Thick cobwebs and dirt collect in an oeil de boeuf window in a chateau near Versailles. The 19th-century house has been unloved and unlived in for years. The elderly owner has put the property up for sale.
Wooden shutters are flung wide to invite fresh air. The sunlight reveals cobwebs and winter's debris encasing the windows.
I hate to see beautiful old - and often historical - properties left to decay. My photographs of the crumbling Edmond de Rothschild estate, as well as of various Paris landmarks are in an upcoming book about ruined chateaus of France. It's due out in February; will provide more information after the author notifies me of the release date.
I say we all pitch in and buy it!
Posted by: Rosa | 28 January 2010 at 23:23
Wow! Cool about your photos and the book!
Everything here is so new and crappy. It is so sad that in Europe they take for granted the age and history... I wish we had more of that here in the US.
ox ;)
Posted by: amber | 28 January 2010 at 19:33
I wonder why the houses are left, does no one want to pick them up and reno them? So many gems hidden about Europe I bet. What fun it would be to go through them looking for left behind trunks and belongings I think!!
I would love to buy your book when it comes out. Let us know! What a good read of eye candy that will be.
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian | 27 January 2010 at 20:47
I always hate to see what was once a lovely home left to decay and fall apart, especially beautiful historic homes in France. I look forward to hearing more about this book.
Posted by: Marilyn | 27 January 2010 at 02:00
Oh, I hate to see that, too. I hope the owner gives this spot the love and respect I know it deserves. Can't wait to learn more on your book!
Posted by: jeanie | 26 January 2010 at 23:14
So sad, indeed.
But ... . so wonderful to have your beautiful photography in this new book. I'll look forward to more details about this project!
Jjj
Posted by: judith | 26 January 2010 at 18:20
Very picturesque and beautiful images.
Much is crumbling/decaying here, too...although, to its credit, New England preserves a great deal of its historical buildings.
Lately, I have seen a lot of abandoned houses and barns. One wonders about the lives that happened in them. Instead of maintaining, we often tear down and replace new structures. Sad.
Posted by: Helen | 26 January 2010 at 17:52