Abandoned Mansion of a Free Spirited Frenchman Thousands of Paintings FOUND!

With the price of a coffee cup, you can help us document these incredible places and preserve history! ► / brosofdecay
Many thanks to William for filming this place with me, check out his artwork:
fineartamerica.com/profiles/w...
This week we visited an abandoned farmhouse of a Frenchman who lived a life like no other, he traveled around the world with is hippie van and enjoyed life as it came. When he was not able to travel around he would be in his Farm home in the countryside of France where he made different types of art pieces. The Farm was a true representation of how this man used to live he was very lavish and outgoing and the place reflects it. We are gonna take you on an epic adventure so let's get it on!
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[@chakibleeb]

Some of these art works were collected by him from auctions and may contain works from well known artists. Please have them preserved!

[@patwalling7184]

I feel that some may be his artworks but I agree with the others that there are so many different styles of art that he must have been a collector of artworks and also I agree that you should reach out to someone to make them aware that all of this artwork is left there before it is gone forever. Perhaps someone can find a way that it can be preserved. Love your video's Leslie you are such a kind and gentle soul I can tell by your soothing voice. Great job showing us around thank you.. Stay Safe and healthy...

[@tamarrajames3590]

Pat Walling Most of the frames he bought would have had art of some variety in them. I think he may have reused some of the canvas and boards for his own work...lots do. Most artists have flirtations with other styles as well, either as a dare from a fellow artist, or just to play with a new approach, like a little vacation from the usual. Only the signatures will tell which he painted, but I’m sure a great many of the pieces came with frames, (a great many frames are worth a LOT more than the art inside them).🖤🇨🇦

[@olebrgesen795]

“His dishes are still left waiting for eternity to take over” - I do like some of your comments Lesley 😂

[@steven2212]

Just another hoarder, forgotten and stranded in time. You resurrected his life for a short time, which we are all greatful. Thanks

[@billyboy17ify]

All this mans Art should be saved. Thanks for sharing guys

[@educatedgypsee2351]

It’s heartbreaking all the art and antiques will rot, unseen by admirers of art and history. Do you guys ever reach out to the collectors in the area to conserve theses amazing pieces?

[@dorapohan2627]

14: 36 The Asian art craft is definitely from Bali, Indonesia.

[@mlfeathers7527]

Erin Hale That’s my wish for this property too.

[@billyboy17ify]

Totally agree

[@tamarrajames3590]

Dora Pohan a Garuda I believe (sorry if I spelled that wrong.)🖤🇨🇦

[@jakevalent6180]

they are trespassers

[@ethereal1257]

What amazed me most was the moth art. This person found art in everything. What an incredible gift. I am really reaching here but I think there is a real possibility his free lifestyle probably cost him in other ways. I think he had a wonderful gift to be able to find the beauty of art in so many areas that so often people are not open to because of differences in culture or creed they shut the doors of their mind to these areas. While this person embraced it and even made his own unique art from the earth itself. I would think as much work as there is he possibly may have had trouble sleeping too, he must have spent day and night on his work. May he rest in peace. On the comments with everyone freaking out about alerting the authorities and saving the art etc. Yes it would be nice to preserve great art but at the same time the main lesson in all of these videos is being missed. Even the most priceless items are just stuff that can only be enjoyed for a time, while we are here. None of us, not even the wealthyest people can take any of it with us when we go. It is all just stuff. Stop putting so much time, effort, value, anger, resentment, broken relationships over stuff. It's not worth it!

[@chakibleeb]

The Life of Queen Pen To those who say this is just stuff. It is art. Art heals people and gives some of us reason to live. Our eyes need food just as our stomachs. Is the Sistine ceiling just stuff? Sure that old thing, let’s remodel, just paint over it. Better yet tear it down, it’s just stuff. Mona Lisa, shmona Lisa. It is history that tells us how people lived so that we can appreciate how we live now. There are people that go to school for years to learn how to preserve and conserve this stuff so, no, it won’t just waste away. Dead Sea scrolls, just burn the old things. King Tut’s tomb, just a bunch of old , dusty stuff. What soul less human beings you must be.

