Nestled at 527 Durham Drive, David and Andrea Phair's residence transforms into a spooky masterpiece every October, drawing crowds from across the city and beyond.
What began as a small Halloween display in their yard years ago has evolved into an immersive experience that spans the entire house, showcasing the Phairs' passion for Halloween. David recalls the origins fondly: "We started with just a few props outside—a fog machine, red lights, and a couple of skeletons in a classic car. Over the years, it’s grown huge."
The journey has been a labour of love. David, a master builder and creative at heart, often constructs custom props and animatronics, while Andrea brings her vision to life by crafting the details that make each room hauntingly real. Together, they create an atmosphere that delights and terrifies, captivating children and adults alike. "Andrea is the visionary," David shares proudly. "I’ll build a prop, and she’ll work her magic around it. She even wanted a six-foot gargoyle once."
Andrea saw a massive gargoyle for sale—a $3,000 prop with a wingspan of over six feet. "She fell in love with it," David recalls with a laugh, "but there was no way I was buying that for her. So, we decided to make one ourselves." The couple spent six months animating their gargoyle concept, meticulously crafting its structure to reach nearly eight feet tall when elevated on a platform. David even tackled complex mechanics to make the wings move. "I had to learn how to code and use PLC controllers so it would move on its own when people walked by," he explains. "I wanted it to feel alive." Today, the towering gargoyle stands as a centrepiece on the Durham Asylum lawn, captivating visitors with its sheer size and realism.
The couple’s commitment to their Halloween venture is evident in every corner of their home. "We wanted this to be more than just a haunted house—it’s a community experience," says David. Visitors don’t just walk through a spooky setup; they step into a world with carefully designed rooms, each telling its own eerie story. There’s a doll room that stops people in their tracks, and even a custom coffin that Andrea dared David to build, which became a crowd favourite.
The Phairs' home has become a Halloween pilgrimage for many in Sarnia. This year alone, they’ve had between 2,000 and 3,000 visitors—some coming from out of town, and many returning year after year. For David and Andrea, it’s the community’s support and the joy on visitors’ faces that keep them going. "We have people come back every single year," David says, reflecting on the regulars who stop by with a sense of nostalgia. "They come in, see what we’ve added, and tell us they’ve been coming since we started."
As Durham Asylum continues to grow, David and Andrea are excited about the future and hope to see their Halloween tradition become an even bigger part of the community. Their ultimate dream? To one day take their haunted creation beyond their home, perhaps even setting up shop in a bustling tourist town. But for now, they’re content sharing their home with Sarnia each Halloween, opening their doors to the brave and curious.
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A Special Thanks from David and Andrea Phair:
"Durham Asylum wouldn’t be what it is without the dedication and support of our incredible volunteers and community partners. Our deepest thanks go to Nathan Graham, who brings 'Twisty' to life each year, alongside his son Carter Graham, both of whom have been with us since 2022, and Danika Zink, who joined in 2023. They are integral to the Asylum, helping us make each experience unforgettable. We’d also like to thank TWD Technologies, David's employer, as well as Ackwood Auto Parts, Sarnia Scare Grams, and Mark’s Comfort Tech for their support in keeping our haunt running smoothly. Together, they help us bring Durham Asylum to life for our community every Halloween."
For more information on the Durham Asylum, visit their Facebook page. On site there will be custom stickers for sale created by Mackenzie Phair for $1, and all funds go to support the Inn of the Good Shepherd. The residence is also a drop off for non-perishable food donations to the Inn until Halloween.