BURRILLVILLE – After nearly five years of bringing ghost tourism to town with investigations and overnight stays for the paranormal curious, Burrillville’s most notorious “haunted,” farmhouse is closed for business.
Police issued citations to management at the Conjuring House on Friday, Dec. 6, effectively shutting down the business despite recent public statements by owner Jacqueline Nuñez that bookings would continue. The entertainment license for the business expired on Saturday, Nov. 30 after members of the Town Council withheld approval from a renewal application submitted by Nuñez that included bizarre seven-page essay and defiant statements directed toward Town Manager Michael Wood and Police Chief Col. Stephen Lynch.
The inspiration behind the 2013 hit horror film The Conjuring, the 300-year-old farmhouse first opened for business in 2020 under ownership of Cory and Jennifer Heinzen of Maine. In the years that followed, the house attracted visitors from across the globe including a variety of paranormal celebrities, with publicity on the unique attraction appearing everywhere from The Washington Post to People magazine.
Nunez, a Boston-based real estate developer, purchased the house and accompanying 8.5 acre property in 2022 for $1.52 million. On weekends in 2024, Nuñez offered overnight stays at a rate of $1,280 a night for up to eight people.
While neighbors in the once quiet Round Top Round neighborhood have at times spoken against the commercial operation, police reported few incidents under the house’s original management. But 2024 has brought a slew of troubles for owner Nuñez, from disputes with staff and issues with insurance to her arrest for alleged drunk driving in October.
On Friday, Burrillville police reportedly went to the house after visitors from Maryland flagged down Lt. Ryan Hughes and asked for directions to the business.
“They further advised that they had reservations to stay the night at the Conjuring House,” said Lynch.
Nuñez was not present at the time, but officers spoke to general manager Paige Thibodeau, 25, of Burrillville, who reportedly told police she was aware of the status of the license.
“Thibodeau confirmed that paying guests were expected at this location right through the weekend and Monday,” Lynch said.
Hughes issued a citation to Thibodeau for operating without a business license and also ticketed Nuñez – via mail and citation left at the house – for the Friday incident, and also for another incident of conducting business on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Lynch said the citations carry potential penalties of $500 for each date and both parties have been ordered to appear in Burrillville Municipal Court on Monday, Dec. 16.
Lynch said that Burrillville officers have maintained checks for activity at the house following the December 6 incident and that patrons were being turned away by staff on Sunday and Monday.
The house, a busy attraction in Burrillville for several years now has “no activity at all.” and is “in almost complete darkness,” Lynch said.
