The Haunted Tales Behind Bihl Manor's Renovation

We spend a lot of time talking to homeowners about the things that make a house a home — the perfect paint color, a stylish backsplash, the sofa everyone wants to sink into. But what about the things you can’t see … or explain? Footsteps in an empty hallway. The cold spot that never warms up. The family story about the ghost who’s still hanging around.

These tales are irresistible, and this Halloween season, HGTV is getting in on the fun by following six designers as they make over a haunted Victorian manor in A Very Haunted Renovation. Each week, host Anna Camp challenges the designers to reinvent a room inspired by the ghosts in residence at the onetime orphanage — and as an added twist, they all have to live in the house while the reno is underway.

"The spirits have driven away any living soul who tried to bring this house back from the dead. Until now," says Anna. Read on to see some of the frighteningly good makeovers, and discover the ghost stories behind each space.

This room was once the heart of every celebration at the manor when the original homeowners, Jerome and Lizzie Bihl, lived here. Now it’s known for some disturbing activity: Visitors have reported hearing the couple’s screams behind the walls and pounding under the floor.

A refreshed fireplace and restored piano bring new life to the room while the rich, deep palette should work to quiet the spirits and make them feel at home.

Locals believe that a young child still wanders the stairs, and past residents have reported ghostly eyes peering through the windows.

A graphic striped mural gives the room new energy, while a revamped reading nook invites visitors (and resident spirits!) to stay awhile.

This was the bedroom of the Bihls’ son Alvie, who still lingers more than a century later. People who’ve slept here have reported waking to find his ghost hovering over the bed.