Visit House of Horrors (From Barry And District News)

Visit House of Horrors

A BARRY home is the spookiest place to be this Hallowe'en as it transforms itself into the house of horrors for one night only.

Game for a laugh local Carolyn Collard of Priory Gardens, has gone all out to get into the spirit of All Hallows Eve, and give local children the thrill of their lives.

With a little help from her family and friends, the forty-two-year old resident has turned her garage and garden into the creepiest place in town.

The building is festooned with black willowy drapes, hanging bats and weird and wonderful lights.

Outside, there is a ghoulish grave with a severed hand lying nearby.

The main character is Carolyn dressed all in black complete with long shiny fingernails and rice crispy warts.

She told the News: "It all started 10 years ago when we lived in Saudi. There were a lot of American children nearby, who really went to town for October 31. When we moved back to Barry six years ago, we kept up the tradition."

Carolyn says she gets strange gifts from friends and family. She added: "I came home from work one day to find a full sized broomstick on my settee with a note saying "I saw this and thought of you". I was flattered."

Over the years, the costumes and decorations have become more elaborate. Carolyn's sister Bev, 50, added: "Each time we see a good prop for Hallowe'en we buy it. The huge black spider guarding our cauldron of sweets came from Disneyland in Florida."

The grotto is not just for the family. Last year was their busiest yet. As the word spreads, Carolyn is visited by children from all over Barry. Her daughter Gemma, 18, said: "We made up 60 bags of sweets last year and ran out. We had to give out fruit. We hope we'll be a bit more prepared this time round."

The magical house appears and disappears in the same night. Carolyn added: "We make sure everything is packed away so when the kids come past in the morning, it's as if they imagined it all. Until next year."

n All are welcome to view the spectacular spooky house, just pop to 2 Priory Gardens today.