An upright piano sits against the wall, while a sideboard filled with delicate china and framed portraits adds to the room’s historical authenticity. Candles line the table, giving the space a ghostly, candlelit dinner-party vibe—if only the spirits of the past would RSVP.
Would I use this deep navy hue in a modern dining space? Without a doubt. Paired with brass accents and velvet seating, it’s an instant mood-setter.
Jessie Mae’s Room: The Most Haunted Room in the House
Here’s where things get downright eerie. Jessie Mae’s room is filled with antique dolls, vintage quilts, and delicate lace-trimmed furniture. The wallpaper is peeling, revealing the passage of time—or, as some might argue, the presence of unseen forces.
Visitors claim to hear the laughter of a child and see dolls moving on their own. Would I sleep in here? Absolutely not. Would I design a nostalgic vintage nursery inspired by it? Maybe, but with fewer haunted dolls.
Doctor’s Office: A Room Frozen in Time
This dimly lit room is filled with 19th-century medical instruments, prescription bottles, and antique leather suitcases. It was once the office of Dr. Sheldon Stringer, and some say they feel his presence lingering here.
With wooden floors, dark cabinets, and eerie glass display cases, this room captures the unsettling beauty of vintage medical spaces.
The Kitchen: A Charming Relic of Early 20th-Century Domestic Life
Stepping into the May-Stringer House kitchen is like entering a time capsule. The mint-green wooden trim and cabinetry stand out against the soft cream walls, offering a rare look at the color palettes of historic kitchens.
A wooden dining table, surrounded by simple, straight-back chairs, sits at the center of the room. It’s set with a wooden fruit bowl, vintage dishes, and hand-sewn linens—giving the space a lived-in warmth. The open shelves lining the wall hold antique ceramic plates, glass bottles, and kitchen tools, creating a display that’s both functional and decorative.
The Communications Room: The Birthplace of Early Technology
This room is a fascinating dive into early 20th-century communication. With rows of vintage telephones, telegraph switchboards, and early operator stations, it preserves the transition from handwritten letters to voice calls.
The space is lined with dark wooden cabinets, each filled with old maps, switchboard cables, and telephone dials. Against the walls, antique desks are arranged with typewriters, Morse code machines, and rotary phones—a reminder of a time when every call was a manual process.
The Master Bedroom: A Room That Holds More Than Just Memories
The master bedroom of the May-Stringer House is a stunning Victorian retreat, anchored by a massive four-poster bed draped in gold-trimmed linens. The bed’s ornate wooden frame and tall posts command the space, creating a grand, regal presence.
The floral-patterned area rug softens the dark wooden floors, while antique dressers and cabinets hold vintage clothing and accessories from centuries past. In the corner, a rocking chair sits near the window, said to move on its own on quiet nights.
The Graveyard: Where Spirits May Still Linger
Tucked away behind the house, a small cemetery holds the final resting place of Jessie Mae, Marena May, and other past residents. The gravestones are worn, some leaning, some cracked, as nature slowly reclaims them.
A large oak tree casts shadows over the graves, creating an atmosphere of quiet sorrow and mystery. The ground is covered in fallen leaves, creeping ivy, and patches of moss, enhancing the aged, forgotten look of this hidden burial site.
Haunted Houses vs. Historic Mansions: How Does the May-Stringer House Compare?
| Haunted Mansion | Location | Era Built | Reported Paranormal Activity | Public Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May-Stringer House | Florida, USA | 1855 | Ghostly whispers, moving objects, shadow figures | Museum, Ghost Tours |
| Winchester Mystery House | California, USA | 1884 | Endless hallways, mysterious footsteps | Public Tours |
| The Myrtles Plantation | Louisiana, USA | 1796 | Full-body apparitions, unexplained sounds | Bed & Breakfast |
| Villisca Axe Murder House | Iowa, USA | 1868 | Residual energy from infamous murders | Overnight Stays |
| The Whaley House | California, USA | 1857 | Sounds of crying, ghost of Thomas Whaley | Day & Night Tours |
Final Thoughts: A House Where the Past Refuses to Leave
The May-Stringer House is more than just a historical landmark—it’s a masterpiece of Victorian design, a paranormal hotspot, and a reminder of how homes can hold memories long after their original owners have passed.
From its rich colors and intricate furnishings to its tragic history and ghostly legends, every corner of this house tells a story.
Would I personally live here? Probably not. But would I take design inspiration from it? Absolutely.
