La Maison Blanche owner John Sieni and his partner [and “haunt master”] Oscar Gonzalez are out to terrify Hamptonites and Shelter Island visitors, with the second scary season of their “Dark Mansion!” The un-scary part of their concept is that the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society in memory of Teresa Montant, a former town worker who lost her battle against breast cancer in October 2011. [A small amount is kept to reinvest in the expansion of the haunted house.]

Gonzalez has spent much of the past year doubling the size of the Dark Mansion. Beginning in the creepy cobwebbed basement of La Maison Blanche, and traveling outside into the darkness! Doc and I decided to jump on the ferry to Shelter Island for a dinner date and Hamptons haunting last Saturday night….and yes~ I was SCARED!

With shrieking sounds, strobe lights, wandering zombies, ghouls, goblins, and about a dozen volunteers lurking in the corners of the Dark Mansion, get ready to grab on to your date for dear life! Doc pretended that he wasn’t scared, but I know he was. Me? Well~ my embarrassing screams on the video are all too real.  [not convinced? Play my video above!].

A sign out front warns, “Parents are advised not to bring children under the age of 13 and warns those with asthma, heart conditions or seizure disorders not to enter.”

The Dark Mansion will be open between 7 and 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, October 19, 20 and 21 and October 26, 27 and 28.

La Maison Blanche is located near the famous Crescent Beach at the following address:
11 Stearns Point Road
Shelter Island Heights
Phone: 631-749-1633; E-mail: info@maisonblanchehotel.com