The Beekman House

The Haunting

The Beekman House Bed and Breakfast is in the historic village of Middleburgh NY. The Greek Revival mansion was built in 1835 by Nicholas Beekman to house his young family. The Beekmans were from Dutch descent and were prominent during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries in New York City and the State of New York. Members of the family played a critical role in the formation of the United States and served as leaders in business, politics and society. Their original 17th century family estate is currently the location of NYC's famous Beekman Place.

Duryea Beekman, son of Nicholas Beekman, was born (1840) and died (1924) in The Beekman House. The young Duryea was a hops farmer - on the land surrounding the Beekman House but in his 40s became the founding president of the First National Bank of Middleburgh- a role he held for 43 years. Duryea also simultaneously served as the President of the Middleburgh & Schoharie Railroad Company.

Duryea loved his lifelong home so much it seems he has never left. Every family who has owned the house since the last of the Beekman clan departed in the 50s have encountered Duryea. When a new family moves in Duryea appears on moving day: first introducing himself by appearing in a back upstairs bedroom to a family member (dressed in his turn of the century banker's suit and tie), then silently moving downstairs to the dining room - where he opens a closet door beneath the main stair case, goes inside (the door originally led to the basement) and never appears to that person again.

This closet door mysteriously opens at night, the door often unlocks itself, and the door knob turns as if someone is trying to get out. Young children who have lived in the house mysteriously begin speaking about the old man with a beard who lives under the stairs - who teaches them to whistle the same tune - "Linger in Blissful Repose" - an 1858 Stephen Foster song which was a favorite of Duryea's.

Duryea seems to constantly be checking if doors are locked in the house. Door knobs often turn and shadows can be seen through keyholes as if someone is moving in empty rooms and hallways-- but most hauntingly someone whistling "Linger in Blissful Repose" can often be heard right before sunrise. It often sounds like the whistling is coming from beneath the stairs, other times from the basement, sometimes from Duryea's favorite parlor, and sometimes outside.

Contact:

116 Middlefort Road
Middleburgh, NY 12122