History
Abandoned Mansions in America: Why Grand Homes Get Left
Why are there abandoned mansions in America? A short history of grand estates – rising costs, taxes, changing cities – and what it takes to save one.
America's abandoned houses
The stories behind America's forgotten houses.
Why homes get left behind, how to read their architecture, and practical, honest guides for anyone who dreams of buying and restoring one.
Stories
All storiesLatest stories
History, architecture, and the ethics of exploring – written from scratch with respect for the people who lived in these homes.
Etiquette
Leave No Trace: Etiquette for Historic and Abandoned Places
Leave no trace principles for visiting historic, rural or abandoned places with permission – take nothing, leave nothing, protect the stories they hold.
Photography
Ethical Abandoned-Place Photography: A Respectful Guide
How to photograph abandoned houses ethically and legally – getting permission, shooting from public property, protecting privacy and sharing responsibly.
Law & Safety
Squatters' Rights Explained: What Owners Should Know
Squatters' rights explained for US owners: squatting vs. trespassing vs. tenancy, how adverse possession fits in, and how to protect a vacant house.
Law & Safety
The Legal Side of Exploring Abandoned Places
Is it legal to explore abandoned houses? Entering without permission is trespassing. What the law says, how to ask owners for permission, staying safe.
Science of Decay
Why Do Abandoned Houses Decay So Fast?
Why do abandoned houses fall apart so quickly? How water, lost heat, mold, pests, plants and vandalism work together – and how owners can slow decline.
Guides
All guidesBuying & restoring
General, practical guidance on tax sales, land banks, hidden costs, hazards, permits, and restoration – with reminders that rules vary by state and county.
Buying
Buying Abandoned Property at Auction: Risks and Tips
Buying abandoned property at auction? Learn the auction types, due diligence steps, hidden risks, payment rules, and what happens after you win.
Permits & Insurance
Insurance and Permits for a Fixer-Upper: A Buyer's Guide
How insurance and building permits work when you renovate a vacant house – vacancy exclusions, builder's risk, liability, permits and inspections.
Preservation
Historic Tax Credits Explained for Old House Owners
How historic preservation tax credits work in the US – the federal 20% credit, who qualifies, state programs for homeowners, and how to apply.
Community
How to Report an Abandoned House to Your City
How to report an abandoned house in the US – who to contact (311, code enforcement, police), what details to include, what happens next, and safety tips.
Restoration
How Much Does It Cost to Renovate an Abandoned House?
How much does it cost to renovate an abandoned house? Learn the biggest cost drivers, how to estimate your budget, financing options, and ways to save.
Decisions
Renovate or Demolish? A Decision Guide for Abandoned Houses
Should you renovate or demolish an abandoned house? Weigh structure, costs, value, history and permits with practical questions and a simple checklist.
Gallery
View galleryFrom the illustration gallery
Original drawings inspired by common American house styles. No real properties, no real addresses.
Our principles
Curious, careful, and respectful
Original and accurate
Every article and illustration is created for this site. No scraped photos, no invented statistics, no made-up stories about real people.
Never trespass
Abandoned houses almost always have owners. We encourage enjoying them from public places or visiting only with written permission.
Practical for buyers
Clear explanations of how people actually buy and restore old houses – and the risks to weigh before you do.
Have a question or a story idea?
We'd love to hear from readers, history lovers, and anyone restoring an old house.