Images from the dilapidated ‘£25M’ Georgian mansion on Hampstead’s ‘billionaires’ row are published by ‘Urban Explorer,’ Its high-profile neighbours have included Heather Mills, Sir Billy Butlin, and Saudi royals

An abandoned £25 million mega-mansion on London’s prestigious ‘Billionaires’ Row’ in Hampstead has recently garnered attention due to its haunting state of decay. The gigantic Georgian home, known as ‘The Towers,’ has remained vacant for several years, leaving a chilling reminder of its former glory. Urban explorer Liam Heatherson, 26, bravely ventured into the colossal wreck to capture striking images of the eerie remains hidden within its crumbling walls and ceilings.

Bishops Avenue, often referred to as ‘Billionaires’ Row,’ comprises 66 of Britain’s most extravagant and opulent properties. Over the years, this ultra-exclusive street has been home to illustrious individuals, including the super-rich Sultan of Brunei and Canadian pop sensation Justin Bieber. The street’s grandeur and exorbitant prices have attracted prominent figures, making it a symbol of wealth and luxury.

‘The Towers,’ as it is locally known, holds an important place in the history of this renowned street. The property’s roots trace back to the famous Gracie Fields, a legendary music hall performer from Britain who once owned the land. However, the original structure was demolished in the 1970s, giving way to the construction of the current mansion. During the Gulf War, the Saudi royal family acquired the property for a staggering £25 million, solidifying its reputation as one of the most expensive residences on Bishops Avenue.

Sadly, ‘The Towers’ is now a deteriorating relic, overcome by neglect and abandonment. The ravages of time have taken their toll on the mansion, with broken windows, overgrown vegetation, and decaying interiors showcasing its current state. The once-impressive entrance hall, adorned with grand staircases, now stands as a crumbling testament to the mansion’s faded glory, marred by graffiti and neglect.

Bishops Avenue has long been a symbol of affluence, attracting the world’s wealthiest individuals. Notable residents have included Saudi royals, entrepreneur Richard Desmond, and even the founder of the famous holiday camps, Sir Billy Butlin. However, despite its illustrious past, many luxury homes on the street have remained uninhabited since their purchase in the 1980s. A row of ten houses, valued at £73 million, has sat empty for years, supposedly bought by the Saudi royal family.

Liam Heatherson, an urban explorer passionate about capturing abandoned places, was captivated by the astonishing decay on ‘Billionaires’ Row.’ Having visited numerous abandoned locations, he expressed amazement at the neglect within the mansion’s walls. The stark contrast between the immense wealth of the properties and their wanton abandonment highlights the disparity between the rich and the lack of affordable housing options in London.

Stretching between Hampstead Heath and East Finchley, Bishops Avenue spans the boundary of the London boroughs of Barnet and Haringey. Renowned as one of the wealthiest streets globally, each property occupies an expansive two to three-acre plot. In 2008, a mansion belonging to Turkish tycoon Halls Toprak was sold to the president of Kazakhstan for a staggering £50 million, emphasizing the astronomical prices these residences can command.

Originally named after the Bishop of London, Arthur Winnington-Ingram, who once owned vast portions of the surrounding area, Bishops Avenue underwent significant changes in ownership. Most of the land was sold in the early 20th century, and today, only one house and a residential home remain under Church ownership. ‘The Towers,’ once owned by the renowned music hall actress Gracie Fields, underwent reconstruction when it was purchased by the Saudi royal family in 1989. However, the planned royal residence never came to fruition, leaving behind a decaying structure that became a target for squatters after being sold to Birch Ventures Limited in 2013.

Bishops Avenue has attracted several famous faces throughout the years. Richard Desmond owns Express Newspapers and Channel 5 and has resided on this illustrious street. Poju Zabludowicz, a multibillionaire philanthropist and art collector, also called Bishops Avenue home. Even global sensation Justin Bieber made headlines when he reportedly rented a £15 million mansion on the street for an astounding £108,000 per month.

The haunting images captured within the decaying ruins of ‘The Towers’ on London’s ‘Billionaires’ Row’ are a stark reminder of the contrasting realities within a city marked by extreme wealth and a shortage of affordable housing. As the remnants of opulence continue to crumble, the allure and mystique surrounding Bishops Avenue remain intact, forever leaving an indelible mark on London’s history.

Via: [dailymail]