Theatrical tours will explore the haunted history of Caetani House Oct. 26-28. (submitted photo)

By Pete McIntyre

Oct. 26-28

Tours of Vernon haunted house return for Halloween

Oct 13, 2023 | 7:00 AM

Vernon’s notorious haunted house is ready to scare-up some spooky Halloween fun for visitors.

The Caetani Centre on Pleasant Valley Road, which is said to be haunted, will open its doors for three nights of tours Oct. 26-28.

The guided, theatrical tours will explore some of the lore and legends within the house.

“Oh, the stories within its walls. The big old house set back off of Pleasant Valley Road was notorious. There were legends whispered of the three mysterious women who isolated themselves inside for decades. And, once a year, the gates would swing open on Halloween, inviting in those who dared. The children of Vernon would line up to get a glimpse of the women who opened the gates once a year and gave out hand-designed satchels filled with horseshoe suckers, European chocolates, and other delicacies. Some would even change their costumes and line up for more.” (Caetani House)

The tour will give visitors a look into the lives of Italian Duke Leone Caetani, his partner Ofelia, their daughter Sveva, and the family’s private secretary, Miss Jüül. Together, they left their life of privilege, fleeing the rise of fascism in Italy, and arrived in Vernon in 1921.

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When Leone died in 1935, the women shut the gates on their property and secluded themselves from the world.

“After the death of her beloved Leone, Ofelia, who had never adjusted to life in small town Canada, went into mourning…and never came out,” Executive Director Laisha Rosnau said. “She wouldn’t leave the house again until her death 25 years later. Unfortunately, she coerced her daughter, Sveva, and Miss Jüül into a life of lonely seclusion with her.”

Rosnau said, over the years, the only time the gate to the normally closed-off mansion opened was on Halloween.

“Halloween was one of Sveva’s favourite times of year. She and Miss Jüül would greet neighbourhood kids lined up outside their door and hand out imported European confectionaries encased in beautifully decorated loot bags designed by Sveva herself.”

The tour captures some of that history as well as the unexplained and ghostly occurrences that residents, staff and visitors have experienced in the house over the years.

Telling the tall tales will be professional actors Harrison Coe as Leone, Amelia Sirianni as Ofelia, Tiernen O’Keefe as young Sveva, Julie Armitage as Miss Jüül, and other special guests. The tour also includes a rare peek upstairs, an area normally closed off to the general public.

Proceeds from the presentation will go towards the maintenance and upkeep of the Caetani Centre and its facilities and programs.

The Haunted Halloween Tours take place Oct. 26, 27 and 28 at 6:30, 7:45, and 9 p.m. Tickets are $30/adult and $20/youth 18 and under, available at the Ticket Seller, 250-549-SHOW (7469) or online at www.ticketseller.ca.

Tours take approximately one hour and are not recommended for children 12 and under or for those sensitive to frightening content. Mobility issues should be taken into consideration as guests will be required to climb stairs.

The Caetani Centre is located at 3401 Pleasant Valley Rd. Vernon.

For more information, visit caetani.org or call 250-275-1525.