A couple of decades before I was born, a 1kmX1km plot of land in my village was expropriated and re-zoned as a conservation area. Within that area, there was a woollen mill and about 20-30 cottages.
The house I grew up in, fortunately, backed on to that conservation area.
Looking at these photos reminds me of being a 8+ year old and roaming around the "cons" exploring the abandoned cottages and the mill. (The mill burned down, so only stone walls left).
Yes, I can remember being drawn to these places when I was young. Perhaps it's in the blood?
Seeing as I was a geek by nature. When I was 14 or 15, I took a remote controlled plane servo and connected it to a battery powered lamp. And set it in one of the cottages that I knew would be in view later.
That night there was going to be a bush party.
I attended the party, and at the right moment, I slowly brightened and dimmed the lamp a number of times. (using the model plane controller) Making sure to point out that "I don't think there's supposed to be any power in that cottage, how can there be a light?"
Later that evening, I snuck over and got the lamp and my servo back without being noticed.
The stories of that cottage being "haunted" have only blossomed over the years. The structure is completely gone now though. I'm not sure whether some kids tore it down or whether the authorities did.