Poor Transylvania.  It gets such a bad rap as a result of its place in literature (home to Count Dracula and a prominent location in the horror genre), and the reality is that it’s a perfectly lovely region in Romania.
Still, I can’t blame them for wanting to capitalize on their literary heritage during the Halloween season, with special tours and events that capture the unique flavor of the season and the location.  And indeed they are trying to capitalize on their destination’s popularity with a number of Dracula tours, specially themed for the Halloween season, and lasting from a few …read more

Since spooky old Halloween is just around the corner I wanted to bring on the scary. Offbeat Homes has already showcased many a haunted house, so I thought we’d start with a round-up of the scary you may have missed in the past.  Click on the haunted home photo for an in-depth look at what makes each home so terrifying… If you dare.
Dracula’s Castle

One of America’s Most Haunted Homes (and you can stay there)

Jealous ghosts walk the halls here.
 
Apparitions everywhere!

And of course, The Winchester Mystery House…

If you can’t get enough of spooky homes never fear because Offbeat’s got more …read more

Under new legislation in the eastern European country of Romania, the government has been returning property seized by the former communist regime to its rightful owners. Last month, Dominic van Hapsburg – a New York architect – had the ownership of the fabled Dracula’s Castle given back to his family.
Officially named Bran Castle, the property was taken by the commies in 1948. Mr van Hapsburg inherited it as a descendent of the Hapsburg family line, once rulers of the country, and owners of the castle when it was seized.
Contrary to popular belief, Bran Castle was never actually owned …read more