Exploring a Creepy Abandoned Retirement Home - Former Asylum (everything left)

Winding hallways with dark shadows with light shining in on this historic building , artifacts from past era's lie around this vacant building abandoned in 2005. Double wooden staircases, salon chairs, former hydrotherapy tubs and much more is left inside this former asylum. A family had a dream in the 19th century for their son to have the help he needed while having a mental disability. Eventually using their wealth to construct a home that would enter all newcomers with open arms and not how the State run facilities would handle the ill. After 150 years the asylum closed its doors due to lack of funding and the building fell into disrepair, it was abandoned for some time until a company purchased the building and turned it into a retirement home for the elderly. This was the buildings last chance, and sadly this failed too. Now today we explore what remains, I hope you enjoy what I uncover as this was a very fun exploration. Have a good day
Instagram @Dark.Exploration
Chris' Channel ‪@UrbexAndChill‬ (Same for instagram)

[@Dbwikle]

You are so responsible & considerate. Your sensitivity to the history & what's left behind in your explores makes them touching & priceless.

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

When the demolition machines move in though, everything will be smashed to pieces, so how does it make any difference. The end result will be the same. Total destruction.

[@judithmcbride4023]

I totally agree with everything you have said! (Donna). This explorer has kindness and grace, that you don’t always see today! I wish him all the best! I look forward to his next postings!😊

[@dementedpuppy]

@@PreservationEnthusiast sometimes it’s nice to stop and think about the souls left behind. Very nihilist viewpoint. Not sure it will take you anywhere

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

@@dementedpuppy Well it depends if you believe in souls. And many that do so would say they go to heaven or hell, not be left behind. Is the man in the demolition machine thinking of souls? Nope I dont think so, he needs to smash the building as quickly as possible. And maybe if there are souls they will be released anyway by the demo! So, I don't think my viewpoint is nihilist, it is simply practical. We do bust quite a lot up in the New Wave Urbex smash community.

[@dvvargas]

This is why I loved this channel from the first watch. He is so careful and respectful about other people's memories and the preservation of the sites. Great work!

[@JosieSchuller]

Thank you for giving us some of the history of the place at the beginning of the video. Unlike a lot of mental hospitals and retirement homes this one sounds like it was a happy place to be. Everyone looked happy in those photos too. What a grand old building, filled with natural light. And what a shame that a beautiful building like this sits empty and decaying while people are having to sleep on the streets.

[@overthenever4262]

Interesting icon pic☘️🌹☘️☠️☘️🌹☘️

[@johnmontoya2731]

What not enough funds ?

[@mylesdesigns]

You, Dan Bell and the Proper People are my favorite exploration channels. I love learning about the history of the buildings as you respectfully explore it. The filmography is nice too. Thanks for posting

[@kathycasey9153]

Agreed. Check out Mobile Instinct as well. He always gives extensive information on his explores.

[@russmiddleton5486]

Agreed, the channel keeps getting better and better. You might also want to check out Broken Window Theory.

[@kathycasey9153]

@@russmiddleton5486 Yup. Like them too!

[@eily_b]

Same. Only these three. They are calm, respectful, have good camera work and they are not annoyingly loud or over excited. Sadly Dan Bell does no more urbex videos atm.... I hope that it will change when other urbexers are allowed to travel again and he will do some explores with them again.

[@cathylopez3034]

Love this channel. Broken Window Theory is very good, too.

[@bakercarl8518]

No matter how long we live on, nature always comes back to reclaim Mother Earth. Nice video.

[@alexandraalberti5029]

I could look at photos, photo albums, and records all day

[@mariamarinucci2251]

Me too! I think past history and people who lived there are interesting. Sad to see homes abandoned and what happened that it was left so abruptly?

[@cathyreardon8979]

Allexandra I totally feel the same as you. I can remember wanting to see photos and photo albumns at a very young age. I didn't care if they were of my family or not. I really liked in my grandparents day. Thanks for your input. God Bless..

[@alexandraalberti5029]

@@cathyreardon8979 Me, too. You are absolutely welcome.

