I Photographed Inside An Abandoned Artist’s House In The Countryside Of France With Everything Left Behind (22 Pics)
While exploring the countryside of France, I came across many abandoned chateaus and houses. This several hundred-year-old manor once belonged to a famous artist and collector. With no known alive relatives, the contents of the house have sat for over a decade, untouched. Have a look inside.
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The exterior
Urban exploration, as it is popularly known, has become increasingly visible on social media. A number of individuals venture into it with the sole intention of gaining fame or amassing views through YouTube videos. My approach, however, is distinct. I view my explorations as an art form, something I love to do and share with others, and the appreciation I receive is a pleasant bonus.
The living room
That being said, urban exploration is not without its challenges. There’s often a need to navigate barriers such as sealed entrances, occasionally put up by locals or even fellow explorers who wish to maintain exclusivity, despite not having the authority to do so. I respect these barriers; if a place is completely closed off, I consider it out of bounds.
The process of exploration involves meticulous planning and navigation. Once a location is identified, it involves figuring out how to get there, checking if the place is accessible, and identifying the most suitable entry point. This can sometimes mean reaching out to the former owner of the property. The journey is rarely straightforward, often involving lengthy treks through fields or forests.
Essential tools of the trade extend beyond camera equipment such as a tripod. Protection against airborne particles, especially dust and asbestos, is crucial, hence the need for a mask. Staying hydrated is key, hence carrying water is non-negotiable. A flashlight is important for poorly lit areas, and it’s always wise to carry bandaids or similar supplies to tend to potential injuries.
Contrary to popular belief, urban exploration is not a risk-free hobby that anyone can undertake. It’s a risky venture that requires extensive research and planning. Locations that were accessible a few days ago may now be off-limits. And just because a place is deserted, it doesn’t mean it’s up for grabs!
The kitchen
One of my most harrowing experiences involved a castle in France. At the time, an irate neighbor, who happened to have a key to the castle, chased me around the property with a lead pipe. The castle may or may not be the one in the story mentioned.
Through these explorations, I’ve gleaned some profound insights. I’ve realized that we leave this earth empty-handed, and that what we prized, including properties, can often be neglected by those we bequeath it to. I’ve come to appreciate history and the familial narratives, some heartbreaking, that unfolded in these deserted places. Each exploration is an opportunity to journey into the past.
A bedroom
The library
Clothes downstairs
Artist’s studio
A detail on the sewing machine
Another bedroom
Main staircase
Master bathroom
A bathroom cabinet
The study
An upstairs room
Another upstairs bedroom
The second bedroom upstairs
A Bed with a doll
21Kviews
Share on FacebookHonestly this isn't believable. First: "I stumbled upon an abandoned artist's house" how do you know who owned the house? How do you know it's abandoned? How did you even get in? Second: Everything just looks too arranged. There's also a wheelchair in the living room. Idk about you, but I wouldn't leave THAT behind when leaving a house.
Even in old asylums, the photographer will pose chairs in certain ways and make up stories through the scenes. Nothing wrong with it--visual storytelling--but it is a cheap tactic when you begin to spot it.
I really do appreciate AUTHENTIC situations like this OP is trying to mimic. I DO NOT appreciate staged -- uneven dust among other obvious clues -- attempts to portray the authentic. It diminishes the work or true artistic photographers making a statement with their work.
On his instagram, he repeatedly denies staging anything, but there is at least one video that shows objects in different places than they are in the final photograph. The staging is unnatural, obvious, and off-putting.
You all crack me up, I literally shoot the places as I find them.
Load More Replies...This house was explored by a YouTuber. That's how I fell in love with this house. It's not staged and the YouTuber said there was a actual famous artist who lived there. The family didn't really want anything to do with the house after their parent ( the artist I believe) passed away. So they just left everything. Things have been moved around because in the library the fitness bike was in another room in the video. I would like to know who the artist was. But I just love the artsy vibe from the house. It makes me feel at home. ☺️
Beautiful photos, where about in France. A little spooky but very dramatic atmosphere. Good work.
Staged or not I enjoyed the pictures. it gives a glimmer to what was. Opens a curiosity of what the story was. Abandoned in a rush is usually because of a formal eviction -24 hrs. I'm guessing from the medical supplies they went to an assisted living place and the heirs don't want to live in it. What do you think happened?
If there was no family, what's up with the kids toys in the different rooms?
Something seems...off. No known relatives...but, there are several children's bedrooms, indicating this person had a family. Where's the kids? Why didn't one of the children inherit the house?
Maybe the children didn't want or couldn't afford to keep it,
Load More Replies...If this house is abandoned it's truly a crime no one is squatting in it. So many people without homes.
Honestly this isn't believable. First: "I stumbled upon an abandoned artist's house" how do you know who owned the house? How do you know it's abandoned? How did you even get in? Second: Everything just looks too arranged. There's also a wheelchair in the living room. Idk about you, but I wouldn't leave THAT behind when leaving a house.
Even in old asylums, the photographer will pose chairs in certain ways and make up stories through the scenes. Nothing wrong with it--visual storytelling--but it is a cheap tactic when you begin to spot it.
I really do appreciate AUTHENTIC situations like this OP is trying to mimic. I DO NOT appreciate staged -- uneven dust among other obvious clues -- attempts to portray the authentic. It diminishes the work or true artistic photographers making a statement with their work.
On his instagram, he repeatedly denies staging anything, but there is at least one video that shows objects in different places than they are in the final photograph. The staging is unnatural, obvious, and off-putting.
You all crack me up, I literally shoot the places as I find them.
Load More Replies...This house was explored by a YouTuber. That's how I fell in love with this house. It's not staged and the YouTuber said there was a actual famous artist who lived there. The family didn't really want anything to do with the house after their parent ( the artist I believe) passed away. So they just left everything. Things have been moved around because in the library the fitness bike was in another room in the video. I would like to know who the artist was. But I just love the artsy vibe from the house. It makes me feel at home. ☺️
Beautiful photos, where about in France. A little spooky but very dramatic atmosphere. Good work.
Staged or not I enjoyed the pictures. it gives a glimmer to what was. Opens a curiosity of what the story was. Abandoned in a rush is usually because of a formal eviction -24 hrs. I'm guessing from the medical supplies they went to an assisted living place and the heirs don't want to live in it. What do you think happened?
If there was no family, what's up with the kids toys in the different rooms?
Something seems...off. No known relatives...but, there are several children's bedrooms, indicating this person had a family. Where's the kids? Why didn't one of the children inherit the house?
Maybe the children didn't want or couldn't afford to keep it,
Load More Replies...If this house is abandoned it's truly a crime no one is squatting in it. So many people without homes.
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