THE STORY
Reported Haunting
The historic Sandlin House has long been associated with reports of a resident ghost that supposedly remained with the property even as ownership changed. Visitors and occupants have described unexplained activity within the home, contributing to its reputation as one of Punta Gorda's haunted residences.
The Sandlin House has been advertised for sale for $1.59 million, and the ghost is included. The remodeled Victorian-style house is around 120 years old and is haunted by the spirit of then-owner James Sandlin’s 14-year-old daughter Mary Leah, who in 1909 was ironing on the front porch and died when she caught fire after spilling kerosene on herself. Witnesses have heard footsteps near her former bedroom and experienced a closet door that refused to stay closed.