Tour the Money Pit Mansion too expensive to restore
Discover the secrets of this historic mansion
In the heart of Florida sits this impressive Neo-Classical mansion, known as the Money Pit Mansion. Having lain empty for decades, its various owners have been unable to restore it to its former glory due to high costs and substantial damage. Captured by photographer Leland Kent of Abandoned Southeast, step inside this historic home and uncover its fascinating history.
Once a grand home
The once-grand home was originally built by a Georgia native, who reportedly made his fortune through naval stores and lumber manufacturing at the turn of the 20th century in Florida. With the build completed in the early 1900s, the home took three years to construct and is still considered one of the most ornate mansions in the area with its Grecian-style pillars.
Love this? Step inside this abandoned millionaire's house
Standing strong
An architectural treasure, the enormous mansion survived World War II, unlike many of the grand early mansions that were built in Florida. The home has since been deserted and has fallen into a state of disrepair over the years.
Changing hands
The entire home was constructed using mahogany and was once a place of grandeur, but today sports crumbling ceilings and peeling plasterwork. Still an imposing entrance, the front door is flanked by intricate glasswork, while ornate covings line the ceilings. In a strange turn of events, the lumber tycoon who commissioned the home reportedly swapped properties with the vice president of the local bank as part of a house trade in 1924.
A crumbling staircase
The mansion was then sold in the 1940s and converted into a funeral parlour, before being turned into a meeting hall 20 years later, then finally apartments. The once-glamorous staircase is now crumbling, lined with safety tape instead of a banister, while the white paintwork has turned grey after years of neglect.
Love this? Take a look at these abandoned American homes you can buy
Faded grandeur
Once upon a time, ornate mahogany columns greeted guests in the hallway, along with elaborate plasterwork on the ceiling. However, all that remains now is tired paintwork and leftover doors and panels from numerous failed renovation attempts over the years.
A state of disrepair
In 1990, the home fell into foreclosure and was then listed on the real estate market. However, without a buyer, the historic house was sadly destined for demolition. So, why is it still standing today?
A second chance
The house is said to have been saved from its imminent doom by a local couple who offered the bank $88,000 (£67k). With extensive termite damage to the wooden frame, it was in need of some serious work, at an estimated cost of over $220,000 (£167k).
Hidden treasures
Today, the house remains largely empty apart, with the exception of abandoned renovation materials and this Civil War-era Charles M Steiff grand piano, which is estimated to be worth in the region of $28,000 (£21k) today. Located in the downstairs parlour room, the luxurious instrument sits among damp, peeling walls and dirty, worn floorboards.
Love this? Take a look at the mysterious abandoned mansion rumoured to be built on gold
Hopes for restoration
The couple hoped that within five years, the mansion would open to the public as a historic library or a wedding venue. However, donations to the restoration efforts dwindled over time and purported health issues forced them to let the house sit idle. Despite signs of damage, the ground floor has faired well over the years, and the light-filled sitting room still wows with stunning sash windows and archways.
Unique features
It's still clear to see that the Money Pit Mansion is full of beautiful period features just begging to be restored. The dramatic staircase would have once been a prominent feature, leading upstairs to the first floor and beyond to the attic space at the top of the property.
Heading upstairs
According to Leland Kent of Abandoned Southeast, the city took over the restoration project, establishing a nonprofit in 1995 to secure grants to fund the work. Even from the sparse landing, it's clear to see how the home's intricate craftsmanship would really shine following an extensive renovation.
Down to the bare bones
Despite being stripped of its features, the bare bones of the upstairs landing still have promise. What was once a grand spacious hallway leading off to an array of elegant bedrooms has been reduced to an empty, haunting space with an unfinished ceiling and debris scattered on the floor.
Love this? Step inside this abandoned old house untouched for 40 years
Hidden heights
At 11,000 square feet, the huge home features a vast attic, which would have provided plenty of space for the original owner, the Georgia lumber tycoon, and his large family. With intricate beams and plenty of original woodwork, the vaulted room is nothing short of spectacular.
What could it have been?
With few hints, we can only wonder what the space would have been used for. But with plenty of light and square footage, it could have been a spare bedroom or even a playroom for children. However, today it's scattered with building materials with little sign of its former life.
Raising funds
According to Leland Kent of Abandoned Southeast, a new board was created in 2005 to replace the nonprofit organisation set up by the city authority. However, in the midst of the 2008 recession, no grants were made available by the state, freezing the project in its tracks. It looks unlikely that this vintage electrical system will be up and running anytime soon.
Left to languor
Now, almost twenty-five years since the restoration efforts began, the palatial mansion still sits empty, having failed to secure funds to restore it to its former glory. Left to the elements, we wonder what the future holds for this forlorn property...
Love this? Take a tour of the abandoned outlaw house with an FBI connection