Avenue House, located in Finchley, London, was built in 1859 by Edward Saunders, a successful ink manufacturer. In 1874, the property was purchased by Henry Charles Stephens, known as “Inky” Stephens, who inherited his father’s ink manufacturing business. The house remained in the Stephens family until 1989 when it was bequeathed to the people of Finchley.

The Victorian mansion has a long history of paranormal activity, with numerous ghost sightings reported over the years. One of the most frequently encountered spirits is believed to be that of Henry Charles Stephens himself. Staff and visitors have reported seeing a ghostly figure resembling Stephens in period clothing, particularly in the library and study areas.

Another recurring apparition is that of a young woman in a white dress, often seen wandering the gardens and occasionally appearing in the upper floor windows. Some speculate this could be the spirit of a former servant or family member.

The cellar of Avenue House is said to be particularly active, with reports of unexplained footsteps, cold spots, and the feeling of being watched. Some visitors have claimed to hear whispers and muffled conversations when no one else is present.

In the 1970s, a group of teenagers reportedly witnessed a spectral horse and carriage pulling up to the front of the house before vanishing into thin air. This sighting has been corroborated by similar accounts from other visitors over the years.

The house’s reputation for paranormal activity has made it a popular destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts, with numerous investigations conducted on the premises.