Haunted Reputation Allegedly Hampers Sale of Adele’s Former Home
Ghost/Paranormal
Yesterday
3 minute read.
A Grade II listed mansion in West Sussex, previously rented by the global superstar Adele, has struggled to find a buyer, reportedly due to claims that the singer said it was haunted.
Lock House, near the village of Partridge Green, spans 7.4 acres (2.99 hectares) and boasts expansive grounds with roaming deer, mature trees, and views towards the South Downs. Despite its picturesque setting, the owner alleges that Adele’s remarks during a 2012 CBS interview have negatively impacted the property’s marketability.
In the interview, Adele referred to the early 20th-century home as “quite scary” and mentioned that it had once been a convent. A planning statement from the owner further claims that she commented on its haunted nature, though Adele herself did not explicitly use the term in the CBS feature. The tabloid The Sun later reported that the singer was convinced the property was haunted, while Hello! magazine listed it among celebrities’ “ghostly homes”.
The current owner of Lock House purchased the mansion in 2003, converting the former ballroom-turned-chapel into a family kitchen and adding a leisure complex with a swimming pool, a tennis court, a summer house, a cinema room, and a snooker room.
After Adele rented the home for six months, the owner claims it has become unsaleable in its current state. Efforts to sell the 10-bedroom house, which dates back to the early 20th century, have spanned over 14 years. Marketing campaigns included high-quality brochures, professional photography, and national coverage in Country Life, as well as listings on prominent property portals.
The only offer, received in August 2020, was ultimately withdrawn after the potential buyer became aware of the property’s alleged haunted reputation.
The owner is now seeking permission from Horsham District Council to divide Lock House and its garage into three houses and a cottage, aiming to make the property more marketable. A planning statement submitted with the application argues that the redevelopment would preserve the house’s historical significance while providing “much-needed housing”.
The statement references Adele’s 2012 CBS interview, claiming her comments have had a lasting impact,
The owner’s application emphasises that the proposal represents the “optimum viable use” for the site.
Lock House was constructed in the early 20th century, with a ballroom added in 1940. It later served as the “Convent of the Visitation” before being converted into a private residence. The house gained notoriety when Adele, who rented it for privacy, described it as a “cliché” and likened it to settings from the horror classic The Shining.
While she did not explicitly confirm believing the house was haunted, her remarks appear to have left an indelible impression on potential buyers.
As the owner awaits a decision on the redevelopment plans, Lock House remains a striking but unsold piece of West Sussex real estate.
Lock House, near the village of Partridge Green, spans 7.4 acres (2.99 hectares) and boasts expansive grounds with roaming deer, mature trees, and views towards the South Downs. Despite its picturesque setting, the owner alleges that Adele’s remarks during a 2012 CBS interview have negatively impacted the property’s marketability.
In the interview, Adele referred to the early 20th-century home as “quite scary” and mentioned that it had once been a convent. A planning statement from the owner further claims that she commented on its haunted nature, though Adele herself did not explicitly use the term in the CBS feature. The tabloid The Sun later reported that the singer was convinced the property was haunted, while Hello! magazine listed it among celebrities’ “ghostly homes”.
The current owner of Lock House purchased the mansion in 2003, converting the former ballroom-turned-chapel into a family kitchen and adding a leisure complex with a swimming pool, a tennis court, a summer house, a cinema room, and a snooker room.
After Adele rented the home for six months, the owner claims it has become unsaleable in its current state. Efforts to sell the 10-bedroom house, which dates back to the early 20th century, have spanned over 14 years. Marketing campaigns included high-quality brochures, professional photography, and national coverage in Country Life, as well as listings on prominent property portals.
The only offer, received in August 2020, was ultimately withdrawn after the potential buyer became aware of the property’s alleged haunted reputation.
The owner is now seeking permission from Horsham District Council to divide Lock House and its garage into three houses and a cottage, aiming to make the property more marketable. A planning statement submitted with the application argues that the redevelopment would preserve the house’s historical significance while providing “much-needed housing”.
The statement references Adele’s 2012 CBS interview, claiming her comments have had a lasting impact,
“Unfortunately, during an interview on CBS, Adele remarked that she believed the house to be haunted. This comment negatively impacted future marketing efforts and continues to affect the property’s reputation to this day.”
The owner’s application emphasises that the proposal represents the “optimum viable use” for the site.
Lock House was constructed in the early 20th century, with a ballroom added in 1940. It later served as the “Convent of the Visitation” before being converted into a private residence. The house gained notoriety when Adele, who rented it for privacy, described it as a “cliché” and likened it to settings from the horror classic The Shining.
While she did not explicitly confirm believing the house was haunted, her remarks appear to have left an indelible impression on potential buyers.
As the owner awaits a decision on the redevelopment plans, Lock House remains a striking but unsold piece of West Sussex real estate.
