The incredibly ornate Schweppe Estate (also known as the Mayflower Palace) has been on the market since 2011 and has an uncommon and distinct history. Built during the Golden Age in 1917, this architecturally significant residence on Lake Michigan was constructed for Laura Shedd and Charles H. Schweppe (of soda fame) as a rather generous wedding present from Shedd's father, the chairman of Marshall Field & Co. Unfortunately, when Mrs. Schweppe suffered a heart attack in 1937, she reportedly left her husband a measly $200,000 of her $10 million fortune, allegedly prompting his suicide in 1941, accompanied by the colorful note: "I've been awake all night. It's terrible."
After being vacant for nearly 46 years, locals insisted it was haunted and buyers were scarce. Finally, in 1987-1988, a couple purchased the estate for an elaborate restoration... until they later divorced, leaving the mansion to go into foreclosure in 2009.
Despite possible ghosts (of both dead people and dead relationships), the Mayflower Palace is a truly magnificent abode, boasting 28 rooms, 10 beds, 13 baths and a whopping 25,000 square feet. The exquisite detail of each room provides an elegant, European feel while the close proximity to the lake grants ample recreation time.
Now back on the market, the estate is listed at a hefty $9.95 million, a little more than half of its initial asking price of $18 million in 2009. If spooky spirits don't scare you, it's a steal.