[@chakibleeb]

Please, please, please! Alert a Museum or Sotheby’s or someone. They can find out who has the rights to all this and negotiate how to go preserve it all before it rots away! There is important art here! It makes me want to cry seeing all that rot! This needs to be in a museum where people can see it! Please contact someone right away! So sad!

[@bellesparks4374]

Yes, yes, yes:)!

[@58jennypenny]

It's such a shame all those beautiful paintings, furniture and china will not be loved by anyone else.

[@tonyapedraza2176]

Oh my goodness I could have spent DAYS in there just to see every little nook and cranny!!!! Wow!!💕

[@HelloLove4]

Absolutely!

[@ladytron9188]

This man must have been a hoarder the place is packed to the rafters.

[@donnamartin8227]

I think maybe he swings both ways, interesting art.

[@shereerichmond4833]

This makes me so sad because i see holes in the roof and all that beautiful art work going to ruin... It looks like he had a wonderful life.. Thankyou Lesley.. Love you..❤

[@BrosOfDecay]

I agree they should fix up the place and give it a second life :( Thanks for watching!

[@alfredritcher]

Amazing video and what makes it even better is your enthusiasm and appreciation for his work and his life .

[@kimbaxley7595]

I think he may have been an artist but must have also been an art dealer or collector because there are sooooo many styles. And noone could paint that many paintings in one lifetime.

[@tamarrajames3590]

Kim Baxley Most of his frames would have come with a painting or print in them. He likely painted over really awful ones, but kept some of the better ones, or when he knew the artist.🖤🇨🇦

[@frankcoffey]

That’s enough inventory to supply a shop for years.

[@YasminFlower88]

This man was such a creative person. It's incredible in how many different styles he painted. I did read in some comments that some people think he did not paint it all by himself, because of the differrend styles, but I think he did it all himself. When I look at my paintings and drawings it's also in many differend styles, it's just what the inspiration brings. Someone should make a museum of the paintings of this talented man. This was one of the most fascinating explorings, dank je, echt super! Love from Amsterdam 🌷 P.S: That snake 😂

[@chaosdemonwolf1]

The picture you put the light on, the one on top of the shelf is a promo picture of Sean Connery. From Russia with Love (1963)

[@ethereal1257]

Was that the picture of the man in bed with the lady standing behind him or?

[@chaosdemonwolf1]

@@ethereal1257 Indeed

[@tamarrajames3590]

ChaosDemonwolf1 I was wondering who else caught that. All I could think was ‘I bet he wished he was that guy’ when Lesley said he thought maybe that was the guy. Sweet.🖤🇨🇦

[@ronmchugh7959]

I understand why you would think that, he looks a bit like an older Sean Connery, but it's not him if you look closer at the face. Plus he was younger than that and didn't have a moustache in 'From Russia with love'.

[@tamarrajames3590]

Ron McHugh you are right...he didn’t have a moustache as James Bond. Interesting.🖤🇨🇦

[@Meriale46]

I do believe he was an art dealer also because he didn't paint all of those painting, I recognize some of the art in the barn or shed. He most likely purchased artwork from others and resold them for a profit... That explains why there were so many different art styles and frameworks sitting around. He most likely made the bulk of his money that way. Artists don't usually paint in so many different styles such as an expressionist usually doesn't paint abstract for example. I am a great supporter and lover of art and so I know this field quite a bit, as I am also a sketch and graphic artist myself.

[@dawnklug6986]

The majority of the paintings I saw weren't worth the canvas they were painted on. I was a selling artist of paintings in my earlier years....weaver now.

[@melanieyates7788]

The numbered stickers on things were from auctions. Looks like he was a hoarder of sorts.

[@latinqueen2000]

He definitely hoarded artwork. I seriously doubt he painted most of those. He may have dabbled in painting a bit . Most artists stick with a certain style; these all very different in style. 2 or 3 brushes found but no paints, easel or tools to be seen.