[@LeighDeitrick1]

You're correct about the secret stairway, usually reserved for "servants" back then but most likely staff stayed there. We live in a 1885 victorian and it has your secret stairway. ☺️

[@mariamarinucci2251]

I've known of homes with the underground railway for slaves even, in my hometown. Are all closed off (tunnels) but people still living in these homes.

[@cathyreardon8979]

Leigh How ossom that you live in a 1885 home. I would love to see it.😍. How cool to have a secret stairway. Did the realtor tell you? How I would love to to ask you some questions about your home. How I love old Victorian homes with pocket doors, beautiful grand staircases etc. etc.etc. God Bless.

[@ameliatoreson1590]

I had no idea a place like this once exsisted . They were way ahead of their time . There was absolutely no compassion given to the mentally disabled and is still not what it should be . Thank you for bringing us all along on your explore

[@mattiemadison1234]

“Outpatient” and long term care are not the same. Outpatient means the patient comes for services without overnight stay. Inpatient means they are receiving services with an over night stay. Long term care means they are there for an extended period depending on the severity of the condition being treated.

[@connie9]

You were close. It is croquet. Pronounced "crow kay".

[@DarkExploration]

Ah so close haha. thanks for letting me know

[@kellykelly13579]

The first guess was close, the yarn is what you crochet with :) like what grandmas do. It's pronounced different than it's spelled.

[@dtaylorstephens9067]

@@DarkExploration You can still buy the croquet sets today. My kids had a ball playing it in the backyard!! Check it out!

[@abandonedcountry433]

@@DarkExploration You use yarn to crochet, and mallets and balls to croquet. :)

[@moonwalker091000]

Yeah I thought that was so cute when he said crochet. lol

[@aparks1437]

i guess you can say that this abandoned home is ... retired ...

[@janetoner6887]

It’s nice to see it hasn’t been ruined with graffiti.

[@elizabethturczyk1533]

You narrate so well; you have a very 👌 nice voice! You are also very respectful; hard to find nowadays. Where is this asylum?

[@juliel8720]

we always played croquet!!! the hair dryers my mom owned in her salons!! The ivy coming in the building i'm sure is gorgeous outside. I sure wish I was wealthy I would so buy this place to restore it!! Can you imagine what a great homeless shelter it could be! A lot of rooms !! The Patterns brought back memories of my mom sewing!! thank you for sharing this!!

[@kellysaunooke740]

Great explore.The staircase was a gem.Its ashame it can't be restored. It would make a great home for veterans and even a home for mentally disabled who need assistance.

[@mads._.maddie1726]

the history of the building is quite sweet and lighthearted, especially the original family who built it. Im glad this asylum treated their patients well. However i wish they found the families of the elderly people, and gave them the picture frm the photo album. Its sad its just sitting there

[@steelgranny9027]

The white "wedding dress" in the basement are actually curtains, called "sheers" ...:) The package of blue "diapers" are bed pads.

[@warrenf5821]

You sir, are quickly becoming one of my favourite urban explorers! You definitely know how to make the perfect video and set up the perfect viewer experience. Thank you!

[@Gypsy839]

You are always nice and respectful in your explores that’s why I like your videos so much. ❤️

[@lizzapaolia959]

Your correct. Very decent channel. God bless.

[@ninaappelt9001]

As many have said, "So respectful." I like how you touch things and put everything back where it came from.

[@dreamofmermaids]

You explored this old building with so much respect. It's so beautiful and doesn't seem to be haunted with sadness. Too bad someone doesn't refurbish and make it into a gem.

[@moonwalker091000]

I love the staircase!! With all of the woodwork, it really reminded me of the Titanic.

[@Helen-sound]

I would always want tidy these places up .

[@gailknowles3804]

"I love the text of the numbers". I was thinking the same thing. I absolutely love vintage items, especially buildings. I try to go back in my mind to a day when everything was better. Maybe not easier but better.

