Exploring an Abandoned Gilded-Age Mansion with a Titanic Connection! - Lynnewood Hall - Pt. 1

[@TheProperPeople]

Hope you enjoy part 1! Watch part 2 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXa5g6OjfMRpqZI

[@twizz420]

What do you guys use for cameras? Body + lens... Edit: nvm I found the gear link in the description.

[@dreamerjs]

Omg how did I miss the notification? I'm binging big brother season 1 on tv so ignoring phone bings damnit! BB on pause to watch a channel that I look forward to every weekend! Y’all! This is so gorgeous! I love watching you and Dark Explorations but damn you have topped yourselves! This kinda made me think back to all the places in India I went through 2 yrs ago! So ornate and beautiful! What a difference lighting does! Astounding!🌸✌️💜

[@perceptionascending439]

You guys prove footage and equipment are a part of the story.. you draw people in with the history and then the editing is better that discovery channel imo edit legit sould be their own travel channel

[@kinskifilms]

This MIGHT be one of the most staggering buildings you have explored. The scale of that foyer and all the connecting hallways, the cherubs looking down from the shelves, the ornate woodwork. Good crap my dudes, let's buy it!

[@lindaoconnor4293]

I'm glad they upped security on it. This is one of the few beautiful historic buildings left in PA. They already overhauled graffiti highway in Centralia,(town the original Silent Hill games are based on - the "never ending coal fire town") they tore down most, if not all, of Allentown hospital(I haven't been around to find out, thanks Covid 🙄), and more. Makes me sick it's allowed 😢 thank you guys for all you do, makes me smile being able to see things before they go.

[@ChizAfterHours]

Fun little note, the property was bought by Lynnwood Hall Preservation Foundation and is in the slow process of being restored for galleries and other uses. I believe they plan public tours in some of the better spaces.

[@rachelann9362]

They are planning to do private (up to 12) hard hat tours soon with various time blocks (90 mins up to half-day) after they complete asbestos remediation to help fund the restoration work. So excited to keep an eye on this! Gilded Age was such an interesting sub-epoch of Victorian Age- clash of ideals, societal demands, and increasing technology that created mass rifts.

[@ekc_sc.722]

I don't know what's more heartbreaking. The general dilapidation from years of neglect and destruction or the modernizations that were done to this magnificent gilded lady.

[@bmstylee]

The answer is yes. Decay is bad. But covering up the amazing artwork that is this building is worse. Atleast there are not drop ceilings.

[@leinanightray4294]

The modernization is the worst to me. An abandoned historic house retains some of its charm when falling in disrepair, but people coming in and downgrading it on purpose is another story.

[@entertainme7523]

Wrong. If not for the modernization it would've become just another abandoned building with graffiti and broken windows.

[@rev.stevemccomas8069]

My Father went to Faith Seminary from 1961 to 1964. He was groundskeeper to help pay for his education, so I had free roam of the grounds and part of the building. For three months we lived in an apartment in a smaller building on the other end of the grounds. The ballroom (22:53) had a beautiful parquet floor and chairs. The carpet and pews were added much later. the ballroom was only used on special occasions .My brother's funeral was held there. One frame had a copy of the Christian Beacon, which was a publication of Carl McIntire, who was affiliated with the Seminary. The video has brought back so many memories, including the elevator. It was a beautiful mansion!

[@mbktenterprisesllc4428]

Do you know who owns this property today?

[@rev.stevemccomas8069]

@@mbktenterprisesllc4428 Sadly, I don't know who owns it. It was owned by a Korean Religious Organization, who allowed it to begin to fall into a state of disrepair.. During my Father's time at the Seminary, the property was maintained! I would think a search at the Recorder of Deeds in Montgomery County would reveal who owns it.

[@kingjoe3rd]

@@mbktenterprisesllc4428 he literally said who owns it in the video.

[@ksisnowmanyep]

Those people cannibalized the property

[@FreddySherman]

Was the swimming pool used when you were there?

[@LMacNeill]

I love the fact that y'all don't just explore these abandoned places, but you give us an historical perspective on the past of these amazing old buildings. The production value of your videos, your research, and your clear love of preservation of old architecture are why I continuously come back to this channel over and over again. Very well done!

[@baloo_2228]

There is no research.

[@Clare0724]

This is one of the most heartbreaking. The craftsmanship that went into building these mansions is something we'll never see again. I've gone through Biltmore and several others and I can only imagine what this place looked like

[@craftpaint1644]

The place is paint by number Renaissance inspired, seen one you've seen them all. That's why I wish the personal belongings like pictures, clothing, appliances were still in the house, they would have given the place some character beyond the design of the place 👩‍🔧🇺🇲🛠️🇷🇺

[@frag0638]

@@craftpaint1644 100%. Gaudiness is nothing new. This manor is not too far off from an 1980s middle eastern dictator’s palace. What a poor person’s idea of wealth would be.

[@BrightSunFilms]

Fantastic video guys. Unbelievable building and equality great cinematography!

[@therestorationofdrwho1865]

Don’t you mean “equally”?

[@randomrazr]

how did they get in if the security system is up and running

[@therestorationofdrwho1865]

@@randomrazr Clearly that was after they went there. That or it’s literally just to stop people and scare them from going there and there’s no security system at all.