[@tamarrajames3590]

Patricia Ortiz Many of those frames would come with a painting or prints, and it is likely he reused a lot of those canvasses and boards. A lot of artists have a style by which they are known, but most do take the odd ramble into other styles to see if they have anything he can apply to his chosen style. Only the signatures would tell which ones he did, and which were waiting to be reused. Artists also often gift each other with paintings of their own. We weren’t shown a couple of upstairs rooms, or all of the outbuildings, and I am assuming he likely had his studio in one of them. We also didn’t get a look into the metal tool I've decided to go see him in person to tell him what I do on the side box beside the leather carpet bag on the stairs< and I’m betting there were paints and brushes, pallet knives and trowels etc in there. The favourite artist game among my friends was the challenge to both paint the same scene in a specific style. Often it would be done in the challenger’ s style, and the next time it would be in the other one’s style. I’d like a closer look at things in there regardless of how many he painted himself...there could be real treasure in all that.🖤🇨🇦

[@thatdellguy]

If you find any more cool places like this feel free to make it one or two hours long. I don't mind.

[@ASilverLining60]

Me either! I wish I was a fly in the corner when the original people lived in these abandoned places, and then still the same fly decades later to see what happens to the belongings!! Sure would be fun eh? Hi from America.

[@markellwilliams3594]

Me either I love them all. Esp when there’s a story behind them all to be told. I think he should dig up as much info he can to talk about it with the tour. It will bring our minds far to that persons life 🙏🏽♥️♥️

[@justinerogers8696]

As an artist, I am SURE this man would want these artworks out in the world. That is part of the reason to do art, to share it with people. I truly hope there is some way these could be sent out into the world to carry on part of the artistic mind of this man ❤🙏😇🤗

[@philipchretienkarlsson8157]

You're quite right, Bros: that living room is sooo nice, and completely intact: beautiful antique objects and furniture. Even after the years have passed, it still looks warm and inviting in there, no kidding! Cheers, Phiip

[@steelman86]

Thank you for this video as I’m not feeling like such a hoarder with 125 paintings in my basement area from one local lady and another 85-100 watercolors from a local gentleman along with several hundred miscellaneous framed and un framed oil, charcoal, water colors. I have about 50 paintings hanging on the walls in my house. Next time a friend says I’m a hoarder, i’ll show them this amazing video!!! 👄👍🏻

[@erixoliver]

He was a MAXIMALIST! And I just love it! We can clearly see a man who truly enjoy his life, who did everything he wanted and died with no regrets. It don't matter if you can't take things with you to the afterlife, as long as you enjoy them while they have a purpose.

[@BrosOfDecay]

I must say that you are 💯 procent right about this!

[@rowiemilanes7106]

What an amazing mansion with all the paintings left. What a waste to leave all these to decay. Thank you for sharing us your adventure.Stay safe

[@gloriagalarza4251]

A "canvas" is the piece of material where you paint, the others are the "frames" to put around the canvas to frame it

[@dorothyjones1129]

This is truely amazing but I feel so very sad to see all these brilliant paintings rotting and forgotten forever 😢

[@egparis18]

Hello Leslie and William. The art technique for the picture at 4:47 is 'collage'. Taxidermy is the technique for preserving animals - like the deer heads you sometimes find on walls. The empty wooden rectangles are frames. Tintin was created by the Belgian artist Hergé.

[@willyegger4488]

Hi Lesley and William, This is really an amazing location you are showing. - I am not quite sure, if it is just a coincidence, that explomo has been uploading a video of exactly the same location just in the afternoon and now you in the evening. - But both of you did an excellent job commenting and showing this mansion with this enormous quantity of paintings. - The artist, you are presenting in a once more very personal and respectful way, must have been an incredibly talented man of a lot of very different interests, especially considering all these items in that house. - At the side of quite interesting antiques are such a lot of items of other sometimes even funny and very peculiar taste and interests visible. - I loved how you were narrating his life and showing the house. - Fascinating and amazing explore!! Of course it makes me also somehow sad to see all this fascinating artwork rotting away and not being preserved in some way. Greetings also to your brother Jordy. - Wishing you all the best. Peace, lots of blessings and kindest regards.

[@eldiputacio7753]

There is a different aura emanating from this place. An aura of contentment and bliss. I love this particular video.

[@Any_Friday]

I’d love to really know more about the owner.

