Great Britain Oakhurst House, Ambergate - Jan 2016

[trav]

I originally found this while I was exploring on Google Earth, someone had taken a picture in 2013, then I found out about the wireworks site close by so thought I'd take a look.

The house was originally built by the Hurt family in 1846 or 1848? for the daughters of Francis Hurt although they never got to live there. The Johnson family bought it and enlarged the property(this may have been in 1894 as there is a date stone) It changed purpose a number of times, it was also a retreat for the local diocese and finally became flats during the 1970's, and was unused from the 80's

Only had a quick look about as was already out of time. It is pretty much a ruin. From the outside it looks in good condition, but most of the internal walls and floors have collapsed. There are some features that remain and the whole house is easily accessible, but dangerous!

An attempt at some humour!

Inside it reminds me of Overstone Manor in Northampton. Another beautiful old building that has just been left to decay!

 

[AndyK!]

That looks like it had been a lovely place in its day, very impressive externally.

 

[hamtagger]

Same as andy says there, looks like it would've been a stunning building back in the day

 

[Urbexbandoned]

Agreed, a beautiful looking building. Such a shame it's in this state now. How was your bath? 

 

[trav]

Yeah, it was such a buzz kill peering in through the windows. From how the outside looks, I thought we were in for a treat. 

The bath...too cold to stay in, too cold to get out! 

 

[Lenston]

Real shame, must have been amazing 

 

[Hydro]

Beautiful house, shame its gone to ruin  

The snow adds a lot to it! Some nice shots there mate

 

[Merryprankster]

bloody love oak frames, shame its a shell  thanks for sharing dude 

 

[Sime]

Nice photos Trav, I've walked past this place a couple of times. Didn't see it while it was still in one piece though unfortunately.

 

[sgt2449]

As somebody that lived in Ambergate when Oakhurst was occupied (I also played in the grounds with people that lived there) can I as a jumped up newcomer clarify some points

 1   The building was used by the Army in the WW11 for purposes that I have never been able to find out ,even though my Mother was stationed there for 4 years

 2   The building was used as flats from 1956 or possibly earlier  (at least 6 flats )

 3   It was the late eighties that the building was shut up when the works ceased production

 4   Yes there is a cellar but as far as I know nobody can find the entrance to it, if there is one it certainly not in the building as the lads I used play and myself looked for it on   numerous occasions but could not find it

   I hope that this does not tread on any toes

 

[Dubbed Navigator]

What awesome externals, shame it’s so buggered really.