[@abrahamhidalgo3605]

Ahhh my worlds are crossing

[@Misfit_Molly]

I can’t write a better comment.

[@aidank2004]

This place is fifteen minutes from my house, I go to the gates and stare at it in wonder all the time. It’s such a beautiful place.

[@craigandsnowwadam4511]

I love the map overlay!!

[@RedeemedChef]

It help to figure out where to get the spade key and the diamond key that lead to Umbrella's secret lab.

[@LoNeWoLf6661000]

Built when craftmanship was king. Nothing today can compare.

[@cattycorner8]

Dougie D You are right. There is no one alive today who can match the craftmanship and artistry methods of that time. And imaging just how many different types of craftsmen would have been employed. It is staggering.

[@aubreysong]

I'm so frustating looking at hundred million USD mansion in California, especially Hollywood. You'll think that city would be the epicentre of fine arts and architecture, but most of it just overprice and overated.

[@aaron___6014]

@@aubreysong I think it's because things aren't as clearly defined anymore. What is good taste, what is good design, do we value craftsmanship or cheap goods, should your stone mansions and wood carvers make a living wage, do you want to learn a trade or do something with technology? You know? Look at homes from the gilded age and you wont see the huge differences you see in hollywood.

[@kraken9321]

Actually they could build things like this today, if they really tried. It's just like music, nowadays most of it is trash.

[@lisaellis2593]

Agreed!

[@mikaisepic8251]

I honestly love the long introduction style, it definitely makes me respect these palaces much more

[@nikeeweston]

He left $700million when he died and none of his relatives could be bothered to look after this house, it’s such a shame. All his history gone and sold.

[@gregschaust4298]

I do believe it said $70 million is what he left. If you figure for inflation at 1930, that was around $1 billion + in todays money. But yes it is a shame that they decided to let the building go.

[@HangTimeDeluxe]

Perhaps they had no interest in being saddled with such a burden. Ultimately, it represented someone else's dream, and not everyone dreams of spending every waking moment trying to keep a money pit from collapsing into ruin. The only shame is that anyone would believe his relatives had a responsibility to maintain something they had no hand in building, or any desire to maintain.

[@Pitohui_]

@@HangTimeDeluxe ???? It was a mansion with 130 rooms! Only filthy rich people would refuse to take care of it after having a guy leave 1 billion dollars. Even if you don't live in it, it could totally be used for something else. The worse move you could do is just handing it to somebody who won't appreciate the building's history.

[@spiritofthetime]

Big old houses were deeply unfashionable postwar, they were considered aesthetically fussy, draughty, and expensive to maintain. Big houses couldn't afford to keep their staff and pay the bills. It was fortunate that they chose to auction it off rather than tear the place down for its iron, copper, lead and stone as many others were.

[@lizardslipper]

@@Pitohui_ its a huge ongoing financial burden.. often only the filthy rich have the ability to maintain ownership

[@cinnimon0001]

If only everyone was like you guys. You go in and explore without doing any damage.

[@everyhumandies]

Except they publicly disclose the properties, which, especially with a million a and a half viewers, invites all kinds of issues...once upon a time, explorers wouldn't do such things, because they realized that in doing so, places were being "outed" so much that the arson, vandalism, and eventually way increased security, or even demolition, seemed to come next. Bugs the hell out me, and lots of folks I've known who love this kind of stuff, to see such openness about these rare treasures. I'm sure it also bugs the hell out of some of the owners, many of whom have dreams of restoration. Not cool.

[@fiverZ]

@@everyhumandies Most of the time they do not reveal the location for this very reason. I imagine due to it being easily identifiable and the fact that it is now secured is why they named it.

[@AS-oc8lt]

@@Planktilious1 🥱

[@erickramos3160]

@@everyhumandies true but also, they only posted the video after security was actually installed

[@Zizie_sc]

@@fiverZ it is still very easy to do little research, and find the locations..

[@BerraLJ]

I like that floorplan of the house overlay you had up, was helpful so get a grasp about the size of that place. Imagine being a child growing up in a place like this.

[@godofzombi]

There's gotta be some rooms you wouldn't go in every day or even every week.

[@jgood005]

@@godofzombi I don't even go down to my basement every day. This place? There would be rooms I wouldn't see for months.

[@Drwild75]

@@jgood005 If you grew up here would you have been a Donald Trump?

[@thomasbeaver3828]

@@Drwild75 no he'd be a Fronald Troomf

[@cattycorner8]

Berth Ljunggren The first place my mind goes when I see into one of these old mansions is "imagine being a child growing up in this place." It is wondrous to think about,

[@evelyn4516]

I went to college in Philly and one of my friends was was from Cheltenham so we'd drive by this place all the time on visits to her friends/ family. I was always so fascinated by it for some reason- even years later it would cross my mind sometimes. This randomly showed up iny recommended videos and it's seriously a bizarre dream come true to see what it looks like inside! Hopefully it will get the restoration it deserves one day.

[@living4mylord]

If only it was truly random 😆👍💗

[@candybrown9395]

I would love to go inside and take a tour. I live right around the corner from it.

[@jasminespencer3992]

Did you ever visit stotesbury mansion?

[@itschoechoe]

If I had the money, I would've spent every dime to restore this beautiful architecture. The amount of details that went into every corner of every room is such a waste.. so upsetting. Thank you for sharing this!!

