When you paint brick, you will have to keep painting it. If you live in a climate with drastic temperature changes, that would be every 3-5 years if you are lucky.

I would let the weather wear the distressed paint off, (it takes many years though) or sand blast it off. Then add exterior lighting to highlight low.

What makes a house creepy looking often is the vegetation around it. Keep it simple and well pruned. Lighting will do wonders.