Ivy House, located in Higher Whitley, Cheshire, is a Grade II listed building dating back to the early 17th century. Originally constructed as a farmhouse, the timber-framed structure has undergone several modifications over the centuries, including the addition of brick facades in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The house gained notoriety in the 1970s when reports of paranormal activity began to surface. Residents and visitors have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, particularly on the upper floors and in the attic space. Some have claimed to see the apparition of a young woman in Victorian-era clothing, often described as having a melancholic expression.

One of the most frequently reported phenomena is the sound of children’s laughter and running footsteps, despite no children being present in the house. These sounds are typically heard in the hallways and bedrooms.

In the 1980s, a family living in the house reported objects moving on their own, including furniture sliding across rooms and doors opening and closing without explanation. They also described feeling sudden cold spots in various areas of the house, even during warm weather.

A local legend tells of a tragedy involving a young woman who lived in the house in the late 19th century. According to the story, she fell in love with a man her family disapproved of and was subsequently locked in her room. Some believe her spirit still roams the house, searching for her lost love.

In the kitchen, staff have reported the smell of baking bread and the sound of pots and pans clanging when the room is empty. Several people have also claimed to see the ghostly figure of an elderly woman in this area, believed to be a former housekeeper.