American comedian Matt Rife has gone viral this week after announcing his purchase of one of the most infamous haunted properties in the United States—Ed and Lorraine Warren’s home and Occult Museum in Connecticut. The purchase includes the notorious Annabelle doll, made famous by The Conjuring film franchise.
Rife, known for his viral comedy tours and internet presence, shared the news on social media alongside YouTuber and paranormal enthusiast Elton Castee. The two now co-own the historic property and its spine-chilling contents, including cursed artefacts once collected by the late Warrens—world-renowned paranormal investigators.
“I have officially purchased Ed and Lorraine Warren’s home and Occult Museum, including being the legal guardian for at least the next 5 years, of the entire haunted collection, including THE ANNABELLE DOLL,” Rife wrote on Instagram. “If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with the paranormal and all things haunted.”
Though Rife did not disclose how much the pair paid, estimates circulating online place the price of the Connecticut house between $550,000 and $680,000. This figure excludes the haunted artefacts and memorabilia associated with the Warren legacy, which are considered priceless to collectors and horror fans alike.
The museum became internationally known through The Conjuring films, which dramatized the real-life investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Among their most famous cases was that of Annabelle, a supposedly possessed doll kept in a locked glass case. The real Annabelle differs from the porcelain version in the films; it is in fact a Raggedy Ann doll.
Social media quickly lit up with mixed reactions—ranging from excitement to concern—especially in light of recent events involving the doll. In July, paranormal researcher Dan Rivera died during a tour while in possession of Annabelle. Rivera’s death in a Pennsylvania hotel room was ruled natural, with police finding no signs of foul play. Still, the timing has only deepened the eerie mystique around the doll and its supposed curse.
Rife and Castee plan to open the property to the public for overnight stays and guided museum tours. “We want people to experience and learn all the haunted history surrounding this amazing place,” Rife added in his post.
The couple behind the museum, Ed and Lorraine Warren, passed away in 2006 and 2019, respectively. Their work and artefacts have continued to intrigue and terrify generations, and with Rife’s celebrity profile, the home is likely to become a major attraction once again.
Whether driven by curiosity or belief in the supernatural, fans are already lining up online for a chance to spend a night in what is widely considered America’s most haunted home.