[@trissdv1]

As an FYI; you generally have to keep power on to a building to maintain insurance on it, it's one of the main requirements. Always expect power to work on a building you think may carry insurance.

[@bargtay]

I was quite curious about that! Thanks for the explanation.

[@seasontour9464]

so what you are saying is....someone has an investment that they whish to protect.

[@Justthemow]

Although the power may be on to the property it may be off on the main breaker

[@dylankennedy4539]

See this makes sense but the fresh flowers in that bathroom are kinda weird

[@dudesumting]

@@Justthemow that doesnt make any sense

[@LexLucario7922]

I really hope this place gets preserved and get's turned into a museum.

[@SuV33358]

Yes.., it's so beautiful ❤️

[@larrychilders6599]

It will likely be demolished and the land will probably become retail space

[@LexLucario7922]

@@larrychilders6599 I sincerely hope not, or if that does happen they at least hold an auction for the interior fittings before tearing it down.

[@kman-mi7su]

Or maybe a hotel and event space.

[@margaretrodriguez6528]

I paased buy there about a month ago cause my daughter lives around there and there where men up there putting in new Windows..well at least no one went in there and destroyed the place with graffiti and stuff...

[@DarkExploration]

Can't wait for part 2 !

[@nataliesmith303]

Ditto 😀

[@NYCgirl927]

Me too

[@markandrew3846]

same here ! its a masterpiece!

[@MrL4t3]

Hear hear 👍

[@Jason_Phillips3679]

Definitely! 👍

[@PAPO9609]

Hey guys. I just read that the "Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation" bought the property in june and plan to restore the grounds and mansion to it´s original glory. That is great news if you ask me.

[@ZeliousX]

I find it funny that despite it be stripped down and vandalized, this mansion still has more charm and detail than the modernized glass-walled "Art" that is held as mega-mansions today.

[@Tejvir7]

Wow so funny

[@juanitacanon3120]

Art changes with its time , that view of aesthetics is no longer relevant today 🙄

[@janae5989]

@@juanitacanon3120 art can also be timeless

[@juanitacanon3120]

@@janae5989 thats is 100% true

[@LDLK]

@@juanitacanon3120 no longer relevant?? I beg to differ. The thing is it's not easy to find people for the job and even if they do, it's wayyyy much more expensive than modern minimalis style.

[@pyro323]

I'd love to step back in time to the early 1900's and see this place the way it was meant to be. 👍

[@SuV33358]

So ornate and detailed...gorg

[@MrL4t3]

Great to have a time machine that you could go back in the glory days of any abandoned place you go.

[@margaretrodriguez6528]

So do I ..i love the guilded age ..and the 20's 30's and early 40's...

[@margaretrodriguez6528]

Ur hair looks like its nappy..put some of that green stuff I use in my hair

[@ubermench3000]

You probably wouldn't even be allowed on the street in front of the house.

[@Not_a_snake]

I like the lengthy introduction. It’s important to know the history of the places being explored.

[@MrCarGuy]

The Gilded Age estates are one of the most interesting architectural subjects to me. It's so sad the US has lost so many of them (especially in the Long Island region).

[@pavelow235]

Go to England to see Country Home Estates.

[@HattieMcDanielonaMoon]

The US has lost a lot of beautiful architecture thanks to the "modernizing" efforts of the 50s-70s, as well as cars.

[@meltedicecreamsandwich]

@@HattieMcDanielonaMoon the 50s had some good stuff as well though

[@HattieMcDanielonaMoon]

@@meltedicecreamsandwich If that's what you think, Kenny...

[@granstandann28]

To see how large, quiet and empty it is now you can only imagine what use to take place here when it was not vacant and occupied all around. Wow. Incredible place. You guys are great.

[@avacarlson2389]

Such a wonderful video! My grandfather attended and taught at the seminary years ago, and my dad lived there for a good portion of his childhood. We really enjoyed a trip down memory lane.

[@rev.stevemccomas8069]

Who was your grandfather and Father?

[@littlemizredhead]

Makes me so sad that something so beautiful and full of history is treated so poorly. I wish someone would fix it up and turn it into a hotel. I would love to go there.

[@skycloud4802]

It pisses me off to see historic buildings decay. Actually it kind of annoys me that any of these buildings are left abandoned instead of maintenanced.

[@Azorgi01]

@@skycloud4802 Agree, but the problem is that to restore / Maintain something from that era, it would cost more than anything it could be turned into could bring in. It's all about profit so unless you know a multi-millionaire that doesn't mind throwing money away, it will sadly meet the same fate as all the other beautiful pieces from the past.

[@christinec7892]

There have been multiple offers above asking price to buy the house, but the church that owns it refuses to sell it 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@theresashea413]

@@christinec7892 there is a restoration society trying to raise money for it. I truly wonder if it is available. Supposedly the cost was $17,000,000.00.

[@lauraalexander8144]

Well,PAB Jr built the gorgeous Hialeah racetrack

[@randygiles845]

I love the map addition, it really helps visualizing where you are.

[@ThLstnXD]

It breaks my heart every time I see such an amazing structure in ruins at the hands of humanity. I don't know how anyone could be so disrespectful to destroy it or even do anything but try to preserve its natural beauty. I would give so much to be able to preserve a home like this.

