Barnsley Resort near Adairsville, Ga., is perfect for people who like to ride, shoot or golf. The 3,000-acre resort has beautiful lodging and is known for its outdoor activities. But did you know it was built around the spooky abandoned mansion? Yep. How cool is that?

First, let’s discuss the lodging: The resort includes a beautiful lodge with rooms that can be booked here. In addition, the grounds are dotted with numerous cabins and homes to rent for short-term stays. Check out the deals on TripAdvisor.com.

History buffs, take note: The brick ruins are what’s left of the 1848 manor house, initially called Woodlands and later Barnsley Gardens. It was built by Godfrey Barnsley for his wife, Julia, who died before its completion. Barnsley came to America from Liverpool in 1824 and quickly became one of the wealthiest men in the South with his shipping business and cotton trade. He bought 4,000 acres in Bartow County, Georgia, near Adairsville, with the plan to build a mansion for his beloved wife, Julia. She died in 1845 of a lung ailment, according to the Barnsley Resort website. In 1846, “Barnsley returns to the estate. While there, he dreams of Julia visiting him in the formal garden. In the dream, she instructs him to finish the estate for their children and future generations,” the timeline said.

The Italianate-style home featured indoor plumbing and French and Italian marble.

The home was damaged by the occupation by Union troops during the Civil War and again in a 1906 tornado. But descendants of Barnsley lived in the home until 1942, after which it fell into disrepair. In 1988 the estate was purchased by Prince Hubertus Fugger of Bavaria. He expanded the garden to include 200 varieties of roses and preserved the remaining brick walls, all that was left of the manor. It became a resort in 1999.

A kitchen next to the manor still stands and serves as a museum filled with artifacts from the Barnsley family. Supposedly, Godfrey and Julia haunt the ruins and grounds to this day.

Each year, the resort decorates the ruins – including the exterior, interior walls and remaining fireplace mantles – for Christmas. Anyone can tour the site, even those who aren’t staying at the resort. There is a fee for non-guests to tour.

If you go, be sure to eat of one of the resort’s three eateries: Woodlands Grill, Beer Garden or Rice House. There are also gift shops in the lodge. Be sure to check before going for business hours.