[@robchy9773]

i love the fact that you see the beauty in history, you are kind and thoughtful. so many never take the time to see the detail or the back history....good job, first time watching your channel. thumbs up

[@rajb5595]

Thank you ! Your presentation is very warm and sensitive . Keep doing the good job .

[@ladywisewolf3942]

I've seen a few of your other videos and I love the respect you have for these old places. You point out that they were a part of people's lives. This place was amazing, there were a lot of valuable things left behind. A lot of the furniture were real antiques that just needed a little TLC. And someone with some knowledge on the subject, should go through all those old books, you never know if there are any valuable first additions in there. I myself have found some valuable books in second hand shops, one early addition Alice in Wonderland I bought for 10¢! Anyway enjoyed this immensely.

[@killdexx]

Best Urban Explorer out there and severely underrated. Awesome vids and editing...not like all the other cookie cutter channels out there!!!!!!

[@shakingbirdart]

This was another great explore! Thank you for the calm music (not creepy, haunted stuff), steady filmography (shaking and swinging makes me nauseous), and quiet, respectful exploration. You also move from room to room at a pleasant pace. I love your channel!

[@rachelmayes298]

As soon as I saw the outside you could tell it was going to be stunning inside. The Victorian’s really knew how to build gorgeous homes, that are still standing in our time. I really hope this property will be renovated and not left to rot and then be demolished. Thank you so much for giving us the history. I feel it’s so important to know the story of the property so you can really understand the place and imagine what it was once like. You have explored brilliantly, took your time, and I felt I was actually with you, not across the pond in the U.K. I wish you so much success, you really deserve it. Hoping 2021 is a happy and healthy year for you and your family, and your channel continues to grow and become more successful than now. Thank you so much 😊

[@simongee8928]

That photo album is a priceless snapshot of the place's history. It needs to be put somewhere safe for future folk to admire.

[@jackiepierce1467]

Love that hidden staircase. Maybe it was 'apartments' for staff or nurses like you said. Or maybe it was a place for doctors to sleep if they had long shifts. Whatever it was used for, it's a great find

[@beebasema]

I loved every second too, so glad you were able to get in and show us xx

[@danmundis9766]

New subscriber here, thanks for exploring for us. You have a serene look and a soothing voice. Keep up the good work.

[@denisebolton7191]

Wow, this is a beautiful old building. Even abandoned you can see the beauty. Thank you for being considerate of the history and memories of those who came and lived there. The history gives this building a special aura. It was a happy place. One filled with love, compassion and understanding.

[@kindnessmakesmesmile6583]

Thank you for highlighting all the beautiful architecture and antiques! You showcase places like this so well because of your kind and gentle spirit. I’d say you’re an old soul.

[@thestars386]

Thanks Dark Exploration Films, love to watch your videos. I love history and seeing things that weren't around in my time.

[@ArtairMcKinley]

It’s sad to see this place fell into abandonment. From what you say and what’s been shown, this residence seems like a genuinely beneficial facility. I also appreciate your respect and consideration for everything as well. Absolutely amazing.

[@lexis8031]

I love watching both your & Chris’ videos on the same explore. So cool to see two points of view!

[@dtaylorstephens9067]

Those baby pics in the basement are on polaroids, circa 1960's. The first instamatic camera!

[@Risenshine2day]

I just started watching your channel this week and was captivated. Sat with my husband earlier today and said, “Hey - You’ve got to check this guy and his team out.” Four hours later, we are pulling ourselves away. Totally love your subjects and style.

[@kimb4285]

Love your introduction and how you take the time to tell us the history of the place, your voice is awesome, I could listen to you all day and you are so respectful of all the places you visit, you can hear it in your voice that you are genuinely interested in the buildings, I've seen tons of video's from different people all over the world and you are the king of abandoned property video's to me. Thank you. OMG I've just seen the radiators wow love them.

[@elainelott9916]

This was an awesome video !!! I so admire the family who built this beautiful home so that people could get the help they needed. So sad that their efforts didn't stand the test of time. I was amazed at all the great books and records !!! Such a waste !!! The staircase was absolutely gorgeous!!! This was a wonderful find......looking at all the old pictures made me think of all the people who once lived there.

