Stephen King needs no introduction. But for those people who are oblivious to this name, he is a best-selling author of several horror books that have been adapted into movies and series. So, would you like to stay in the house of this horror fiction king? Well, now you have a chance. Stephen King and his wife Tabitha King have decided to open their Bangor house in Maine to the public.

Stephen King’s Victorian style house with its iconic wrought iron gate is one of the most photographed celebrity homes in America. The Kings’ bought this house in 1980.  This red Victorian mansion, which is clearly visible from the street, is where King wrote some of his famous novels. In spite of fame and fortune, the Kings lived in Bangor, Maine – King’s birth state.

Bangor has been the setting for much of his novels and the creepy look of the town would transport the visitor to a King’s novel. One might be able to feel King’s stories come to life while taking a stroll down this tiny town. Countless fans have taken pictures in front of the houses’ small black gate which is decorated with spiders, dragons and gargoyles, creating an eerie feel on its own. King regrets putting up the creepy fence because of the large number of tourists it attracts. Certain times, King likes to entertain his fans by playing certain tricks; in 2017, just before the release of the new It movie, a red balloon popped up in one of the windows of the house. People who have seen the movie would know why this is creepy.

The 3.27 acres is now being converted into an archive and a writers’ retreat. There are two houses within the property – one will be used as a retreat where a maximum of 5 writers can stay and work, and the other house will be used as an archive, maintained by Stephen and Tabitha king Foundation. According to Stephen King,

“We are in the very beginning of planning the writers’ retreat at the house next door, providing housing for up to five writers in residence at a time. The zoning change getting press coverage was the first step. We are one to two years away from an operating retreat. The archives formerly held at the University of Maine will be accessible for restricted visits by appointment only. There will not be a museum and nothing will be open to the public, but the archives will be available to researchers and scholars.”

A Bangor planning officer said,

“They did not want the house to become a Dollywood or some kind of tourist attraction. That would bring all sorts of people to the neighborhood, and they have other neighbors that live there.”

For people who are interested in staying/visiting the town, should also explore it, for this town is teeming with ghost stories and legends. For all the aspiring horror story writers, this town might inspire you and you might even be the next best-seller. Whether you are a fan or a writer, this town is a must-see for horror fanatics.