Waverly Hills has been labeled, "The most haunted place in the world..." This may or may not be true, but did you also know that beyond it's spiritual activity, Waverly Hills is alive and well in the 21st century? This is due to the hard work and dedication of the owners, Charlie and Tina Mattingly, as well as that of the many selfless volunteers...
If you'd like to learn more about Waverly's history as the world's most advanced Tuberculosis clinic for it's time, visit our "History" page by clicking HERE...
We're proud of Waverly's owners, their hard work and accomplishments, as they have dedicated their lives to restoring Waverly's remaining structures. It's also important to appreciate and acknowledge the efforts and dedication of all the staff and volunteers. If you'd like to get to know the Waverly family better, visit our "Staff" page by clicking HERE...
Tuberculosis was a deadly epidemic that reached it's peak in the early to mid 1900s. The rapidly growing number of cases became so overwhelming that a place to house and treat those afflicted with this illness became essential. Waverly Hills Sanitorium was built in 1904 and housed approximately 100 patients. Within a couple of years, the original, over-crowded TB hospital gave way to the construction of the 50-plus patient facility that remains standing today.
Construction on Waverly Hills Sanitorium, as we know it, today, began in 1924. When it was completed in 1926, victims of the deadly Tuberculosis epidemic quickly filled it's rooms. The height of the epidemic paralled the Great Depression - a time when many found themselves out of work and struggling to survive. Waverly Hills was completely self-sufficient and self-contained. They grew their own food, produced their own meat, milk and eggs, and the needs of patients and staff were completely fulfilled from within. Because of this, anyone finding themselves at Waverly, battling to overcome tuberculosis, found themselves enjoying a standard of living that most people could only dream of during this period of America's history.
Waverly Hills Sanitorium was closed in 1961, only to be reopened in 1962 as Woodhaven Medical Center. Waverly functioned in this capacity until 1982, when it was finally closed for good. Since then, there have been several owners of the property. During the years after it's closing, Waverly was neglected, allowed to run down and vandalized. Finally, in 2000, the property was purchased for a minimum amount of money by Charlie and Tina Mattingly. The Mattinglys had ambitious plans for Waverly Hills and began working towards turning their dreams into reality immediatly - starting with making the building safe for occupation and use.
A lot of things have changed since the Mattinglys took ownership of Waverly Hills. Their goal is to someday turn the building into a haunted bed and breakfast - giving people the opportunity to not only experience the spiritual activity for themselves, but to experience it in a way that they won't soon forget...
With the creation and implementation of The Waverly Hills Historical Society, Inc., a non-profit organization, Charlie and Tina Mattingly, with the help of dozens of unpaid volunteers, continue to work toward restoring Waverly to it's original splendor. The project requires an enormous amount of hard work, dedication, personal sacrifice and - money... Every penny brought in by tours/investigations, the haunted house, other fund-raising efforts and donations, is applied toward the completion of this project. No one at Waverly, including Charlie and Tina and all of the volunteers, ever see any of the money. The Mattinglys are not wealthy people, philanthropists or heirs of any fortune. They are regular, down-to-earth, simple people with a dream. That dream is to revialize an historical landmark, once forgotten and neglected, and realize it's full potential.
Many people attempt to visit Waverly everyday - the WRONG way. They trespass. During the 1970s, '80s and '90s, "sneaking" up to Waverly Hills was almost a rite-of-passage for those of us growing up in Valley Station, Pleasure Ridge Park, Shively and surrounding areas at the time. Times change. It's no longer "cool" or "okay" to sneak up to Waverly. There are security caamaeras evrywhere and volunteers keeping constant watch for trespassers. With the help of the cameras, volunteers and the Louisville Metro Police Department, everyone continues to protect the building from trespassers, vandals and theives.
The best and only way to visit Waverly Hills is to book a tour. This must be done in advance by calling our reservation line 502-933-2142 and your tour/investigation must be paid in advance when scheduling your appointment. Be sure that the date/time you schedule is a reservation you'll be able to keep. Rescheduling requires two-weeks advance notice, alternate dates can not be guaranteed and there are absolutely NO REFUNDS. It's also important that you read, understand and follow all of Waverly's rules and regulations in order to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone. You will be asked to read and sign a waiver at the time of your visit.
Property of The Waverly Hills Historical Society. Nothing found on this website is to be copied/reproduced, distributed, exhibited or otherwise used for any reason without the express written consent of The Waverly Hills Historical Society and Charlie and Tina Mattiingly, Owners. Violators will be prosecuted.
