Nestled in a remote spot in Salem, Alabama, this eerie abandoned Masonic lodge has quite the story to tell. Shrouded in secrecy and superstition, the historic landmark has fallen by the wayside in recent years. Take the tour, if you dare...

Built in 1838, this dilapidated three-bedroom home is in need of some serious TLC, having lain abandoned for quite some time. But despite its modest appearance, the intriguing structure has a rich history, having undergone several transformations throughout the years. After beginning life as the Askew Hotel, it’s also been a school, an inn and a private residence, as well as the mysterious Masonic Lodge. What will become of it next?

Its eeriest incarnation by far, the dwelling was once the meeting place of the Freemasons – a fraternal organisation that traces back to the 17th century. Members ascend the ranks, from Apprentice to Journeyman and finally to Master Mason. The Lodge is where each group hold meetings, events and of course the ritual initiation ceremonies for new recruits. These occasions are shrouded in secrecy – what has gone on behind these doors?

Step inside and you're greeted by floor-to-ceiling wood panelling and a wide, imposing entrance hall. Located in Old Salem, it's no surprise that the home has an eerie feel about it. The so-called Ghost Town Road that winds around the area has seen some sinister goings-on over the years, from church fires to murders in the 1960s, purportedly carried out by a satanic cult.

An ornate light fitting still hangs as a memento of the home's long-past heyday. While the property has been standing since the 1800s, Salem was hitting headlines over a century before the dwelling's construction. In 1692, the small city became the stage of one of the most notorious periods in history. When the daughter and niece of the reverend began having fits, a local doctor accused three Salem women of witchcraft. This was the beginning of the infamous witch trials.

A creaky wooden staircase leads up to the property’s three bedrooms. The property was most recently known as the Old Salem Inn when these rooms were most likely rented out to weary travellers. Who knows how many tired feet have traipsed these floorboards!

Don't be fooled by first impressions – if you look carefully, you'll uncover plenty of characterful details just waiting to be brought back to life in this time-worn home. This sturdy iron lock has a beautiful wooden door knob with a rich marbled grain. We can’t help but wonder, though, why such a sizeable lock is necessary – unless somebody was really intent on keeping someone (or something) out…

Traces of the home's former lives still linger. These crumbling yellow walls were no doubt once sunny and welcoming, providing a restful space for guests to relax by the fire and rest their feet after a long journey, or for Freemasons to gather before their ceremonial meetings.

A common historic definition of Freemasonry is "a system of morality, veiled in allegory (or a story) and illustrated by symbols." Men join in order to learn lessons that will teach them how to boost their moral and spiritual outlook. Was this the room in which the Master Mason preached his doctrine?

For the right owner with an ambitious vision, there’s plenty of scope for this home to become a perfectly charming country home. In the living room, this traditional fireplace with a rustic stone chimney breast makes a commanding focal point that's calling out to be carefully renovated.

These large window openings are one of the home's best features – you can see the light just begging to break through. But sometimes you need to retreat behind the curtains for a while, be it to carry out a Masonic ritual, enact a spiritual healing or just enjoy some R&R. These big Mediterranean-style wooden shutters just need a bit of love and care to restore them to their former glory. 

While there’s no kitchen at the moment, this whitewashed utility room could make a fantastic culinary space after an extensive overhaul. With light spilling through the window and enough space to install a row of countertops, the home could be a real passion project for someone who can see its potential.

This small outside loo is in serious need of a refurb. While the room isn’t functional, at least there are some decorative qualities, with a nod to the spooky surroundings inscribed on the wall above the sink.

While Salem isn't short of friendly locals, nightfall can bring with it a more sinister atmosphere for those who know the local legends. Many years ago, it's said that a body was dug up in a local cemetery and the skeletal remains were found scattered near Ghost Town Road. Some townsfolks say it was the work of devil-worshippers who frequented the woods for years. Ghosts purportedly still roam the road...

Despite the ghost stories, the current owners fell in love with the property as soon as they laid eyes on it, only selling it as they didn’t have the time to carry out the renovation works needed. It's true that there aren't many home comforts, but there's a certain charm about the place, plus many attractive structural elements, like these wide double doors connecting the living spaces on the ground floor.

While this intriguing home is crying out for some TLC, with a little imagination it could be transformed. With sun streaming through the window, this space could make a charming sitting room, given a little thought and elbow grease.

Spread across 2,416 square foot of interior, there's plenty of space to play with. In this room, another sizeable fireplace offers an attractive period detail, while dark wooden walls and a chandelier pendant indicate something of the home's former grandeur.

The sizeable bedrooms just need a bit of refurbishment and some modern furniture in order to make this dusty old building feel like a home again. The chimney needs a good sweep in this room, otherwise there might be a few winged visitors...

Like the rest of the house, the loft area needs some work in order to whip it into habitable shape. This large space could be transformed into a bedroom suite, another living room or even a playroom for children.

An original feature of the house, lovely large sash windows illuminate the roof space. It's not clear what this area was previously used for – and perhaps it's best not to wonder – but once walls are installed along the eaves and it's given a lick of bright paint, it's clear this room could add real value to the home.

Steeped in history with lovely big rooms and plenty of period charm, the abandoned American home could make a great B&B or hotel after a sensitive makeover. Guests would love hearing about the rich folklore of the town, too!

If the property ever gets restored to its full glory, these two feature windows that flank the imposing front entrance will make a grand and welcoming first impression for visitors.

As well as the house, the estate also includes the surrounding two acres, so the lot has lots of potential for development. In a former life, this old outhouse could have been used to store school or hotel supplies, but these days it would make a great storage space for gardening tools or a lawnmower.

Back in the day, the white walls must have been gleaming when the structure served as a school for the children of Salem. But now, the external areas could do with a good spruce up, a scrub and a fresh coat of paint to get that sparkle back.

Over the years, this heritage building has housed everyone from weary travellers to school children and even Freemasons. Sold to new owners in 2019 its colourful history has even earnt it recognition as an Alabama Historical Landmark. We can't help but wonder what's next for this revered residence?

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