[@judithmcbride4023]

The heart breaking vandalism, speaks to the mentality of those causing it! DISGUSTING!’🤨☹️😥😠

[@judithmcbride4023]

As Always , much RESPECT to the Proper People!! They share these Amazing places with us, and leave Everything As It Was!!!👌❤️👍

[@GeorgeMonet]

Wasn't it humanity that built this structure in the first place? If it is truly so valued then another one could be created. The truth is that this building was made for the exclusive benefit of the rich. The common man would have never been allowed in and was never intended to benefit from this house in any way. And the people who built this mansion were never allowed to control the resources needed to live in a mansion like this and the person who lived in this mansion never did the type of work needed to construct mansions like this.

[@ThLstnXD]

@@GeorgeMonet Humanity now isn't the same as humanity then. Respect is not taught as much in modern society as it was decades ago. People destroy things with no consequences or remorse. The talent needed to construct such a beauty is no longer common and the style is no longer popular. Old homes have beauty and soul that newer homes will never be able to have. Old homes have stories and that is part of their appeal. Simply rebuilding a home like that is not possible.

[@jaysmith179]

@@ThLstnXD Just like BLM. They burn everything down.

[@hdhedden]

We are losing these historic treasures every day unfortunately. It's not just the brick and mortar, but the history and the lives that were lived inside the walls. Hopefully this one will be saved before it's too late. Great video guys, thank you!

[@eicrusade6161]

Lynnewood Hall would be great repurposed as an art museum.

[@raymondhutchinson7156]

Currently under restoration as an events space amongst a few other things.

[@taebby78]

The natural light always speaks to me in these abandoned places. In the way the shadows are cast and light brightens certain spots, forming shapes, and creating a specific hue depending on what time of day it is - you can imagine each resident has seen it the same way. With that and all the original craftsmanship, you could easily put yourself back in time in a place like this. This is the most beautiful abandoned place I've ever seen. Nice work as always guys

[@bradklingensmith]

Spectacular building. Glad you could get in as respectful explorers and equally glad it is now locked down with security.

[@danh4486]

36-Minute long video and it's only Part 1!? Amazing footage! Such an awesome location too. So excited for Part 2.

[@gymnasticsgiraffe]

You guys just keep on upping your game. The in depth back story, floor plan and old photographs of the rooms are so greatly appreciated, the quality of your videos has gone through the roof! Your videos have always been awesome but this is SUBLIME.

[@Cosmic1900]

I really hope this mansion stays safe and secure- The majority of the structure and detailing remains beautiful and solid. There is tons of potential for the building to have a wonderful future, perhaps as a museum or a secret research facility for a pharmaceutical company...

[@zigforjustice]

Really appreciate the lengthy introduction to set the stage for the remainder of the video. Keep up the good work as always

[@artflorez1568]

I love the fact that the two of you, at your young age, have such appreciation and respect for beautiful properties like this. Thank you for giving me hope for the future of past.

[@GirladyLocks]

I was thinking the same. Very nice educated young men, indeed!

[@RealmsOfThePossible]

Absolutely insane to think that at one time it was a family home and also that it was only occupied by a man a 2 kids.

[@Scooter30FTW]

Could you imagine being a kid playing hide and seek in there?

[@beaushaver3779]

And an army of servants and guests

[@AnotherTruth]

It’s entirely offensive and wasteful . They should just dismantle the whole awful thing

[@hehe42069-k]

@@AnotherTruth ok modern man

[@OGPatriot03]

@@AnotherTruth You're awful.

[@the_oslovian]

It is so refreshing to watch a tour of an aboandoned house like this done by someone who has an idea of what they are looking at! THANK YOU! Subscribeing right away. Also really helpful with floor plans! :)

[@alextatkin1026]

Lengthy introduction?? Bros, that was concise and professional AF. The people who have 5 second attention spans don't deserve content as rich as this.

[@Toxakat]

It infuriates me to the core that people steal and vandalize from these beautiful buildings. I’m glad to see a video covering this building though, I’m an explorer too and It saddens me when people ruin such nice places. I’m sad I won’t see it in person but I’m so happy it’ll be protected now from here on out !😁

[@t.8936]

People resorting back to cave men mentality.

[@GLC2013]

Kinda like that scene in "Planet of the Apes" (1968), where they discover ruins of a more civilized culture buried in the wilderness. Sad.

[@jedahn]

@@GLC2013 that's exactly what these places are.

[@ronniedavis3397]

Not me wanting to steal the giant mirrors just so they can be truly loved and appreciated like they deserve to be😭😭 no but you are totally right

[@ElRabito]

The sect aka church in it probably ruined more......

[@hectormacias8890]

OMG this mansion is a masterpiece. It would never cross my mind to demolish this great work of art. It was impressive to me to see all the dedication to the detailing for each and every room. This place is beautiful fit to house any president. Times like these I wished I had done my homework and became a millionaire. I wouldn't hesitate to buy this place.

[@winksmilelaugh1]

Your guys' attention to the intricate details is truly what makes this channel unique and such a pleasure to watch, thank you

[@douglasrector972]

The details of the molding and door handles and everything else is amazing. They don’t do that in today’s mansion which is sad. Also the details of that era where in other buildings of that time which you guys have shown exploring from that time period.