[@robertahubert9155]

As a mother of artist sons I can appreciate all the art work and supplies. My sons would love to have half of that

[@blanning2058]

14:58 Love how Lesley says "no I'm not thinking any further about it" Hes like it's an egg end of story, no if ands or butts about it!

[@BrosOfDecay]

Haha you noticed :D

[@jacklumber2412]

Super soothing voice

[@jimmyfortrue3741]

4:43 not taxidermy ( that's stuffed animals) but that would be called mixed media art or collage. Someone could spend a lifetime trying to restore this man's paintings, frames and antiques....

[@ethereal1257]

Ty, I have never seen it myself. I know what taxadermy is and knew it wasnt that but I didn't know the proper term myself. I appreciate your comment, I have learned now the proper term.

[@madamkiss64]

wow beautiful......i hope someone rescuses those paintings......there beautiful

[@ASilverLining60]

Hello from North Idaho, America!!! Were any of these painting signed and dated? Every artist signs and dates their work, and often if it is a collectors' piece, the back of the painting will have the original label on it with a date etc. Can you start letting us see the backs of things and the bottoms of dishes and antiques? We who llive in another country and know we'll never get there would LOVE THIS! I find myself saying out loud, "Oh my Gosh, I can't believe someone didn't take that! My selfish self would find a person to ask permission to take things, NOT STEAL, but if there's a will, there's a way!!! I'm not sure he was "lavish," I think he was ECCENTRIC!

[@SteveRonin]

This was so good!

[@annasolanis]

Collector or hoarder, it's hard to say for sure. All those things should be preserved.

[@salliegallegos918]

Some prizes and tons of junk.

[@deborahgoodwin3426]

This was by far and away one of your very greatest finds! Apparently the name of the artist is Georges Lambert 1919-1998. I just saw this very same property explored by another gentleman and sadly it is now in much, much more disrepair. I truly appreciate how much of the art that you were able to share with us. I only wish that it were 2 or 3 times longer!!

[@nicolarollinson4381]

All the stuff that people collect throughout their lives, that they can't take with them. The world is weighed down by stuff...beautiful, interesting stuff, but still stuff.

[@eldiputacio7753]

I put a like on your comment. Still stuff is there to serve human and for human to use them and enjoy them but not to fall in love with them. 💎

[@nicolarollinson4381]

@@eldiputacio7753 very true 🌟

[@markellwilliams3594]

True indeed it’s just stuff. I feel tho stuff that could be sold to buyers and maybe money that could go to a good cause. If I had time I would get my business in order and sell everything or pass it on to others to enjoy until it’s time for them to go. Like paying it forward until nobody exists

[@orchid3457]

Wonderful video! It's always heart warming to see such free spirited people , lots of thanks and love from Sri Lanka

[@sallya.2412]

That is one incredible place! Artwork and collectables in the arts. I guess no other family member to take over the place.

[@janelovesy2399]

Absolutely Amazing !!!!!! Thank you both !

[@pamelajmorrisoncain3704]

It is so sad to see all the art work just go to waste. And the books. Wow there is enough in this home to sell and fix it back to New. I'm just in awe. I truly so not think he knew what he had in his home because there is so much!

[@aawindswept]

This was truly one of my favorites so far ♥️♥️♥️

[@RobinMarconeCassidyRN]

I would really enjoy to get a chance to walk through one of these amazing mansions. There are so many things to look at and admire. Brilliant video. Thank you guys for sharing. Be safe, stay well ❤

[@davidratcliff8960]

This could be the most interesting explore you've ever done. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and I think it deserves another view because there were SO many incredible items to see! Best EVER.

[@lorrydodge5917]

I cant believe it, you get the most beautiful and unique abandoned places Ive ever seen.Europe is so fortunate that your people respect these old homes.Anywhere else someone would have destroyed it by now .thank you for sharing these remarkable places with us

[@clairesims7275]

I agree with other comments here that you should try and contact someone about all the artwork 🖼 it could be taken and preserved 😊

[@DMills-un1tl]

This guy reminds me of Princess Anne’s first husband, definitely an artistic and suave lethario. He had an imaginative and playful mind and was somewhat talented. I do wonder how he had or made enough money to afford such a free wheeling lifestyle and large house. As I so often ask, why do people have so much stuff and how can they find peace in such clutter?!