[@Bigredtower]

Awesome explore! This place felt almost entirely like a home, and rarely a 'facility'. Bravo to the people who made that happen! Loved the photo book. Some genuine happiness in those old photos

[@braelinmichelus]

So great to find another great urbex channel, along with The Proper People! You're serious, respectful, research the history of the location, and no clickbait titles!

[@mikefitchNYC1971]

Awesome exploration. I love the opening. The music and empty swing moving is so spooky.

[@eily_b]

Old (not very old) sewing machines are not worth that much because new electronic sewing machines are much more comfortable to sew with. But these vintage pattern books you found are worth some money.

[@lauriearsenault4929]

They are so cool!

[@debkski6084]

He wasn't referring to the value of the sewing machine for actual use. Nobody would pay good money to sew on THAT. He probably meant the sewing cabinet. Those are vintage/antique items that can be valuable.

[@loveadumb]

amazing building. i love your videos because you're genuine and your enthusiasm and passion is infectious. thanks for always bringing us along.

[@angiesteinbach4113]

Wow! great narration. I love that you are so appreciative, and respectful of the every thing you seen in here. I have watched other explorations with other people and they toss things around and exhibit a negative attitude about what they are exploring. needless to say after the first time i havent gone back to watch a second episode. I cant tell you enjoy your exploration. Keep up the good positive, of you explorations.

[@alexmcrae8225]

Thank you for being so respectful. That lobby! The old salon hair dryers are the bomb. Nice to see that other explorers have been reverential, for the most part. "Got a whole lot of yarn. This is a cat's paradise." Got me laughing! "Cemeteryesque", love it! Smart to wear the respirator. Too many explorers don't. This place is prime for restoration. I'll be watching many more of your videos.

[@meowjakx3]

It breaks my heart to see pictures of how the building was before compared to how it is now. Many residents considered this place home and many people considered this their livelihood. It's like mourning the loss of your home.

[@hidebarnes8188]

I love the fact Ur so chilled no music or anything Asmr tour like x

[@kimholch1006]

I admire how considerate and respectful you are when u are exploring these abandoned places. I really enjoy your videos, and through u, I have started watching Ubex and Chill , The Proper People, and I just discovered Big Banx. Thank u for sharing the videos with us.

[@LethaWolfStudios]

The original story was touching. The fact that the family loved their son so much to have this place built for him and for others like him is amazing. It’s refreshing to hear when you consider how poorly people with disabilities were treated back in the day. Also the main staircases are breathtaking. It’s so sad that no one is seeing that beautiful woodwork anymore except for other explorers. It would take a large investment but I’d love to see this place be repurposed into a small hotel or a large Bed and Breakfast.

[@tonyalafarr1454]

I'm so glad you got to see the inside of this abandoned place. Sad that it's just sitting abandoned and would make a great place for our veterans and the homeless that need a place to stay to get on their feet.

[@sheskindameansometimes7541]

This is awesome! I’m so lovin the care or respect you have for the building and it’s contents! I hope to someday see an old place like this be a functional place again! Not necessarily a facility but even a vintage B&B or a vintage spa! 😍❤️

[@froggie4630]

You are right what a wonderful surprise to see a beautiful historical home so amazing intact for the most part I enjoy learning history myself and I am happy to find this video. I wish as well that it could be refurbished as well and possibly turned into a museum. God bless you and your friend 🙏 for you both

[@g.k.1669]

Seeing those photos of everyone having a good time takes away the creepy vibe. The Magnavox that you show at 21:46 I still have one in my basement and is fully functional as it used to belong to my parents. I used to listen to my brother's Beatles albums when I was 6 years old on it.

[@blindkimberly1360]

Such a beautiful place. Obviously built with love and care in mind. Even when it became a retirement home it seems to have kept its happiness. They cared enough to celebrate holidays and take lots of pics. Awesome find. I can just hear Pavarotti singing throughout. Thank you for sharing this.