[@MrEyesof9]

Chiefly because we CAN'T build like that! @ 32:38 look at those floor stones... are you serious? built in 1738? Not sure what trade(s) you are in but... there is no way in hell a horse and buggy town with a single shared saw mill, cut moved and fit stones like that. If you care to look, I'll bet every last toe, many of the building materials here, were somehow magically imported from europe.

[@chuckfirman3249]

Just wanted to say I love how you guys always pay such respect where others haven’t. At least someone is documenting these gorgeous structures.

[@drshelkie4153]

You are THE MOST respectful of explorers! Thank you for bringing this to us, and, for your care.

[@seasontour9464]

while trespassing

[@robdog1245]

@@seasontour9464 Exploring is trespassing, it's just how it is, but unlike the idiots that destroy everything, at least they follow the Urbex mantra of 'leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures.'

[@seasontour9464]

@@robdog1245 oh then maybe ill come and explore your house

[@fluite9336]

@@seasontour9464 His house isn't abandoned

[@seasontour9464]

@@fluite9336 trespassing is trespassing, power is on, therefore someone has an interest in the property.....plus they had to sneak in, climb over a fence and through a window....and f**ktards like you want to glorify them! They should go to jail for B&E, Trespassing

[@yukivalentine5341]

I just cat get over how amazing the cinematics of y’all’s footage is. I can’t wait to see the other half of the video!

[@snappylobster3118]

I literally gasped when I saw this- in 2015 I lived within a 5 min. walk of this place. It was very overgrown at the time so you could just see some of the tops of the building through the bushes. I was so incredibly enamored by the place. I wondered myself how worth it it would be to hop the fence, but I never got the nerve. I have never been so pumped to watch one of your vids!!!

[@OGPatriot03]

They apparently had dogs on the property to specifically deal with people intruding, so I think you might've lucked out by never jumping that fence.

[@user-md1ol7nj7h]

@@OGPatriot03 how did they get around them then

[@ducatisti]

@@user-md1ol7nj7h Watch the video, it's covered in the first few minutes.

[@entertainme7523]

They gave them baloney

[@rachelstuckel9621]

This video was so fascinating, it began a 3 week Proper People video binge for me. I defend my Master's thesis soon, and these videos are the only thing keeping me going. I know that I can put them on and just be utterly transported back in time. They're so eerie and the history is fascinating. Your guys' voices combined with the views are super calming

[@debbiegomez2818]

Wow. So beautiful, such a shame it's now just abandoned at risk of being demolished. What a cool piece of history, it almost reminds me of Downtown Abbey and that whole era of when the tides started to change for the upper class.

[@theresenydahl9531]

I hope someone buy this remarkable building and bring it back to it's original grandeur.

[@svoidsofinfinitechaos9367]

You know it’s serious when they put up a disclaimer at the beginning of the video. Also, damn the editing in this video is so good.

[@noobeater231]

You two have become so incredibly good at your videos. GOOSEBUMPS!

[@BeytekinConstructionMachinery]

@21:47 Those faces and those fat childs are Barock Angels. All the details inside the mansion is styled in a Barock palace style from Europe - especially in France and Germany. The Barock period of art history began in the early 17th century, but in some places - especially in areas that were scenes of the Thirty Years' War - later. Depending on the geographical location, the era lasted until the last third of the 18th century. Widener and his wife Mrs. Dunton were several times in France and visited the castles and loved the Barock style. So their own palace got that style too. Also noteworthy is the large vault, in which Peter Widener kept part of his art collection and exhibited it in the shop windows using the lighting technology of the time. He was happy to show selected friends and guests his treasures. This included oil paintings by Rembrandt. I really hope we can found someone who recreate that unique building to it's gone beauty!

[@razorsharp6667]

Please do more of these lengthy intros! Seeing old photos of the property is awesome and the extensive backstory is amazing! Stunning work you guys and hope to see more of those in the future!

[@socalgal714]

32:58 the address-o-graph is used to fold and seal envelopes. 🙂

[@trevorpeterson4270]

I was looking through the comments specifically to see if anyone knew for sure. Very cool, thank you for sharing!

[@oldenweery7510]

@@trevorpeterson4270 Yeah, I operated one in a publisher's mailing room in NY, back in the late '60s. It did everything but empty the wastebaskets---once it was adjusted properly.

[@majabdou31]

this place is incredible. imagine seeing it in all its grandeur with all the rare items in place when it was in full swing. wow.

[@drewcook2445]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I've ALWAYS loved Lynnewood Hall! The story of the estate is so intriguing! I've always wanted to go inside and explore but NEVER thought it'd be possible for anyone to get in there! While I may never get to experience being inside the building, you have provided me with a chance to actually feel like I'm inside! Thank you for helping to make one of my dreams come true!

[@namelessone3339]

This video is like a dream come true; I never thought I'd ever see any interior of this mansion, much less so well produced.

[@rubystaging24]

This is a gorgeous place ,so glad they are restoring it

[@brendatompeterson8401]

Gorgeous house! So sad it's empty. FYI checker board flooring is classic, it never goes out of style

[@dorothymantooth2133]

For how old and how long this house has been abandoned it's in pretty good condition. I hope someone ends up doing something with it and somewhat restores it

[@hsimpson6581]

This is one of the best Homes in America. so sad to see is in this way.