[@sugarsundae3400]

I absolutely adore you two and the way you are always so respectful I love how you tell us the story and give us some background history of these places 👍

[@robinscarborough8272]

Proof you can't take it with you

[@angelaburke2326]

This is a really sad one. So much beautiful art. Thank you Leslie 😘

[@yollybonilla9371]

Love your introduction here Lesley Great job! Well, research and well thought.

[@annt820]

Great video guys, thank you! 😍😍😍

[@AdventuresWithJay]

Love your explores. Always factual and good journey.well done

[@pamela8225]

GOOD Gawd! So much stuff! Art, Antiques, you name it, he had it But such a shame that it is all just sitting there collecting dust and rotting away. He probably didn't have any family or children He lived his life his own way and did whatever he desired When ever he wanted Nothing wrong with that Very talented.man for sure!🎨🖌️ Thank you guy's so much for sharing this great place and all of your hard work bringing this to us all. Pamela V.🌷💝💕💞

[@jrd3523]

The place has definitely been vandalized and ransacked. The taggings are from the people checking through the owner's things to get some valuables. It's unfortunate. An artist/painter will never leave his, or any other art pieces for that matter, in such disarray.

[@jrd3523]

@@mm-er6bo I was referring to the tagging "graffitis" on the wall. Not on the furniture/paintings, etc.

[@sophiacaxucha7247]

This has been one of my favourite videos from you so far, amazing place and paintings!

[@grandmacarla4258]

An amazing place!! From the big tables and all the surrounding chairs in the attic, I'm thinking maybe he taught art as well as painted. Loved all the unusual antiques. And, Leslie, loved all your "wow"s!! Thank you.

[@sugarsundae3400]

What incredible place I was completely blown away by all the wonderful things.

[@marcelyeoh8900]

I really like the vase in the shape of a head in his bedroom. So cool!

[@propersale2978]

Absolutely transported by your videos to wonderful and mysterious places! I love the pictures you paint with your words and how you fill what we experience with much more than is actually present in the buildings. The most entertained and enthralled I’ve ever been watching KZbin content. Fantastic! Well done!

[@BrosOfDecay]

Thank you so much 😀

[@bellesparks4374]

The home should be turned into a museum with all his art on display. Incredible. I would love to see it all!!!

[@jolaod84]

So many collectibles ( lamps, vases, glass objects, golden frames,mirrors,books etc ) . Lost forever ? :(

[@riitaalin]

Always amazing thank you👍

[@lihertzi5602]

Omg! So amazing! You guys feel no such amazing places, thank you!

[@lisassatchfield6538]

He was artist his mind hence the clutter interest man. I love his art!!!! Fantastic

[@lisassatchfield6538]

Unbelievable attactic

[@williamroden8495]

So many diverse and beautiful pieces!

[@danielochoa101]

Excelente!!!! GRACIAS.

[@debbiephillips1504]

Gee I love this story too can't believe the art left behind Debbie in texas

[@kentuckylady2990]

Triggered my OCD. He was definitely a hoarder. He may have been creepy. There is something about the stuff left behind that is giving off strange vibes.

[@georginapantoja7962]

Hello Lesley and William! Amazing house full of painting, antiques we are need big group of experts in art to save many of items very unique . Thank you for bring one travel to the past! 👋🇺🇸☺👍💖😽😎. Please take care of yourselves! 😘

[@jeremyjones5312]

You need to go back there. Lol There was an old gas pump from the 70s 80s Absalutely want to seem more paintings there. And much more to see. This was my favorite. Love your videos. Been watching for a year

[@barbaraursini2213]

Exquisite! Wish all could be saved for many to enjoy instead of decaying. Incredible talent! ❤️

[@tatertott2390]

Seeing all that beautiful art makes it discouraging to create! Anything! Thank you! Just astonishing! I would need at least 4 days to see all of them 🙃

[@AuthorWASimpson]

I agree with others who have posted about letting someone know about these treasures just sitting there and rotting. As an author myself, it hurts to see all of those books and works of art going to waste, never to be enjoyed. I would take every piece, every book, home with me and donate all I could for all to see. This is a terrible shame. 😢 Sharing this with comments.

