NATCHEZ — Sixty miles south of Natchez is a house with singing children, a stomping grounds keeper and an earring stealing slave, all who happen to be dead.

The Myrtles, in St. Francisville is widely considered one of the most haunted places in America, said Hester Eby, director of tours. National Geographic agreed and recently put the house on its must stay list, which consists of 150 destinations throughout North America.

“We picked up the reputation in the early 1800s of being haunted and that reputation has continued for many years,” Eby said.

The house has historical tours every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and murder, mystery tours Friday and Saturday nights at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Private and group tours are also available.

The murder, mystery tours highlight the ghostly past of the house, including 10 murders, seven of which were violent, Eby said.

“These people are seen quite often and also heard,” Eby said.

One of the ghosts most commonly seen is Chloe, a slave from the early 19th century.

Chloe was caught eavesdropping on family business and the owner of the house was so upset that he cut off her left earlobe. In revenge, she poisoned the family, including the children.

“Some guests say that when they see Chloe she is a blue shroud from the neck down and from the neck up she’s a black woman with a large earring in her right ear and the left ear is gone,” Eby said. “She sometimes takes the guests’ earrings, but only one because she only needs one.”

People have also seen the children that Chloe poisoned playing in the yard and have heard the footsteps of the ghostly groundskeeper.

Despite all the sightings, guests are not guaranteed to see a ghost.

“We have narrowed it down that they’re attracted to certain people more than others,” Eby said.

For those brave enough to stay the night, the house also serves as a bed and breakfast.

“A lot of our overnight guest stay up and look for something to happen,” Eby said. “Most often they come for the experience and they do come back again.”

However, the house is not all ghosts and ghouls Eby said. They also have a very good restaurant, Varnedoe’s Carriage House restaurant, where guests can get a meal with their tour.

“Our chef, the owner, Scott Varnedoe has won so many awards,” including the Natchez Cook-off, Eby said.

There is a lunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and dinner is served from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The dinner is a very formal event, Eby said.

Reservations should be made for the mystery tours and the restaurant. Walk-ins are welcome for the day tours, but reservations should be made for groups of 25 or more.

Mystery tours are $10 per person and day tours are $8 per person and $4 for children under 12.

More information can be found at www.myrtlesplantation.com or by calling 1-800-809-0565.