[@radman1136]

One of the best? One of the most obscene if truth matters. Just like Bezos' dick rocket, a succinct demonstration of unchecked sociopathy.

[@Lazerchicken69]

@@radman1136 sucks to be that jealous

[@72tadrian65]

Agreed radman, obscene wealth to impress obscene wealth. How many children worked and were maimed or killed in his factories?

[@hsimpson6581]

@@72tadrian65 0:30 He didn't have factories you see he was an investor He played the stock market. No one was harmed in the making of this mansion BUT how many children Vandalized it . Poor people destroy the rich build things of beauty .

[@scottclark7592]

@@radman1136 More like a hero to the art world and public education at large-take this for instance-From 1915 to 1940, the spectacular art collection at Lynnewood Hall was open to the public by appointment between June and October. In 1940, Joseph E. Widener donated more than 2,000 sculptures, paintings, decorative art works, and porcelains to the National Gallery of Art. P.A.B. Widener had originally planned for the collection to go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The paintings included Raphael's Small Cowper Madonna, Bellini's The Feast of the Gods, eight van Dycks, two Vermeers, fourteen Rembrandts, and a series of portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds.[5] The sculptures included Donatello's "David" and Desiderio da Settignano's "St John the Baptist".[5]- What have you done for the greater good of society?

[@Roofgeese]

I live right across from this mansion. Absolutely wild to see you guys do a video on it.

[@CM-ek9ec]

I’m not far and pass often. What’s crazy is cheltenham use have these gems all over

[@staceyscarlett1886]

Thank you, thank you for taking time in each room to actually show us and record the extraordinary details of the rooms like the detailed handles and moldings and ceilings etc. So many explorers i follow just walk through so quickly and don't actually show the incredible architecture of the buildings. you have actually shown the details and its incredible! Is sooooooooo sad that someone can't come in and save this. It's one of the last gilded age mansions left in the USA and it's just rotting. I wish the state or the historical society could do something.

[@TeresaMom1]

I love how you guys give viewers a lot of historical facts about the places you explore.

[@justsomebloke6784]

I'm glad you said in the opening statement that the mansion was "Built for", the owner. As an artisan builder, I really resent this conceit that people "Built" their house because they said "Let there be house". Nit picking I know, but I imagine that great artists would bridle at the notion that the person who commissions an artwork is also its creator.

[@jordantrudeau-adams4213]

Makes me sad the amount of time and effort in designing of this unique place and to have it be destroyed. Tears my heart up....one day nothing will left though no matter how beautiful somthing is and this is another example of that. Good work guys

[@axlrose5299]

We love how you do a very detailed intro and backstory! Made us appreciate the whole urbex video even more. Your videos are very well put. Keep it up

[@haltersweb]

Thank you for showing this. Thank you for the respect you gave to this property and the attention to detail you captured. Your appreciation shows. This mansion is about 15 miles from my home. A friend of mine grew up a stones throw from the mansion. When she was a kid she and her friends used to sneak into the abandoned mansion in winter and "ice skate" in one of the vast rooms which had ice on the floor from collected water due to leaks in the roof. She said it was magical.

[@LiveeviL6969]

The map was a great touch!

[@jco_83]

Gave me Resident Evil vibes 👍

[@AT-ki8jz]

A gilded age exploration from the Proper People... Well done old sports

[@star978]

Lynnewood Hall is the holy grail of urbex!! Congrats!

[@themenefee]

I really enjoyed the long story based into for this one guys. The historical context mixed with your amazing footage feels like a complete story telling package. Nicely done. Hope to see more stuff in this format.

[@NS-vf6hr]

I appreciate that you two took the risk to film this magnificent mansion. I really respect that you were so,careful not to disturb or cause anymore damage. The current and previous have caused enough harm. This is by far the best video I have seen on the mansion in its current state. I wish we could see inside the gate house and Conklin Hall “the little house” on the property. Though I do not blame you for not taking the risk.

[@maizie9454]

btw- paintings made to look like 3D is called Trompe L'Oeil, trick of the eye

[@sicooper4230]

correct and an amazing art detail once loved

[@HwoarangtheBoomerang]

I still don't understand why "visitors" to abandoned places feel the need to smash windows and mirrors. Boredom is not a good answer.

[@Taruby]

Estrangement is the reason. Estrangement is also why you have people like the German veteran that built a flame-thrower and torched an elementary school, ending the lives of many children and some of their teachers. Sullen teenagers with a criminal temperament lash out against society by destroying stuff, and adults do this when they no longer feel connected to society. The only thing that will stop this is a nation-wide eugenics to cull the population of low-functioning sociopaths, and the removal of drugs and alcohol from the human equation (75% of known vandalism by adults is reported to be committed by those under the influence).

[@MrCarGuy]

@@Taruby Or, you know, humans with low impulse control... of which a certain group of people has at much higher rates.

[@GNaron]

It could be the reason the late great Charlie Murphy explains in this clip.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5fKloCVh6aln9U

[@greyeaglem]

I once saw a comment from a vandal stating that the destruction is some kind of "art" they're creating. Amazing what passes for art in some peoples' worlds.

[@natesenft5376]

@@MrCarGuy what group of people may i ask?

[@terrystrahl6006]

What a fabulous place. knowing allot about the RMS Titanic the sinking of her in April 1912 sure had a BIG affect on many, many people.......

