While some people are drawn to abandoned dwellings for a variety of reasons, the evidence of human life on this planet is upsetting. It is not uncommon to see these once-beautiful constructions crumble. Frequently, all that is left is a sad expression of disappointment painted over the facades that have been left behind.
Abandoned houses are one of the few tangible reminders of the magnitude of life. Whether it’s homeownership, human connection, or societal ideals, the homes we build—and then abandon—say a lot about who we are as a people. Flowers, shrubs, and weeds have taken over these abandoned structures. They are stocked with books, decorations, and toys for children. They may have been neglected and broken down, but they still have life inside them.
In some cases, abandoned houses provide a breathtaking glimpse into the past. The beauty of decay is revealed in these dark spaces. Have you ever fallen in love with an abandoned house? Have you ever wanted to rescue and renovate these once-beautiful homes? Don’t worry; you’re not alone; I’ve been there.
You’ll find a visual tour of some of the most incredible abandoned buildings in the world inside this post, even if I have no idea where that house is (or if it still exists). These decaying houses may inspire you, frighten you, or make you feel nostalgic sadness for something that was once loved.
But there is beauty beneath the ruins and devastation. Some structures have withstood the test of time, while others are mere relics of once-great structures.
And, while some may appear haunted now, they are not always. The abandoned houses you come across along forgotten rural roads aren’t always haunted.
The owners did not flee their homes, never to return, because of things that went bump in the night.
Some people simply moved away, while others were forced to leave. Some people lost their homes due to financial difficulties, while others were caught up in a protracted legal battle. When the matter was finally resolved, the structures were no longer habitable.
Unfortunately, abandoned homes are not always alone; entire neighborhoods, cities, or states may end up with a higher-than-normal number of abandoned houses simply because the economic foundation in those areas has crumbled.
In the United States alone, there are over 6 million abandoned properties. Some have been abandoned for decades, while others have only recently been abandoned. Some abandoned buildings are inhabited despite the fact that they are nothing more than a collection of old nails and rotting timbers.
Most, however, have been left alone to crumble into the camera lenses. These abandoned houses appear to be inviting. It’s almost as if they’re silently begging people to come back and live there, or at the very least investigate their existence and the causes of their decay. But it’s unlikely that any of these abandoned houses will ever be inhabited again.
Some abandoned structures have a mysterious past that hints at the hopes and dreams that once surrounded them. However, in almost every case, these were once residences.
Check out this one-of-a-kind collection of abandoned houses…
Sometimes there is a history behind the abandonment, but more often than not, these once fine and noble homes are abandoned for reasons we will never know or understand, and perhaps that is part of the mystery that draws us in.
Part of my fascination with abandoned houses stems from my love of horror films. I enjoy ghost stories, and many of them take place in the most beautiful homes. I suppose it makes sense; a house has to be old and interesting enough to have had ghosts for a long time (Poltergeist notwithstanding).
However, a house does not have to be haunted to be abandoned. Some are simply too costly to maintain and eventually fall into disrepair. Once a house has reached a certain point, the cost of restoring it to its former glory far outweighs the benefits.
You can see what could have been beautiful interior architecture deteriorating for unknown reasons.