The American Mr. Otis, being enlightened as he is, absolutely does not believe in ghosts and buys a castle in Scotland for himself and his family. It should be romantic to move from the New World to Old Europe! The family is warned before the purchase: the Canterville Castle is said to be haunted. As predicted, it happens - but the whole family experiences the ghost's appearances as an extremely exciting adventure and warmly welcomes the unusual "housemate" of Canterville.