An urban explorer has uncovered a forgotten luxury mansion, valued at an estimated £1.4 million, lying abandoned and decaying deep within woodland in Gloucester.
The startling discovery in the woods
Sean Piper, an urban explorer from Kent, made the remarkable find during one of his expeditions. He ventured into the woods searching for the rumoured property and was left baffled when he discovered it was not only real but had been completely deserted for years. Gaining entry through an unlocked window, Sean was met with a scene of halted opulence.
The sprawling estate, which last changed hands in 1998, boasts features that speak of significant wealth. Inside, Sean found a grand kitchen with high ceilings, chandeliers, and a dedicated games room. Outside, the grounds include an extensive garden, a swimming pool, mazes, sculptures, and water fountains.
A mansion frozen in time
Despite its obvious former glory, every space within the mansion is now shrouded in a thick layer of dust. Sean noted clear signs that renovation work had begun but was abruptly stopped long ago. "The house was lovely inside," he explained. "[It looked as though] works had started but stopped suddenly."
He observed scaffolding scars and details like stripped wallpaper and lifted floorboards that were never replaced. "Its corridors echo with halted ambition," Sean remarked, painting a picture of a property caught in limbo. The discovery of clothing and a towel draped over a chair even suggests the possibility that someone may have been squatting there recently.
The enduring mystery of abandonment
The central question captivating both Sean and his 14,200 Instagram followers is why such a valuable property was ever abandoned. After sharing photos that garnered over 700 likes, the online audience was equally intrigued by the mystery.
Sean has developed his own theory: "Perhaps they ran out of money and moved away. Shame to see such a nice home neglected." He describes the mansion as "too historic to demolish, too costly to restore, and too forgotten to protect."
Fascinated by the enigma and the impressive, overgrown gardens, Sean is already considering a return visit. "I'd happily see this house again and walk around the gardens," he concluded, leaving the story of this £1.4 million Gloucester mansion still waiting for its final chapter to be written.