Additional Coverage:
- The house where Lizzie Borden’s parents were murdered is now a B&B. Take a look inside. (businessinsider.com)
Lizzie Borden’s infamous Fall River home, the site of one of America’s earliest and most enduring true-crime mysteries, continues to captivate visitors more than a century after the 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden.
In December 1892, Lizzie Borden was arrested for the brutal hatchet killings of her father and stepmother in their Massachusetts residence. After a highly publicized trial that lasted nearly 10 months, she was acquitted due to insufficient physical evidence. The murders remain officially unsolved, fueling fascination with the case and the home where it all unfolded.
Located about 52 miles south of Boston near the Massachusetts-Rhode Island border, the Borden house was originally built in 1845 and purchased by Andrew Borden in the 1870s. Andrew, a successful businessman who amassed a fortune through real estate, mills, and banking, chose the home for its convenient proximity to his Main Street enterprises.
Today, the 3,600-square-foot property operates as both a bed-and-breakfast and a museum, drawing visitors intrigued by its dark history. The home features eight bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and period furnishings reflecting the 19th century, including original doors and hardware alongside era-appropriate decor like sewing machines and lanterns.
After being run for over 15 years by previous owners Donald Woods and Leann Wilbur, the property was sold in 2021 for nearly $2 million to Lance Zaal, founder of US Ghost Adventures. Zaal has maintained the house’s dual role as an inn and a site for ghost tours, with room rates starting at $249 per night. Guests have the unique option to request an axe placed on their bed for an added eerie touch.
Inside the home, visitors can explore the rooms where the Bordens lived and died. The John V.
Morse Suite, where Abby Borden was found, still hangs with a portrait of Lizzie, while Andrew and Abby’s primary bedroom remains the only suite with a private bathroom. The kitchen blends historical charm with modern conveniences like a coffee maker and dishwasher.
The first floor includes several entertaining spaces, including the sitting room where Andrew Borden was murdered. Despite the home’s somber past, it also hosts events such as weddings, with intimate spaces suitable for cocktail hours.
A gift shop on-site offers a range of themed memorabilia, from Lizzie Borden coloring books to miniature hatchets and mugs styled after Lizzie’s mug shot, allowing visitors to take a piece of this storied history home.
For true-crime enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the Lizzie Borden house offers a compelling glimpse into a chilling chapter of New England’s past, blending historical preservation with a distinctly haunting atmosphere.
Read More About This Story:
- The house where Lizzie Borden’s parents were murdered is now a B&B. Take a look inside. (businessinsider.com)