[@AbandonedExplorers]

Love your videos ☺️. Thanks for sharing!

[@cebe7780]

étonnante maison d'un artiste libre Penseur. le temps et l'espace n'ont pas de limites en ce lieu. spot très beau et très original. merci. love you too.

[@terrymelnick3500]

Very sad to see all his belongings just rotting away 😢

[@BrosOfDecay]

That is the sad part of my hobby :(

[@ThePixilator]

Many artists are quirky, so tend to attract and befriend other artists who also are a bit odd. His home may have been open to other artists who could stay for a while, they will probably worked and left some of their own art behind, then move on as they wished.

[@annlyon.2040]

Exactly ! He was a big weird ! Ha

[@erinintechnicolourII]

I definitely think this was an artist commune also. So many different types and styles of art, it would make sense if different people created them.

[@ThePixilator]

@@erinintechnicolourII Yes, I'm quite confident in that. Thanks for seconding my instinct! 😊👍

[@ThePixilator]

@Murtaza Arif I also consider myself to be an artist, not a great one, but it is the talent God gave me. I wasn't intentionally belittling anyone, I just know from my own life experience what I said to be the truth. We dance to a different beat, and when we find someone that is like minded (in this way, not about everything) we are naturally attracted to one another. I see odd, different, as being unique. It's a good thing. Bless you.

[@eldiputacio7753]

Do introverts tend to be more creative ? I am quite introverted and always love to spend time alone. I like listening to music, watching videos, drawing and baking.

[@Nita-ff3px]

Hi Lesley and William...stay safe and healthy, I'm watching from Indonesia... Thank you for your explore👍👍🇲🇨

[@timetosome5797]

Awesome!

[@kimberleegullbailey2547]

Amazing!!!

[@suescheid3188]

I have to say; What a guy! (And his little pals too)! 🧐

[@patricialangford5380]

You are so funny like your sense of humor, thanks guys you make my day. Thanks so much for the journey.

[@marcelaterzi3633]

Thank you! Very intriguing! Stay Safe!

[@slydimeo6587]

Some paintings are probably made by his lovers.. unbelievable this man arts remains unknow. Sad but you honored him with your visit in his house.

[@beachcaving]

What wonderful energy this artist's manse exudes!!! Thank you! Love your good vibes and positive energy! Love your videography style! You rock!😁🤘❣💯🤯

[@inspiradical5714]

OK, Now this is when its ok to save the artifacts, yes? Please save theses paintings and history of this place. The owner who passes away would thank you for doing so. Maybe you could make contact with the relatives if you want to do it the right way. Or if you come to a dead end in your search, just please, please make sure that they are taken out of that place. Its more important to everyone that these artifacts get out of that decaying place. They can be saved and treasured by so many and for years to come. I know the artist would want that. BTW I'm glad you documented this but there comes a time to do something about it.

[@oisinboyd9874]

This is very relaxing to watch, and your voice is very relaxing lol

[@ronmchugh7959]

What a great find! Really fascinating house. 👍

[@gloriahanes6490]

He was a painter and a collector of fine Art, many in France appreciate the work of other artists. A French Gallery owner could make good use of these paintings in an exhibit entitled, "Art of the Unknown" or "The Making of a Master Painter".

[@basiapiotrowska4633]

Niesamowite miejsce. Tyle cudownych obrazów. Powinny trafić do jakiegoś muzeum lub galerii.Szkoda, że niszczeją .Pozdrawiam cieplutko z Polski. 🥰🥰🥰

[@alexisfontana4879]

Me encantó el video de hoy... Siempre me encanta !!! Abrazos amigos....

[@maranathadynah2217]

Looks like he made his MARK ‼️ As always...great job guys💯‼️

[@martagloria5173]

Woowwww ..... Amazing video..... God bless you always Brothers

[@mariaallon6968]

Bijzonder hoor. 👍. Denk om jullie gezondheid jongens in deze moeilijke tijd.