MONROE, CT — Since comedian Matt Rife and influencer Elton Castee announced the purchase of famed ghost hunters, Ed and Lorraine Warren’s home at 30 Knollwood St. on social media over the weekend, the internet exploded with news stories and wild speculation over their plans for the property.
On Tuesday afternoon, Castee granted an interview to The Sun, so he could share their plans in more detail. He said they did their homework on what is allowed, as well as any restrictions, including Monroe zoning not allowing museums in residential neighborhoods — which is not something he and Rife want to do.
“We wouldn’t buy this house if we couldn’t do what we wanted to do,” Castee said, “and we really want to keep it in Monroe, because that’s where the Warrens lived.”
Castee and Rife signed a five-year-lease making them caretakers of the approximately 750 haunted artifacts in the house, including the Annabelle doll. They want to move everything to a commercial building on Main Street, where a museum is a permitted use.
The yellow two-story contemporary house on Knollwood Street would be run strictly as an Airbnb, Castee said, adding there will be no tours there.
Castee and Rife’s representatives have met with the Monroe Planning and Zoning Commission’s subcommittee to learn what uses are permitted and what the accompanying regulations are. And Castee said a site has already been identified for the museum, though he is not ready to publicly release the specific address.
He said he has been going over fire safety codes and other requirements with town officials, while a formal zoning application is being worked on.
If everything goes smoothly, Castee said they hope to open the museum on Main Street in June of 2026, giving them ample time to plan something for Halloween.
Neighborhood concerns
The New England Society of Psychic Research had run The Warrens’ Occult Museum out of the house at 30 Knollwood Street years ago, before the town made the owners close the operation in 2017, because museums are not a permitted use in residential neighborhoods.
Despite signage informing drivers the museum is closed and “no trespassing” signs on the property, curious souls have traveled from all over to see the house, walk the property and, on some occasions, attempt to break into the house.
Knollwood Street residents have complained about strangers knocking on their doors and tapping on their windows at all hours to ask where the museum is. Residents also contended with noise, trash, public urination and discarded cigarette butts in their yards, and cars parked along the narrow street, causing a safety hazard by blocking access for emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire trucks.
“Throughout the years, we have received numerous complaints in the area about trespassing, parking and issues in the immediate neighborhood,” Police Chief Keith White said Monday. “Nothing has changed for the police department. We will still respond to every complaint and take appropriate action.”
While speaking with Castee and Rife’s representatives, First Selectman Terry Rooney said his main concern has been over the impact on the neighborhood and public safety. He said Rife and Castee have expressed a commitment to being respectful of their neighbors.
It is now in the hands of the Planning and Zoning Commission to hold a hearing for an application, review it and make a decision.
Castee lives in California, but the next time he is back in Monroe, he said he plans to walk along the street to meet his new neighbors and give them his contact information.
“I understand it has families, there are kids playing in front yards,” he said. “I want to do everything I can to not have an impact on their neighborhood and their home. Any concern anyone has thought of, we have already thought of it and how to negate it.”
Castee said he has already spoken with one neighbor and had dealt with a trespasser himself on one occasion.
“Props to Monroe police,” he said. “I found how quickly they respond — I think in under three minutes from phone call to arrival.”
Warding off trespassers
Castee said he and Rife will take steps to heighten security at the Warren house. This includes the installation of at least 1,000 linear feet of six-foot-high metal fencing around the perimeter of the property, with security cameras every 40 feet to eliminate any gaps in coverage.
A decorative fence will be installed in the front of the house with a powered gate and there will be a powered car gate to access the driveway, according to Castee.
“The goal is to make it so glaringly obvious that trespassing is not permitted, that people won’t even think about it,” Castee said. “‘Should we go?’ There already is no point. We want to make sure the home and artifacts are untouchable.”
Though the maximum capacity for people inside the house for an Airbnb is 10, according to Castee, he said they are planning to limit the number to eight people and might reduce that even further, to six.
“I also want to minimize our footprint in the neighborhood,” he said. “I don’t want anyone in the town or state to think we’re trying to cause a ruckus or havoc. I never would do anything without town clearance first.”
Castee said strict guidelines will be in place for the Airbnb.
“I own the house. I’m more deeply concerned than anyone,” he said. “Allowing people to book it online, it will explicitly state the rules: no partying, no candles, only registered guests so we know exactly who you are.”
When guests arrive, Castee said there will be no keypad entry. “Someone will greet you in person,” he said. “Then you have to sign another waiver release of physical and spiritual liability.”
At first, the artifacts will remain inside the former museum on the property, but guests will only be able to access that area with the guidance of someone acting as a “spiritual lifeguard,” according to Castee.
“If you violate any of these rules, without warning your overnight stay will be terminated,” he said.
Once the artifacts are removed from the house, Rife and Castee will have it taken down to the bare bones, so it will not be filled with things that could easily be stolen.
Castee said use the house as an Airbnb is already allowed with some minor upgrades for things such as parking.
If a commercial location for a museum is approved by the town, Castee said, “people who stay overnight at the house will get access to the museum.”
Cinnamon pancakes
Castee said he believes their proposed use of the Warren property will sharply reduce the number of trespassers. “A lot more peaceful neighborhood, to me it’s a win-win for everyone,” he said.
Rife and Castee look forward to establishing a positive relationship with the people of Monroe.
“I spent a lot of time in your town,” said Castee, who grew up in nearby Shelton. “I ate at all the restaurants, used the gas stations. We’re excited to be part of the community. We’re not just starting this as a business venture. People in Monroe and the county will be part of this. If there’s anything I can do, I’m all ears and willing to help.”
“Anyone in town who’s good at pickleball, please challenge me,” he added. “The winner could get pancakes at the diner. The cinnamon pancakes are real good.”
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I wish Matt and Elton the best of luck in their new purchase in Monroe. I truly believe they will do everything to keep the neighborhood as status quo. Good luck, Matt and Elton. Someday I’m going to meet both of you. Just don’t know when, where or how, but I’ve been working on it for 15 months since I first discovered Matt. Good luck.