The Strange, Fascinating History of This Abandoned Mansion Gave Me Goosebumps

It’s always the things you never expect that end up blowing you away, like this old and abandoned mansion. For adventurous explorer and YouTuber Your Purks, there was something about this mansion that told him there was more to the eye — and he was right.

At first glance, it simply looks like a weathered, forgotten farmhouse. The windows are boarded and broken, the house is dirty and falling apart, and the wildness of the land has taken over the rest of the property. It does seem clear though that the house was at one time a beautiful home. There is a wrap-around porch that looks like it must have been inviting and comfortable. And the many levels of the home seem to be built with architectural thoughtfulness in a clean, Victorian farmhouse style.

The house sits on a 9.3-acre property surrounded by the sparkling waters of Lake Seneca in Boyds, Maryland. The house is known to the community as the famous Winderbourne Mansion — which has a fascinating history of wealth, parties, and a few horror stories.

It was built in 1884 by a couple named Enoch and Mary Totten. Mr. Totten was a well-known, successful lawyer who was also a Civil War veteran. The couple wanted a second home away from the hustle and bustle of Washington and Lake Seneca was their chosen spot to build. Its name came from an invention of Mary’s cousin for which he was quite famous: the bobbin winder. Thus, Winder-bourne.

It was said that the house was painted pink with a deep red color for the trim. It was staffed all year long, though the family didn’t live there all the time. Several exotic, unusual plants decorated the lawn surrounding the home. Large, formal parties were held there often.

The horror at Winderbourne started with all three of the Tottens’ children getting typhoid fever, supposedly from drinking contaminated water at the mansion. Sadly, one child passed away. As the years passed, Edith Totten, one of the surviving children, grew up and adopted a daughter of her own. It was said that the little girl slid down a long banister at the home, flew off, and was killed. Shortly after, Edith herself passed away.

Though we do have some background information on the home, seeing the abandoned, classic vehicles outside and all the vintage furniture and appliances that were left inside leaves us to wonder. It looks like whoever lived there last left everything expecting to return. There are dishes in the sink, a calendar hangs on the wall, a book is left open on the desk.

What happened to the last owner? Why would such a beautiful home be forgotten? Why was so much left behind just to rot?

Even with the considerable damage, the house is currently for sale. The asking price is $895,000 for the 3,342 square foot home. It is also listed on Maryland’s register of historical places.

It is sad to see such a grand, historic home be left to ruins. Hopefully, the right person will find the listing, decide to invest in Winderbourne Mansion, and restore the once beautiful home to its original, breathtaking state.

For a deeper look inside the mansion, watch this video by YouTuber Your Purks.