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Infamous 'Watcher House' Is Back On The Market Just In Time For Halloween
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Oct 12, 2017
Modified Oct 12, 2017
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Christian Hansen/Gothamist
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Oct 12, 2017
Modified Oct 12, 2017
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New Jersey's most interesting home is back on the market, and at $100,000 less than the previous asking price. Taking into account the the obscene rental market here in NYC, now might finally be the time to land that suburban colonial with a nice backyard and maybe a bloodthirsty stalker for you to vanquish.
You'll recall that the so-called Watcher House of Westfield, New Jersey was first purchased by the Broaddus family in 2014 for $1.35 million. Within three days of moving in, however, the family—which includes three young children—received a chilling letter from a self-identified "Watcher," who claimed his family had watched over the house for generations. But not in a kind, neighborly sort of way.
"Do you need to fill the house with the young blood I requested?" the letter read. "Have you found all the secrets it holds. Will the young bloods play in the basement. Who has the bedrooms facing the street? I will know as soon as you move in."
"Have they found out what's in the walls yet?" the Watcher added. "I am pleased to know your names now, and the name of the young blood you have brought to me."
Three more letters arrived within days, and the family quickly fled the tony block. One year later, they filed a suit against the home's previous owners for allegedly neglecting to mention such pertinent information as a crazed stalker. The previous owners countersued for defamation, locking the two in a stalemate that's still pending in court. Most recently, the Broaddus family returned to court to ask that the township subdivide the property, allowing them to build two homes on it—a request that was rejected by the township.
The Westfield Police, meanwhile, still have not identified a suspect in the case. One local speculated in 2015 that a neighborhood prankster was responsible, though when we last went to visit, we quickly found that "most people aren't comfortable talking about it."
So, with seemingly few options on the table, the Broaddus family has put the house back on the market. Listings appeared earlier this week on Realtor.com and Zillow.com. The price is now $1,125,000, and the listing boasts of some updates, like a new hot water heater for the winter, and some thermo-tech windows, to cut down on energy costs. There's also a new security system, just in case.
Tagged
new jersey
real estate
watcher house
westfield
wtf
Jake Offenhartz
Jake Offenhartz is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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