Once a grand family home, this mysterious property in America's Deep South has stood vacant for some 40 years. Untouched for decades, it offers a fascinating snapshot of domestic life back in the 1980s. Captured by photographer Leland Kent of Abandoned Southeast, let's step inside and uncover the secrets of this enigmatic home’s past life.
Encircled by an overgrown garden, a name tied to the property was discovered in the local graveyard, having passed away in the early 1980s. With no one to take the house under their wing, it seems to have descended into disrepair. Even in its current state, it's hard not to admire this tumbledown treasure, from the picture-perfect shuttered windows to the ornate moulding framing the roof.
Stepping over the threshold, dog-eared floral wallpaper lines the walls, an elegant chandelier hangs from the ceiling and dusty Persian-style rugs lie underfoot. Back in its heyday, this regal space would have offered guests an imposing welcome, but time has since taken its toll on the forlorn hallway.
Despite being left unoccupied for more than four decades, the time warp property retains many of its original features. Intricately carved metalwork screens partition off the long foyer, while elegant cut-glass light fixtures hint at the home's glamorous heyday. According to locals, the property may once have been a boarding school for local children – if this is the case, no traces of this former life remain.
Decades ago, we can just imagine this elegant sitting room hosting guests and family gatherings. With decorative wallpaper, statement curtains and a regal armchair, this space was once dressed to impress. Now debris litters the floor and the wallpaper is peeling at the edges – we wonder why no one came to rescue this faded southern belle?
The brick hearth and antique piano offer windows to the past, while the room's golden swagged pelmets are straight from the 70s. These flamboyant window dressings would have been the height of sophistication back in their day. Even in its current state, this old-fashioned living room is a vintage lover's dream.
Judging from the internal windows, this living space may have been a later addition to the property, perhaps made in the 60s or 70s. Framed by a white vaulted ceiling, the wood-panelled walls are a mid-century hangover, while the dark brown colour palette was especially popular in the 1970s.
While some corners of the house are in a reasonable condition, it's clear that others are in serious need of attention. In this reception space, the wooden ceiling boards are hanging loose and plaster has fallen away from the walls, leaving the structural frame exposed. Requiring more than just a quick makeover, this historic home is in desperate need of remedial work.
In a far better state of repair, this snug room would've once been a cosy space to curl up with a book. The curved bookcase and modular blue sofa are designs typical of the 80s, however, judging from the dusty floorboards and faded furnishings, no one has kicked back here with a good novel for quite some time.
Amongst the most haunting aspects of this abandoned building are the personal effects that still adorn its surfaces and shelves. From intimate family portraits coated in layers of dust to quirky antique trinkets that were once prized possessions, these items remain unmoved, some 40 years after they were proudly put on display.
In this spacious bedroom, an old suitcase has been hastily discarded on the floor, as though someone was in a rush to leave. A throw is still draped over the bed, which features an ornate rattan headboard, while the curtains are neatly tied open. However, signs of damp and decay are also evident in this room, with years of neglect compromising the structure.
Moving through the house, the decades of abandonment have clearly taken their toll. Here, the home's wooden frame is laid bare and the ceiling is bowed in places, while large cracks run through the plasterwork. Nevertheless, there are still treasures to be found amongst the debris, from the old-fashioned telephone bench by the window to the antique clock on the mantel.
An array of festive decorations are found peppered around the house, untouched for 40 years – this small faux tree is still decorated with glittering baubles and plastic string beads, no doubt carefully arranged by the previous owner.
Cherished family portraits and black and white photographs are scattered across shelves and tables throughout the house, offering a window to the past and an insight into what appears to be a tight-knit family. We can't help but wonder what became of these faded faces...
This amazing old-fashioned bathroom is one of the home's most unusual spaces. From the loud patterned wallpaper to the vibrant red carpet, it's no shrinking violet. Decked out with ornate light fittings and sconces, it appears to have doubled-up as a dressing room for the home's last occupant too, judging from the clothes rail.
From the outside, it's clear to see that parts of the home's roof are buckling, while shattered windows have left the interior exposed to the elements. We can just imagine the garden back in the property's heyday, with the manicured lawn carefully maintained and chairs set out on the flagged terrace.
To the rear of the garden, there's an old outbuilding clad in the same quaint blue cladding as the main house, perhaps once used as a workshop or storage space. Unfortunately, it too looks to have been ravaged by time. Any semblance of a path across the lawn has long since been grown over.
While it may be losing the fight with Mother Nature, this enchanting abandoned house is far from a lost cause. Taken in hand and given a sensitive overhaul, it could make a magnificent family home once more. Let's hope this enigmatic property isn't left to languish for too much longer...
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