By james art Nestled at 527 Durham Drive, David and Andrea Phair’s residence transforms into a haunted masterpiece every October, drawing crowds from across the city and beyond.
What started as a small Halloween display in their yard years ago has grown into an immersive experience that spans the entire house, showcasing the Phairs’ passion for Halloween. David fondly recalls the origins: “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 has become huge.’
The trip was a labor 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,” says David proudly. “I’ll build a support and she’ll work her magic around it. He even wanted a six-foot gargoyle once.”
Andrea saw a massive gargoyle for sale—a $3,000 prop with a six-foot wingspan. “She fell in love with it,” David recalls with a laugh, “but there was no way I was going to buy that for her. So we decided to make one ourselves.” The pair 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 that it would move by itself when people walked by,” he explains. “I wanted to feel alive.” Today, the towering gargoyle stands as the centerpiece of the Durham Asylum’s lawn, captivating visitors with its sheer size and realism.
The couple’s dedication to their Halloween venture is evident in every corner of their home. “We wanted it to be more than just a haunted house – it’s a community experience,” says David. Visitors don’t just walk through a ghostly setting; they step into a world of carefully designed rooms, each telling its own sinister story. There’s a doll room that stops people in their tracks, and even a custom casket that Andrea dared David to build, which became a crowd favorite.
The Phairs’ home has become a Halloween pilgrimage for many in Sarnia. This year alone they had between 2,000 and 3,000 visitors – some coming from out of town and many returning year after year. For David and Andrea, the support of the community and the joy on the faces of visitors is what keeps them going. “Every year people come back,” says David, 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 for the future and hope to see their Halloween tradition become an even bigger part of the community. Their biggest dream? To take the haunted creation beyond their home, maybe even set up shop in a busy tourist town. But for now, they’re content to share their home with Sarnia every Halloween, opening their doors to the brave and curious.
Special thanks from David and Andrea Fair:
“Durham Shelter would not be what it is without the dedication and support of our amazing volunteers and community partners. Our deepest thanks go to Nathan Graham, who brings Twisty to life every year, along with his son Carter Graham, both with us since 2022, and Danica Zink, who joined in 2023. They are inseparable part of Asylum, helping us make every experience unforgettable. We would 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 home running smoothly. Together they help us bring Durham Asylum to life for our community every Halloween.“
For more information on Durham Asylum visit their Facebook page. There will be custom stickers for sale on site, created by Mackenzie Phair for $1, with all proceeds going to support the Inn of the Good Shepherd. The residence is also a location for non-perishable food donations for the inn leading up to Halloween.