A mother and her three children have recounted years of terrifying experiences in their 300-year-old Grade II listed home near Bruton, Somerset, claiming they lived in a state of "pure fear" due to what they believe were supernatural occurrences. Caroline de Gier moved into the historic property in 2016, a few years before actor Benedict Cumberbatch resided there, and describes phenomena ranging from sightings of a dark figure to objects moving spontaneously.
According to Ms de Gier, the unsettling events began almost immediately after they settled into the house, which was constructed in the 1700s and was once part of an Earl's estate. Her youngest daughter, Isobel, then aged 11, was reportedly the first to witness a female figure in her bedroom doorway. Her older sister, Imke, who was 13 at the time, described her sister's reaction as one of "pure fear," indicating something profoundly wrong. The youngest child, Zam, then nine, also claimed to have seen a woman in his room, stating she would "take my breath away" and that "all the happiness in the world went away when she was there."
These claims have been corroborated by long-standing local resident Oliver Dowding, whose family had connections to the estate since 1954. While Mr Dowding had no prior knowledge of that specific house being haunted, he stated he believed the de Giers' account and affirmed that he knew "plenty of houses in the village" that had experienced hauntings, though often with more benign spirits. He also revealed that Benedict Cumberbatch, during his brief stay in the house, had directly asked him about any potential spiritual activity.
However, Dr. Nilu Ahmed, an associate professor of psychology and inclusion at the University of Bristol, offered an alternative perspective. Dr. Ahmed suggested that while the family's experiences were undoubtedly real and terrifying to them, the phenomena could have been triggered by significant stress. She noted that the family had undergone two highly stressful events – a divorce and moving house – prior to living in the property. Dr. Ahmed explained that such stress can affect perception and lead to what she termed "emotional contagion," where negative feelings can transfer between family members.
Despite the psychological explanation, the de Gier family's account details years of distress, with Ms de Gier describing how decorations would inexplicably jump off walls and how she frequently heard whispers and scraping noises. The house, located in an area reportedly known for its paranormal activity, left a lasting impression on the family who have since moved out of the property.