[@curtdilger6235]

The theme of the haunted house in American culture emerged as a result of boom and bust cycles that left large Victorian era homes abandoned, and one could see these hulking, sad, formerly opulent figures in the desolate landscape. This gilded age behemoth, just a few minutes’ drive from my house, has always haunted me, like a personal Overlook Hotel from the Shining. Horace Trumbauer, a well-known neo classical architect, designed this house for the Wideners. Like many American barons of the time, their extreme wealth emerged from the advent of new technologies, much like the wealth of people like Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and others who benefitted from introducing a new and paradigm shifting technology into the market. In the case of the Wideners, it was the electric streetcar, which was wildly successful in the Philadelphia area. They became titanically wealthy, and built a titanic ship floating in the landscape. Then they took a trip on a giant ship designed to kill them. The streetcar system died with them, and the oil barons prevailed. Because of this video we can see what they left behind, a world built by an America at the peak of building craft, one unlikely to be equaled. The entire place is haunted with the skill of these men, giant teams of craftsmen with massive skills in their hands, skills we cannot hope to duplicate. And this inner world they made conjures up haunted dreams of repose and wealth, men in top hats and women in splendid gowns, pristinely clad butlers rushing around to serve them. The heavy mortality of all this is inscribed in every detail, and leaves one with the wistfulness and poignance of eternally unfulfilled dreams not just of this family, but of a humanity that can never sustain its material wealth. A Bill Gates or Bezos cannot hope to hire the skills required to restore this palace, at any price. So, we live in a world bereft of wealth, with the skills bereft from our hands, and haunted by a past that mocks us. How’s that for a horror story?

[@MissBehaving888]

Those darn oil barons!

[@espritdaventure5773]

We in today's society are a product of the powers that be who control everything. Are craftsmanship our industry has been removed and farmed out to other countries. Sad.

[@SweetJeopardy]

Sir, this is a Wendy's. An urge to appear literate is a bad urge.

[@ginger-root]

🫡🫡🫡

[@HotelierNYC]

Beautiful, haunting, heartbreaking. And nostalgic: I did a project like this in college (c. 1996), documenting the long-abandoned Northampton State Mental Hospital. If only I still had the footage...

[@MineTwine45]

What an amazing video guys. You can feel the amount of effort and love that went into producing and editing it. Really like all the extra details you included with the floorplan map and old photos for comparison sake. Having the floorplan visualization is really nice. Definitely up there on my list of favorites from you both.

[@howie4150]

Their must be hidden compartments in this house no one ever found I'm sure.

[@greyeaglem]

Behind the fake books.

[@DoctorRobertNeville]

I think I saw an apple that was strangely placed. That might be an opening to a hidden area. If true, and no one has been in there it might have some treasures inside.

[@comfeefort]

Hidden rooms scare Me, unless it's a safe room that is rigged with surveillance electronics. Can You imagine being trapped in one, with nobody coming to look for You......YIKES!

[@veloci3twenty607]

hidden passageways that bring power and heat to the different rooms

[@razorsharp6667]

I bet if you tickle the cherub's foot, the center of the chapel opens up and down you go to some good ol' Catholic treasure!

[@Cooper3312000]

Rich people were on another level back in the days.

[@BilisNegra]

You're right. They somehow still are of course, but no matter what present-day luxurious property would pale as something vulgar and mundane if put against this. Today's stuff in this category is all about bragging, while in this case, there is true art and grandeur. And some bragging, of course, but it just doesn't stop at that. This is otherworldly, deserving heritage building status. Can you say that about any modern or modern-ish mansion?

[@Quicksilver1936]

@@BilisNegra spoken like a jealous peasant.

[@-----REDACTED-----]

Baroque manors, chateaus, and palaces. Look that shit up.

[@VulpesHilarianus]

@@BilisNegra Rich people these days are used to quick results by throwing money at modern tools. The result is the same techniques used to build an apartment, but bigger. Back in the day things moved slower and rich people had a lot more time to burn, so they entertained themselves with designing overly ornate things. They treated their homes like massive art projects. They'd give masons and sculptors years to finish a single room, employ dozens of woodworkers to build everything from the railings to the bookshelves, and hire live-in artists to paint or do frescoes on the walls. They actively took part in the process of creation, not just through funding it. The mansions and estates were never finished, and two or three generations of owners could continuously build on the same property, creating local talent pools of artisans and craftsmen famous all around the world. New Jersey used to have quite the reputation in the Gilded Age, as they had some of the best craftsmen anybody had ever seen due to constantly building stuff for the Vanderbilts.

[@beaushaver3779]

This was built before there was income tax in the US.

[@chitownbangin]

These old mansions and houses in general are amazing. A true testament to what humans can be capable of at our best and most creative.

[@spat7378]

You guys are so professional. Calm voices. No shouting and useless hyperbole. Just the facts. Great job. On to Part 2!

[@debraschnieber8140]

This place is absolutely beautiful, so sad to see it being let go, can't wait to see part 2

[@cbpotts]

I’m trying to imagine being a kid in this house as you guys wander through but I just can’t. Even with the photos you show of how the house originally looked (which was wonderful, by the way), it’s impossible for me to see it as a home. It’s a piece of art. Thank you for treating it as such; with care and reverence.

