You probably saw the headlines or the TikTok clips. Comedian Matt Rife, the guy known for crowd work and a massive Netflix special, suddenly became the owner of the most haunted house in America. Or did he? The internet basically melted down in August 2025 when news broke that Rife and his frequent collaborator Elton Castee—the face of the "TFIL" and "Overnight" paranormal channels—had "purchased" the home and Occult Museum of the legendary Ed and Lorraine Warren.
People were understandably confused. How does a stand-up comic end up with a basement full of cursed dolls and demonic mirrors? It sounds like a bad horror movie plot. But the Matt Rife Warren House connection is actually more nuanced than just a real estate transaction. It’s a mix of legal guardianship, business strategy, and a genuine obsession with the things that go bump in the night.
Honestly, the details are weirder than the rumors.
What Actually Happened with the Warren House?
Let's clear up the "buying" part first. You can’t just go on Zillow and put a down payment on the Warren museum. It’s located in Monroe, Connecticut, and it hasn't been open to the public since 2019 due to zoning issues that the town of Monroe was pretty strict about.
In late 2025, Matt Rife and Elton Castee, through an LLC called Summit & Stone, stepped in to take over the property. But here is the catch: they don't "own" the artifacts in the way you own a TV. Tony Spera, the Warrens’ son-in-law and the head of the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), has been very vocal about this.
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- The House: Rife and Castee are the legal owners/caretakers of the physical property.
- The Artifacts: There are over 750 items, including the infamous Raggedy Ann doll, Annabelle.
- The Guardianship: They are the official "guardians" and "caretakers" for at least a five-year period.
Basically, they are the curators of a haunted legacy. They aren't selling Annabelle on eBay. They’re responsible for keeping the stuff contained and, supposedly, keeping the public safe from whatever is attached to those objects.
Why Matt Rife?
It seems like a left-field move for a guy whose career is built on making people laugh. But if you’ve followed Rife’s guest appearances on Elton Castee's channels over the last couple of years, it’s not that shocking. He’s a total horror nerd. He has repeatedly called The Conjuring his favorite movie franchise.
"I'm incredibly honored to have taken over one of the most prominent properties in paranormal history," Rife shared when the news went public. He wasn't joking. He’s spent nights in the "real" Conjuring House in Rhode Island and has been part of multi-night investigations that would make most people quit the industry.
The Investigation: Two Nights Alone with Annabelle
This wasn't just a business deal; it was content gold. Rife and the "Overnight" team filmed an extensive series at the house before they even announced the purchase. One particular video, titled "2 NIGHTS ALONE in WARREN MUSEUM," shows Rife going into the basement alone.
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It's raw. It's shaky.
During these sessions, the team claimed to capture "poltergeist activity" coming from the tunnel that connects the main house to the museum. They reported cameras being drained of battery instantly—a classic paranormal trope—and unexplainable footsteps. The most viral moment? A shot where it looks like the Annabelle doll slightly shifts her head.
Whether you believe in ghosts or you think it's clever editing, the engagement was massive. This is the new era of celebrity: blending traditional fame with niche, high-stakes hobbyism.
The Legal Drama and The Conjuring House
It hasn't been all ghost stories and fun, though. By early 2026, things got messy in court. Rife and Castee's LLC, Summit & Stone, became entangled in a lawsuit involving the other famous property—the Harrisville farmhouse that inspired the first Conjuring movie.
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The previous owner of that house, Jacqueline Nuñez, had some legal troubles, and there was a dispute over a foreclosure sale. Attorneys argued that Rife and Castee were "conspiring" to obtain the property through some legal maneuvering. It’s a complex web of mortgages, deeds, and "interested parties" that honestly feels more like a corporate thriller than a ghost story.
It shows that owning "haunted" history is a legal nightmare. You aren't just fighting demons; you're fighting zoning boards and disgruntled previous owners.
What's Next for the Warren House?
The ultimate goal for Rife and Castee isn't just to have a cool clubhouse. They want to reopen the Matt Rife Warren House (or the Warren Occult Museum) to the public in a way that satisfies the town's regulations.
- Overnight Stays: They have been prepping the house for brave (or crazy) fans to stay the night.
- Guided Tours: A chance to see the 750+ artifacts in a controlled environment.
- New Content: Expect a steady stream of high-production investigations.
They are trying to turn a shuttered museum into a global paranormal hub. It's a massive gamble. The Warrens were polarizing figures—some saw them as pioneers, others as "grifters." By attaching his name to this, Rife is stepping into that crossfire.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Skeptics
If you’re planning on following this saga or even visiting, keep a few things in mind:
- Check the Zoning: Don't just show up in Monroe. The museum has a history of being shut down because of traffic and neighborhood complaints. Always check HauntedWarrenHouse.com for official booking info before traveling.
- Respect the History: Whether you believe the doll is demonic or just cotton and thread, the Warren family treats this with extreme seriousness. If you go, don't be the person who tries to touch the glass.
- Watch the Context: To understand Rife's involvement, watch his earlier collaborations with the "Overnight" crew. It gives you a better sense of whether he’s doing this for a "bit" or if he’s actually terrified.
- Follow the Legal Case: The Rhode Island court dates in late January 2026 will determine if Rife and Castee expand their "haunted empire" to the actual Conjuring house or if they’re stuck with just the museum.
The transition of the Warren legacy from old-school demonologists to Gen Z/Millennial entertainers is a fascinating shift in pop culture. It's where Hollywood horror meets real-world real estate.