Cast a Spell in These 13 Whimsigoth Homes

Some people love Halloween all year long. Others prefer a house with a little mystery to it. If that sounds like you, you may already be a “whimsigoth” fan. We went looking for homes with this spooky-meets-sweet feel. Consider this your invitation to a very stylish haunting.

What is whimsigoth?

Whimsigoth blends gothic drama with fairy-tale whimsy. The term is credited to designer Evan Collins, who used it to describe the moody-but-playful look of the late 1980s and mid-90s. Think celestial motifs, witchy touches, dark colors alongside jewel tones, and plenty of velvet.

How does it differ from the traditional gothic home style? Classic gothic tends to be serious and somber, while whimsigoth is warmer, cozier, and more playful. We’ve found some homes that are the perfect setting for a whimsigoth aesthetic to completely take over.

Come for the tower, stay for the murals

Who doesn’t love a tower? The historic James W. Mort House in Massachusetts has one standing at three stories. Its French mansard, four-sided roof draws the eye, crowned with a few dormers (that’s the fancy word for windows that are inside a roof). Inside, hand-painted murals and a library with a two-tier mantel and wood stove bring the storybook drama. Outdoors, an imported cast-iron gazebo sits among the mature trees, so you can practice your magic under the stars.

Stroll around a Gothic Revival

This Victorian Gothic Revival home in Vermont looks like it stepped out of a Gilded Age ghost story. Arched windows, a steeply pitched slate roof, and ornate woodwork give it plenty of Old-World pizazz. Inside, floral wallpaper and hardwood floors keep the elegance going. The home also sits on nearly half an acre of wooded land — perfect for moonlit walks at midnight. 

Check in to something enchanting

Having a pinky-red exterior with grass-green roofing on a 1903 Queen Anne home brings heavy whimsigoth vibes. This Wyoming house is on the National Register of Historic Places, as it once welcomed overnight guests as one of Wyoming's top-rated bed and breakfasts. A three-story turret, original stained glass, intricate hand-carved arches between rooms, and multiple fireplaces make for a home that feels like you’ve gone back to a more magical time.

Brew something in the kitchen

Thomas Cornish, a prominent figure of Georgetown's mining era, built this Colorado home in 1874. He included a mansard roof, so its profile is already pretty unique. It also features some Italianate and Gothic Revival detailing, like a woodcarved fireplace and rustic brass doorknobs — whimsigoth indeed. Original intricate millwork can still be found throughout the home, too. An iconic, heavy-duty cast-iron range cooker with five ovens anchors the kitchen, and it has plenty of firepower for a witch's brew. 

Hold a séance in the conservatory

Distinctive turrets, an oversized arched dormer window, and a wraparound veranda make this Illinois home look like the setting of a mystery novel. The winding drive to get there builds the suspense. Inside, original oak woodwork, parquet floors, and hand-painted wallpaper give every room a whole lot of character. One of its previous owners added a conservatory with mosaic tile flooring, offering a spot to summon a spirit or two. 

Make an entrance down the grand stairs

Built circa 1882, this deep blue home and its collection of arches make for one of this rural Georgia town’s most recognizable landmarks — and its mansard roof looks ready for a haunting. Inside, a curving, wooden staircase lined with red carpeting makes for a glamorous entrance. Its built-in bookcases and intricate millwork and moldings add to the scene. It all blends together for a whimsigoth vibe inside and out.

Raise a glass to the spirits

Two towers, a grand wraparound porch, and a colorful exterior define this 1901 California home’s look. It's one block from Downtown Cloverdale and its wine tasting rooms, so the spirits are close by. Inside, you can watch people go by from the bay windows, soak in a clawfoot tub, or have tea in the garden. There are seven bedrooms, plus two more rooms you can turn into guest suites, offices, or (witch)craft space. 

Perch on the widow’s walk

On Appleton Hill, this home has views overlooking the New Hampshire town of Gorham — and it’s stood there since 1903. It skips the dark paint for a light blue and teal wood exterior with light yellow and light blue trim. Its pastel tower is crowned with a widow’s walk, enhancing the gothic feel. 

Study the dark arts in the library

You don’t even need to enter the Lou-Mar House to see some of its stained-glass windows. Built in 1889, this home features a wraparound porch that leads to etched-glass double doors and a foyer crafted from six types of wood. Those stained-glass windows and the home’s seven ornamental fireplaces give the coven plenty of light and hearths to gather around. The former gentleman’s parlor is now a custom library — spellbooks sold separately. 

Watch over the streets at midnight

This 1890 Victorian home in California has a peaked roof, blue exterior, and yellow trim that say “Welcome to whimsigoth” before you step inside. It has original stained-glass windows, including bay windows in the living room. Plus, it has a small library with a ladder, so you can find all your magical reads at a moment’s notice.

Bring your own wand

Red brick, gingerbread-style detailing on the porch, and a witch’s hat topping a second-floor porch are a few of this Georgia whimsigoth home’s most notable features — at least on the outside. Indoors, intricate plaster ceiling designs, hand-carved millwork, and pressed tin ceilings add even more to the witchy vibe. Its six bedrooms allow room for late-night spellwork with your friends.

Find the fairies

Not every Victorian home is from the 19th century, nor are they three-story mansions. This Victorian Queen Anne-style house found in Indiana was built in 1989, and is two stories tall. The greenery is plentiful here, with mature trees giving shade and a garden all around the home. A pair of ponds in the backyard also encourages wildlife on the property. Maybe you’ll find your familiar among them.

Sit a spell on the veranda

This gothic home’s whimsy comes from its red, white, and blue trim and the collection of stained-glass windows you can find throughout its rooms. This 1889 Queen Anne Victorian also has a hand-turned oak staircase with Gothic arch balusters. Vintage-style push button switches and antique lighting add to the classic feel. Outside, a wraparound veranda rounds it all out.

How to bring whimsigoth home

You don't need a tower or Victorian architecture to pull this off. Here are a few ideas:

1. Start with a moody palette. Try jewel-tone blues, purples, and greens as paint and decor, then layer in warmer tones. 
2. Layer on the luxe fabrics. Velvet is a signature texture for whimsigoth vibes, and lace and silk work, too. Heavy window treatments to filter out bright light can add drama and a cocooned feel.
3. Add celestial and witchy touches. Moons, stars, crystals, and candlesticks are whimsigoth staples.
4. Mix old and new. Layer rugs, hang art on the walls, and display vintage finds and collectibles.
5. Bring in plants. Greenery and dried flowers can add some extra life and texture to the home.

How to find a whimsigoth home

You can use Zillow to search for homes in your area in a whimsigoth style. Use the keyword search to enter terms like "Queen Anne," "Gothic," or even “mansard.” You can save your search to get alerts when new matches hit the market. You can also check your BuyAbility℠ to see which homes fit your budget before you tour, and start picking out spots for your heirloom cauldron.