[@jonb2793]

I'm really looking forward to go there soon. At least I know what's inside and the history. It's so sad that a place like that would be abandoned. Great video bro!

[@sylviahoward6186]

Me too!!

[@Paranormalfan_24]

I love how you respect the buildings and the privacy of people who lived in them and we get to learn the history of places you explore. Great vid

[@liliparsons1377]

I would love to own a place like this and respectfully fix it up and repurposed it as a hotel/museum and have all the stuff on display and the history above it.

[@mixitup6805]

Same here.

[@offthecufff]

"Wanna go investigate?" "Yeah" "Okay i'll wait back here" hahaha making chris do all the dirty work

[@DarkExploration]

😂

[@witneyskye5556]

I'm a new subscriber. Your channel is thoroughly interesting. It is refreshing to see a younger person who is interested in bringing history to life. Thank you for your compassion and respectfully addressing mental illness. ♥

[@kimmieandrews2491]

I love your explores! You respect the places you go and your photography is the best! I also like hearing about the history of these places. Some are so sad. Keep up the good work guys! Awesome job here.

[@marcerivest6204]

Nice job of presenting this beautiful old building. Very respectful!

[@icascone]

What a wonderful place and what wonderful history! So so so sad that it closed down; but hope someone takes inspiration of this place!

[@srevero1]

Really interesting! Thank you. The history was a special touch...awesome!

[@JoniBaloni]

Really enjoy your excursions. You have a calming low key voice. I get a sense that the hospital was a very happy place in its day, unlike most nursing homes. The architecture is so amazing.

[@devilblueduke]

I was there in the 1800’s. It was really beautiful back then. That place helped me and fast forward to January 2024 I’m 178 years old but alive and well. Thank you for the memories

[@lauran7170]

What an awesome explore. Just loved hearing the history and seeing the photos of the residents. I think the family that originally built it used the upstairs behind the door with no knob. 🤔 It's a bit sad to see people have destroyed it for copper. 😥 Thank you for the awesome explore!! Be safe!!

[@lisabourdier1606]

Awesome location! Love the history of the place. Thanks for posting this.

[@rickperry3165]

What a beautiful building!! Great job guys! I remember when you guys had like 16,000 subs....... I always knew your channel would grow. You were mea6 for this bro

[@ls6-ss413]

Awesome video fellas. Very well done. Sad yet intriguing. Jeep it up 👊🏼🤙🏼

[@brendakrieger7000]

Thank you for sharing this amazing history. Great exploration❤

[@heartchitect1960]

Very relaxing. Best exploration I've seen in long time.

[@kerry2638]

I’m surprised it’s still in tact and not been really badly damaged that’s a shock.. xx thanks for the video and the story to it love your videos

[@marmike2001]

The game you found is croquet you were close. I think but not sure they still make those. Love your videos and like someone else said you are very respectful of these places you visit. It's nice and comforting to see young people such as yourself so respectful.

[@rosieg.5593]

Thank you! Croquet game, suitcases and old fly wheel sewing machine, books are such treasures!

[@domn415]

What a shame such a grand building is left abandon :-( oo bad someone does not restore it before it is beyond saving ! Thank you for taking us on this tour! Keep healthy and safe in your travels !

[@katie0303]

It's too bad this once beautiful building is left to rot. The rooms look cozy. Thanks for the tour.

[@user-randi1987]

Looks like it must have been a nice place at one time. Good video,Thanks Devin

[@joemamma9642]

so i always save these videos for early saturday mornings when its quietest outside. immersion, bro

[@dawnpruitte2109]

Beautiful woodwork and doors. Love old homes.

[@cathylopez3034]

Very good commentary, and your respectful attitude is exactly right.

[@tumbleweed576]

I love how thoughtful you are. I would have lived to sit down and read that newspaper from cover to cover. I would have loved to look all through that picture album. A lot of interesting things those pics would tell. I notice you don’t mention the city, town or state. I’m wondering if that is for privacy reasons. I sure love watching all of your videos. Thank you so much.

