Duncan Manor House

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Duncan Manor House This page is dedicated to the restoration of Duncan Manor House, a historical Italianate farmhouse We moved in on July 6th, 2014.

In 1864 William Duncan purchased 300 acres outside of Towanda, Illinois and called this land Towanda Meadows. In 1866, Duncan Manor was built on a hill overlooking the railroad tracks, amidst the prairie that is Towanda Meadows. A successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle, Duncan moved to Towanda from Clark County, Kentucky in 1863. Unfortunately, William never had the chance to really enjoy his beautiful home, as he died of a sudden and unknown illness in the fall of 1876, at age 57. Duncan Manor has passed through many hands, but for the majority of its existence it has acted as a rental property and has not received the love and attention it deserves.

150 years later, we were blessed with the opportunity of our lives. Somehow we found the house when we were living in Denver, CO, or the house found us. Years of neglect have created quite the restoration project! When we moved here a year ago, we were in camping mode. The Manor has no electricity, plumbing, water, or HVAC. The roof was leaking, walls were crumbling, and porches rotting. Not all of this has changed, but we are making progress! It has been a whirlwind year, and we so appreciate the love and support we have received from a community we are happy to call home. We have had a couple of fundraising events and will continue to do so. We are thrilled with the progress and eternally grateful.

In 2018 we began Spirits of the Past: A Haunted History Tour.  We partnered with Community Players Theater to create thi...
10/13/2026

In 2018 we began Spirits of the Past: A Haunted History Tour. We partnered with Community Players Theater to create this unique experience. Scott Myer took the reigns and developed the script and the flow of the tours.

The script evolved over time, some players stayed, some moved on, and we are incredibly grateful to the team of people that have given their time to this endeavor over the years.

We pour our energy and hearts into this event every year, spending months preparing. As the years have passed, our lives have changed and so has our environment.

Duncan Manor is evolving and we are starting a new chapter. We aren't ending this chapter, but we are taking a break. We will likely decide to celebrate the Halloween season and honor the spirits of Duncan Manor in a different way, but this is our last season of Haunted History Tours.

Thank you to everyone that has supported this fun event! As one door closes, another opens, and we have so many other new experiences planned for those of you that love Duncan Manor as much as we do!

📸 Erin Barnard Photography

10/09/2026
10/07/2026

She’s most often felt on the third floor, but she also makes her presence known in kitchen and dining room.
Over the years, her presence has also been noticed in the kitchen and dining room as well. She’s rumored to have been the head of the household help when William Duncan built the Manor in 1866.

More than 160 years later, it seems she’s still keeping an eye on the house. 👻 come visit her and the others this weekend during our Haunted Hiatory Tours on Oct. 9th & 10th from 5-9pm!

If you don't wish to invade her territory, the festivities on the grounds and inside The Meadows are all free to enjoy. Come on up!

Otherwise, book your tour spot NOW. You won't regret it. 🏚👻

10/05/2026

Four nights from tonight, Duncan Manor's spirits from the past return for 2 evenings.
Walk through the mansion aftern the sun sets and see what appears beyond the dark.

Tours begin every half hour and are limited to 10 guests per group. We strongly recommend purchasing your ticket in advance to guarantee your chance to step back in time and visit the ghosts of 1866.

Entrance to the grounds and other festivities is FREE, so if eerie tours aren't your thing you are welcome to sit this one out inside The Meadows!

Friday Only:
Mini brazitos by Zack Poleto
Astrology readings with Sam Rae | Sow & Reap Astrology

Saturday Only:
Greeny's Brats N Que

Both nights:
Smores cups by charcute
Tarot readings with Rachel-Sun and Shine Tarot
Plants by Cozy Root Creations
Bar Service
Spooky trails and bonfire
Live music by Mattie Mae

If you would like to have a savory OR sweet smores cup, reserve yourself one via the link in our bio! Limited quantities available!

10/01/2026

There are stories in this house
that have never quite left.

On October 9th & 10th,
after the sun has gone down,
we invite you to step inside.

Wander all four floors of the historic manor
and hear the eerie histories of those
who lived here long before us...

and perhaps still linger.

Outside, follow the spooky trails,
warm yourself beside the bonfire,
have a s’mores cup, listen to live music,
visit the bar, grab something to eat,
or sit for a mini astrology reading.

5–9 PM.

Come while the doors are open.

They won’t be for long.

Tickets are limited.

Visit our website.

The link to pre-order your savory OR sweet smores cups is in the ticket description on our website!

09/26/2026

Address

1002 Towanda Barnes Road
Towanda, IL
61776

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