Ashmore Estates
Robbin Terry
Robbin Terry is the owner and driving force behind Ashmore Estates, one of the Midwest’s most prominent haunted locations. A lifelong resident of Illinois and a retired fire chief, Robbin brings a unique blend of discipline, leadership, and deep-rooted passion for historic preservation to the paranormal field. In 2014, he purchased the decaying Ashmore Estates and began an ambitious restoration effort to save the structure from ruin.
Under Robbin’s stewardship, Ashmore Estates has transformed from a condemned former poor farm and psychiatric facility into a nationally recognized destination for ghost hunters, history lovers, and supernatural tourism enthusiasts. He has poured thousands of hours—and his heart—into restoring the building while honoring the stories of those who once lived and suffered within its walls.
Beyond Ashmore, Robbin is a respected voice in the paranormal community. He is known for his collaborative spirit, support of charitable causes, and generous mentorship of other historic haunted property owners. He frequently speaks at conferences, appears on paranormal programs, and advocates for the ethical preservation and investigation of haunted spaces.
Robbin’s vision continues to inspire, making Ashmore Estates not just a haunted location—but a beacon for responsible paranormal exploration and historical remembrance.
Ashmore Estates– Ashmore, Illinois
Nestled in the rural heartland of Illinois, Ashmore Estates is a striking brick building with a dark and complex past. Originally constructed in 1916 as part of the Coles County Poor Farm system, the property served as a refuge for the indigent, mentally ill, and elderly who had nowhere else to go. In 1959, it was repurposed as a private psychiatric facility, operating until 1987 amid changing mental health laws and mounting scrutiny.
The grim legacy of hardship, isolation, and loss left an indelible mark, and today Ashmore Estates is widely regarded as one of the most haunted locations in the Midwest. Paranormal investigators, historians, and thrill-seekers are drawn to its decaying halls, where unexplained voices, shadow figures, disembodied footsteps, and intense emotional energy have been reported. Its notoriety has landed it on several paranormal television programs, making it a staple in America’s supernatural landscape.
Now privately owned and preserved as a historical and paranormal destination, Ashmore Estates offers guided tours, overnight investigations, and special events. It stands as both a reminder of America’s social history and a living museum of the mysterious—where the stories of the forgotten may still echo through the night.