[@greyeaglem]

It reminded me of a hotel or hospital. I can't imagine living there and thinking of it as "home".

[@MrL4t3]

Rolling through corridors and rooms like the kid in The Shining 😁

[@cbpotts]

@@MrL4t3 ha! That was exactly what was on my mind!

[@MrL4t3]

@@cbpotts lol 🤣

[@mattrogers1902]

It’s a shame that as soon as people have the chance places like this get vandalised.

[@Etaoinshrdlu69]

Not really. It's about destroying a shameful part of history.

[@MorpheusOne]

@red eyes: So, are you insane or are you merely doing nothing more than trolling for your `shits & giggles`¿?

[@Etaoinshrdlu69]

@@MorpheusOne Mostly trolling but I don't like old buildings especially ones that are gaudy.

[@MorpheusOne]

@red eyes: I dislike gaudiness myself. But, it doesn't make any sense to misrepresent and misunderstand the era in which such homes were built, the frame of mind that such people had to create such lavish lifestyles, with that kind and level of material wealth. For example: It is important to understand that 'olde money' is not created; it's inherited.

[@bmstylee]

Welcome to America Matt. It's what people do.

[@evelynpretty9147]

This place is Stunning!! Just a little FYI, the really big mirrors over the fire places was do so that they helped to reflect like into the room, especially pre-electric days. Great job on the video and Thank you for not breaking anything! Breaks my heart when I see absolutely amazing homes get trashed by a bunch of F#@king morons!!

[@patdry]

LOVE the floorplan overlays, such a *chef's kiss* to this awesome content

[@MickeyNixonFilms]

Just the notification I've been waiting for. :) After watch edit: Omg, unreal! Can't wait for part II. Legends

[@claire-ol7dr]

it's so sad to see it like this, I'm lucky enough that I live an hour away from Longleat (Bath UK) and have visited the building this was modelled after

[@TravisLaRoche]

More people need to have that attitude/ reaction when faced with the unknown throughout life, “fuck it let’s go” idk that cliff hanger hyped me up haha and side note also think it’s fascinating how y’all edit the video in a nice fluent manner when transitioning footage from Bryan’s camera to Michael’s camera. When you say “take you along” that’s totally an understatement from the actual finished product video. Y’all’s video editing skills and commentary have really evolved over the years. Keeps getting better and better

[@Hollyfae]

This is breathtaking. Thank you so much for the back story, intense attention to detail, and great respect you showed to this incredible work of art. The cinematography is also gorgeous. Brilliant work all around.

[@christiemallen8947]

The original floor in the grand hall looked so elegant, the black/white checker diminished its grandeur in my opinion. Even in it’s state of neglect and horrible changes by the church, it still possesses such an elegant and beautiful spirit.

[@UrbexAndChill]

That intro was amazing!

[@drumsyglitterandsprinklesc8295]

After seeing this place all over urbex tiktok I was scared that it would get completely destroyed by vandals 😠 I wish people would respect history instead of use it as a quick cash grab or just destroy it

[@bettierusso5410]

My name is Bettie M. Widener-Russo. YES, this Widener. George D. Widener was my Great Uncle. I am now in my mid 60's in age and am not in a position to afford my family ancestor home & Heritage. This gives me a FLOOD of emotions, both deeply saddened & angry at the same time. Thank you for your apparent courtesy and respectfulness while doing this, but you must know you are still...Trespassing. Unless you are given permission by the owners, ( I assume you were not as you had to climb into a broken window after jumping the fence in the dark) You are still "breaking and entering." It is a mix of feelings to have gratitude for your dignity towards my family as most do not, and at the same time feel angry at having trespassing burglars (essentially) go through my family home when I cannot. The home is tied up in court battles, and the damage came when the amount of back taxes and refurbishment became too much. The church is still the actual owner last I checked and therein locked in court and threatened with demolishing. Tears come as I watch this. Please know, my Great Uncle George Widener was only a stockholder on White Star Line and DID NOT OWN ANY PART OF THE TITANIC. His wife and son and their servants were passengers only on board. Uncle George and my cousin Harry died on the ship. My aunt Elenore did make it off but was never the same. It is all a technical nightmare with the court case and management of the mansion and I would give anything to be able to buy it and have the resources to bring it back to her former glory. I want it KNOWN that the Widener family EARNED EVERY PENNY THEY GOT by legal means and used it for their own homes, family, and charity. Many, if not most, of the art in the Pennsylvania Art Museum is donated by the Widener family, as well as the Library at Harvard University. They also had 3 Widener Universities. There is no crime in having money one worked their life to earn. I would request that you not return, and I do thank you for not being destructive.

[@porkturtle8321]

Count your blessings. What if you were a relative of the Stotesbury's of Whitemarsh Hall? Place got neglected and then massively vandalized and then unfortunately razed in 1980.

[@bobbbobb4663]

Thank you for posting. You are correct they are trespassing but these guys only document and do not damage the properties they film. I hope that Lynnewood Hall becomes a success story unlike Whitemarsh Hall.

[@jeffreymcdowell7189]

This is absolutely the best architectural building you have done... I love that ornate details so much. ❤

[@josephfrank1472]

Great info at the start. I saw an other video and did not really say much. Some of those billionaires could save this beautiful place.