Step into one of Ohio’s oldest inns — The Buxton Inn in Granville — where almost every brick and beam has a story to tell. Established in the early 19th century, this historic stagecoach tavern has hosted presidents, abolitionists, and artists. But stay after dark and you may discover the echoes of former owners and guests who never quite left. Some visitors report watching shadows drift through candle-lit hallways, hearing names whispered in empty rooms, or even feeling a ghostly cat brush past their legs. Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or a history lover, the Buxton Inn offers an unforgettable stay steeped in intrigue and atmosphere.
Brief Hotel History
The Buxton Inn was built in 1812 by pioneer Orrin Granger and has operated continuously since then, making it one of Ohio’s oldest continuously running inns. Originally called The Tavern, it served as a stagecoach stop, post office, ballroom, and tavern in the early 1800s, catering to travelers on the route between Newark and Columbus.
Later owners included Major Horton Buxton, after whom the inn was renamed in 1865, and Ethel “Bonnie” Bounell, a former opera singer who lived there until her death in 1960. The inn expanded over time to include multiple guest houses around a central courtyard and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Notables who have patronized the inn include Presidents William Henry Harrison and Abraham Lincoln, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and author Harriet Beecher Stowe.
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👻 Haunted Hot Spots & Paranormal Activity
The Buxton Inn is one of Ohio’s most storied haunted locations with a long list of reported paranormal phenomena:
Lady in Blue (Ethel “Bonnie” Bounell)
The inn’s most famous spirit is Bonnie, former owner who died in Room 9. Guests have reported seeing her apparition in a blue dress, hearing her voice, or smelling her gardenia perfume.
Room 9 has a reputation for ghostly footsteps, flickering lights, and eerie sensations.
Major Buxton
The inn’s namesake spirit is said to manifest with the scent of tobacco smoke, often near the fireplace area or long hallways.
Orrin Granger
The original builder of the inn may still linger in the historic structure; some staff and visitors claim to see a colonial-era figure in white breeches in the tavern or dining areas.
Ghostly Cat (“Major Buxton the Cat”)
Guests have felt a cat rub against their legs at night or heard meowing, even though there’s no living cat on the property — a phenomenon linked to Bonnie’s beloved pet.
👻 Shadowy Figures, Voices & Sensations
Several travelers and employees report shadowy figures, unexplained footsteps, names called aloud in empty hallways, doors opening or closing by themselves, and strange sensations especially around Rooms 7 and 9 and the basement tavern area.
Most Haunted Rooms or Areas to Request
If you’re checking in with the hope of a paranormal experience, these are the most talked-about areas:
Room 9 (Lady in Blue’s Room) — Most famous for ghost sightings, voices, perfume, and unexplained activity.
Room 7 — Known for shadow figures and odd sensations.
Basement/Tavern Area — Former stagecoach driver lodging and bar space — footsteps, voices, and cold spots reported.
Hallways near the main house — Ghost tours and staff anecdotes mention movement and unseen presence here.
Recent Guest Reviews
While most reviews on mainstream sites such as TripAdvisor and Hotels.com focus on historic charm, service, and atmosphere, there are several guest accounts and paranormal discussion posts that highlight eerie experience themes:
Guests report feeling watched in Room 9, hearing footsteps in the empty hallways, and doors moving without cause. –denisonian.com
Paranormal visitors and ghost-hunting vloggers feature Buxton Inn’s Room 9 as one of Ohio’s most haunted hotel rooms, emphasizing sightings of spirits and unexplained light flickers. –YouTube
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