{
  "id": 17421768,
  "title": "I paid $1.6 million for the Lizzie Borden House. I wasn't prepared for what I found inside.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/i-paid-1-6-million-for-the-lizzie-borden-house-i-wasnt-prepared-for",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-31T15:12:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/living-lalaurie-mansion-new-orleans-haunted-house-2026-10"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lance Zaal, the owner of several US properties, recently purchased the Lizzie Borden House for a staggering $1.6 million. The renowned crime scene of the 1892 murder case, the house is steeped in history and mystery. Zaal, president of US Ghost Adventures, acquired the property to promote its historical significance rather than its eerie reputation.\n\nUpon moving into the house, Zaal was surprised by its dilapidated condition, featuring rotten doors and a toxic working environment. His approach to these properties contrasts with many who view them as mere financial assets. Instead, he believes in preserving and making these historically significant buildings accessible to the public.\n\nZaal's company already manages other haunted properties, including the Villisca Axe Murders House in Iowa and the Welty House in Gettysburg. In addition, he now resides in the LaLaurie Mansion, believed to be New Orleans' most haunted property. His strategy is to emphasize the historical context of these sites, offering tours that delve into the past rather than focusing solely on ghostly tales.\n\nAt the Lizzie Borden House, visitors learn about the victims and the legal system of the early 20th century. Similarly, at the LaLaurie Mansion, guests are educated on the history of slavery and the establishment of one of the first desegregated schools in the South. These narratives aim to educate and engage a wider audience, not just ghost enthusiasts.\n\nZaal, who has encountered inexplicable occurrences in his homes, tries to maintain an open-minded perspective regarding the paranormal. He cites a childhood experience of a door handle turning on its own as evidence of the inexplicable. Ultimately, Zaal's mission is to promote a comprehensive understanding of American history by addressing its darker aspects, ensuring that these stories are not sidelined by paranormal interest.",
  "summary": "Lance Zaal bought the Lizzie Borden House for $1.6 million. He says the property's condition was scarier than its haunted reputation.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lance Zaal bought Lizzie Borden House for $1.6 million.",
    "House was in dilapidated condition with rotten doors.",
    "Zaal aims to preserve and educate visitors on historical context."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}