Welcome to the Historical McPike Mansion.
The house was built in 1869 by architect Lucas Pfeiffenberger. Original owner of the Mansion was Henry Guest McPike. The McPike family owned 15 acres of land, then known as Mount Lookout Park. Here McPike, a horticulturist, perfected his McPike Grape. The family lived in this, their country home, until 1936.
This wonderful Mansion was last purchased and is now owned by Sharyn and George Luedke.
Auctioned on August 8th, 1994, after sitting empty for many years, Sharyn and George won the bid and acquired this historical home. The Home was in disrepair and had sat empty for years. Vandals and Weather took its toll on this beautiful property.
Often they are asked if they knew it was haunted when they purchased it. They answer with a resounding no!
Their intention has always been to restore it, and turn it into a Bed and Breakfast and Banquet Room. Since this dream began it has transformed into a landmark of one of the most haunted houses in Alton, and has found itself on the list of the Top Ten Haunted Houses in the United States. People from all over have visited, hoping to experience a moment with the spirit of Henry Guest McPike and the family of spirits that reside there.
The amount of money estimated at the time of the purchase to restore this mansion historically correct was over 1 million. This many years later, that amount certainly has increased to an astounding amount. Currently it is approx. $2000 just to restore one window historically. There are over 15 windows in this mansion.
Sharyn and George have not given up the dream! They continue to invest personally with their time and money and love.. in its restoration. Their original dream has now expanded into a desire to assist the current spirit residents to resolve issues and to heal and to share the paranormal experience with others. Sharyn has always said, the nice thing about owning the mansion is they get to meet some really wonderful people.
It has drawn so many people who, with them, want it to be restored. So to enlist the help of community, they now offer monthly tours, dark sessions in the cellar, Special Events and souveniers. All proceeds go to the restoration of the Mansion. Certainly this barely scratches the surface, but with these funds and their own they have managed to do many repairs, replace the roof, the tuck pointing, secure the physical support of the mansion, replace the porch, add lighting and are currently working on replacing the Sun Room on the South Side of the Mansion [2014 - 2015].
Amid the restorations they have been challenged with repairing damage from vandals and daily maintenance on the property, and their own lifes challenges.
They continue to meet the challenges of owning such a beautiful historic piece of property. They are so grateful for all of the positive support they have received and continue to receive in this venture.
Sincerely, Special thanks for your positive words and continued support. We hope to see you at a tour or one of the events.
Written by a Friend of the Family..