[@josephineoliver9499]

Thank you..I loved those stairs, that's what kept me watching..and I loved that fawn coloured coat that was hanging there with the black fur, I could just imagine that being worn by the lady who owned it, she would've felt so grand in it 😍

[@allysonluly5226]

I agree. I would wear that coat

[@josephineoliver9499]

@@allysonluly5226 ❤

[@susanllewellyn5127]

This looks massive thank you for the history and showing us around you are very respectful

[@brendaanderson8189]

Thsnk you for showing ud all this and those stairs are beautiful.

[@crasieknutz7450]

The interior wood work is amazing. What a shame it has been let go. You don't see that kind of craftsmanship today typically. The building architecture is beautiful. Some really pretty vintage furniture pieces. Croquet is the game. :) The "brief cases" are vintage suitcases for travel. Great job with the video, I usually get car sick watching videos like these, but you move nice and steadily, thank you! What a find, I appreciate how respectful you are.

[@michacunzo3683]

Amazed!! Hope this can be restored!! I love this vid! Enjoyed this!

[@maggiemcmac8273]

Wonderful tour. Thanks! I wish you would have checked the expiration dates on either the food or the fire extinguishers. Lovely photos of the residents made me sad since they have probably since passed.

[@pookienuts4112]

It was nice to not see much or any graffiti in this exploration. The double staircase was really cool. Keep up the good work.

[@Kimtwister]

AWESOME you guys are so awesome i love finding old antique stuff and i have explored abandoned places myself i neeeed to start exploring and urban exploring and get pics its awesome

[@barbaraweidenhammer7644]

They need to have an Auction with everything that is Salvagable. Don’t let all these beautiful pieces get left to deteriorate or stolen. Even if they are not going to rebuild the building, at least have some revenue for the County or Historical Society. I am sure some would bring good money.

[@claricelongtree6335]

Beautiful place. Thanks for the upload today. I love your videos.

[@heatherhahn1996]

Gorgeous old building I love buildings like this with the old architecture so sad to see a beautiful building like this one abandoned, you don't see buildings like this anymore

[@morenag.7769]

The shoes.... is what got me the most. Also the pictures. Beautiful but yet sad place.

[@Perspective125]

The outdoor game you thought might be crochet, is actually croquet. Thank you for this beautiful explore. This is the first, in my long lifetime, that I've learned of an actual caring, loving, helpful facility for disabled people and the mentally ill. It's shame on us, the USA, for not providing everything that place could have ever needed to continue, and to go on to model other like-minded facilities. It genuinely touched my heart to see the photos of people having a lovely time there. I would guess that the baby pictures of black children that you saw, may have been the babies of the kitchen and cleaning staff that kept that place humming so many years ago.

[@nanabarker8140]

Ty for an amazing tour,you are very soft spoken & respectful & not all are.Bless you.🙂

[@nanabarker8140]

I wanted to add a few things,the first phone was circa 1940 or 1950 & a rotary phone. The second phone was just the outside case & circa 1980,also I have a similar sewing machine that still works & unfortunately there are so many out there they don't have much value.The game you play with the balls is pronounced Crow-kay/ unsure of actual spelling. I have my grandfather's set & use it.😇

[@nanabarker8140]

Also,severely mentally ill & elderly like to rock,because it is calming.🙂

[@arlichar11]

amazing-- like it just kept getting better as u went,,, i was lterallly drooling when u was out thru window indoor, then narly faint when see the staircases ,, geez its a dream

[@zslis4348]

That place would be beautiful if it was redone. That wood work in the lobby is excellent. Thank you for showing a piece of history of doing it so respectfully. It’s such a shame all those photos will be lost forever if not saved I am sure the families would want them if it was my family member I know I would

[@riandraegon556]

I collect old photos and actually place them in albums. It’s my way of saying to those long gone souls, “I see you, I recognize your existence, you are not forgotten”. I have hundreds, spanning as far back as tintypes thru the 70’s. It’s my way of honoring their dreams, lives, loves and hopes. After all is said and done, we are all ghosts in waiting.