Splurge vs. Steal: America’s Spookiest City — Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

All Hallows’ Eve is just one day away, so it has us thinking of America’s spookiest cities. Near the top of everyone’s list is Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – known for its numerous sightings of the 51,000 soldiers who died in one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Teeming with ghostly encounters, including those with Confederate General, Robert E. Lee, the city makes for one thrilling Halloween getaway.

If you’re really brave, you’ll post up in one of Gettysburg’s historic inns, which are said to be haunted, or head over to Gettysburg College, once the site of a Civil War field hospital. The town is pegged with so many hauntings it will have you shaking in your boots! But, like any good city, there’s more to Gettysburg than fabled soldier tales, sallow figures, and those spooky orbs that make themselves known in ghost hunter photos.

For this week’s Splurge vs. Steal, we found two fantastic Gettysburg homes, each with head-turning interiors and exceptional locations, but with price points that really set them apart. Which one would you choose, the Abbottstown Victorian splurge or the Log Home Living steal? We would love to hear in the comments.

Splurge: Historic Dempwolf-Hafer House For $1.19M 

So our “splurge” is priced less than our “steal,” but anyone who buys this property will need to use their imagination, and their pocketbooks, to sign on the dotted line. The 1884 Abbottstown Victorian is a fascinating piece of architecture, and would make for an intriguing bed-and-breakfast, office space, or personal residence. It is located in Town Center Zoning and across the street from the Altland House Restaurant, offering great visibility and a high traffic count. It also comes with a salt water pool, and pool house, featuring a kitchen and full bath. It even has space for a separate business, currently a beauty saloon.

History and architecture buffs will have a field day here as most furnishings will stay for the right price. From the 1884 tiled foyer with painted glass transom, to a total of 20 rooms filled with original historical details, the Dempwolf-Hafer House is in a category all its own.

Located just 14 miles from downtown Gettysburg, it also blends modern amenities with loads of historic charm, creating a whimsical yet livable retreat. From the property video, we learn that this Victorian castle-like home was originally designed by renowned architect John A. Dempwolf for a wealthy farmer named William Hafer. We are also told that the late President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, could often be seen ordering chicken and waffles at Atland House across the street, which is still in operation today.

There’s a lot to look at, so we recommend taking a peek at the virtual tour here.

Dick Tucker of Howard Hanna Camp Hill has listed 3 W King Street, Abbottstown, Pennsylvania  for $1.19 million.

Steal: Magazine-Quality Log Home For $1.399M

We have to admit, even though our “steal” costs a bit more than our “splurge” you’re getting a lot for your money, coupled by a prime Gettysburg location. This beautiful custom home sits on a 10-acre-lot and was featured in the March 2017 issue of Log Home Living. It is offered fully furnished with an acceptable offer, and all the design work has been done for you!

The Gettysburg steal has GEO-Thermal heating and cooling, a four-car-garage, plus a 1,700-square-foot nanny’s quarters with separate entrance.

We are convinced the 7,600-square-foot floor plan will make a lasting impression on those looking for a luxurious log home in historic Gettysburg.

Here you will enjoy towering walls of wood, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and ample windows streaming an abundance of natural light.

The five-bedroom, four-full-and-one-half-bathroom home is also great for hosting at the holidays!

It comes with a generous gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, and opens to gracious living and dining areas. And if you’re a sucker for a good Windsor chair, this home has them in droves.

One look at the covered deck and you may never want to leave!

Warm woods and oversized living areas offer a cozy feel, reminiscent of those log home days of old but with all the trappings of modern-day living. See, Gettysburg isn’t so scary after all.

Marvine Jenkins of Long & Foster Eldersburg has listed 115 Knorr Road, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for $1.399 million.