We Found a Strange Religious Collection In An Abandoned Belgian Mansion!

[@linshore7451]

This woman was a collector not a hoarder. Her collections are preserving history. Thank you for sharing this fascinating home.

[@patricialeaper832]

The antique top hat looks like it was made in America with it's stamp in it. The postage stamps might have come from the Vatican Postal Service/post office. The "wall of Christ" was small holy water fonts for the home. The fan looks like Abalone shell and silk. The small boxes could carry rosaries. The bust translates to "poetry", the little white dress seems to be a Confirmation dress, and the plate looks like it was set with turquoise among other stones. Lastly she had a nice little collection of Delft blue things. Leslie, always love your videoed. Greetings from Columbus, Ohio, USA!

[@lissanne9769]

It's very kind of you to explain to us what some of those "artifacts" were. This is an extraordinary place. Strange to see the empty cans of cat food, and that huge painting (it should be in a museum or cathedral) in the same house. The women who lived there was a big collector.

[@LizatHome]

Thanks for all that information. Very nice to know.

[@julykasa]

The wall is of holy water fonts. What an incredible sight!

[@nobusmanrbbj]

It should be called,"The Holy Water Wall!" Or ,"The Wall of Fonts"...

[@davisfarm9]

You can tell by the organization and knowledgeable selections within her collections that this woman was not a hoarder, but was old and sick and alone , unable to care for herself any longer -- much less her house. She deserves our love and mercy. Poor thing. The testimony to her life was not the mess and decay, but the lofty thoughts and love put into her collections and the beauty of the Catholic images, statues and fonts. As a Catholic, it hurts my heart that these things are likely to be lost or misused. They should be sold and the profits donated to a charity that Maria would have approved.

[@MrJrsdts]

It is amazing how people as they get older and in their last days they give up everything, they stop cleaning up after themselves and worrying about cleanliness. Such a shame that some people have to be alone in their last days.

[@ratj4715]

You got to wonder if a lot of this happened after her death.

[@kristineguetschow9134]

In their last days, pain and medications dominate life. Nothing else matters.

[@carolweaver3269]

Grief can kill.

[@spiderreed350]

A little much.

[@orchid3457]

Let me thank you from the bottom of my heart, dear Lesley, for the effort you take to show us such fascinating places like this! It's very nice to see you are back in the right track after the adventure of yours last Wednesday on that' Dwarf's house' as you call it. Take care! Wishing you a good day, [ It's 2, 20 am here] I am sending you my love from Sri Lanka!

[@joansmall9019]

This is what happens when you get older and can't do for yourself any longer and your family is not paying attention to you. Such a shame, I'm sure she had a wonderful life.

[@melodielacey7080]

You can see she was a lady of strong faith.

[@rubyaguilar594]

This is the most beautiful room I have ever seen. Some of those artifacts, the ones on the wall, looks like for holy water. Thank you for sharing this beautiful place.

[@brendaanderson8189]

What a beautiful collection .shame none of the kids did anything with this beautiful stuff.

[@veronicamensch3160]

I had seen an explore before of this home. I had hoped after the explore, I believe done by Explomo, that the children would recognize the value of not only the collection in the one room, but also the amazing collection in the back room of antique books and pictures. The large picture in the hall way I feel sure came out of a convent, that was probably closed down. I know the presumption is that the Maria carried on with their collecting, but I feel that this was already a very extensive collection when her husband died, enough to overwhelm anyone. I believe her illness was to do with the many cats she must have had, for her to make her bathtub into their litter box. Plus being unable to clean up her home she just gave up and dropped things on the floor. Her illness was old age and no longer able to look after herself. The question I have is, why did her children not have someone going in to help with the house work? A kindly neighbour to monitor her on a regular basis? Or even one of them monitoring their mother? That is the sad part of her life, not her extensive collection, not her cats, or her messy home, but that no one cared enough to pop in, help and visit with her. Thank you for bringing this home and Maria's plyte to our attention.

[@sharong8511]

*plight

[@helengren9349]

Yes... or somebody religious, church going vollonteers = samaritians..

[@davisfarm9]

Seems I saw that explore, too -- and, I don't remember it being quite such a mess -- but I may be remembering wrong...

[@garybusey7625]

Yes, it is sad to see how it all ends for some people. The juxtaposition of holy and angelic symbols with the hoarder's filth & squalor; culminating in the bathtub brimming with shite. I hope their life was happier than her end. There but for the grace of God go we all. Amen.

[@deloreslopez1212]

Who knows what happened to the children if indeed she ever had any

[@bobbibuttons8730]

It’s so tragic when someone is lo longer able to look after themselves and no one to help. That will be me when I’m no longer fit to do my own housework. She has so many lovely things in her home. It’s tragic they will rot. The stained glass is epic. It’s such a shame that the family don’t get a firm of auctioneers in who would value and take the items to auction. You pay a percentage of the selling price to the auction company. As a Jew, I would give my right arm for that first big book you opened in the room with the angel. It looks to be an illustrated Torah

[@VeronicaMowery]

Incredible religious artifacts. I love the statues and holy water founts!

[@lindahawkins5983]

The wall holds Holy Water founts which can be placed in the home for blessing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (I am Roman Catholic). Very beautiful display.

[@skippingstones2023]

We need to understand that the religious articles have most likely been blessed. They need to be treated with the respect that calls for.

[@brookemitchell7496]

We have one in our home too. The display in this home is absolutely gorgeous.

[@katiem9116]

Was coming on here to say what they were….beautiful…the little containers were for rosary’s…Roman Catholic also….

[@rattata30]

Amen

[@kaysiestreff2987]

@@skippingstones2023 religious articles are not blessed

[@pastorpamela3970]

Thank you, very fascinating and horrifying at the same time....you guys are always so respectful!! Awesome!!

[@kristineguetschow9134]

Fyi - A wall clock hangs on the wall. The free-standing floor clock is usually referred to as a grandmother or grandfather clock.

[@garlandedwards1749]

A lot of stunning antique treasures along with the hoard. Thanks for sharing this interesting video.

[@Tiger-Heart]

I absolutely love all of your videos! I would like to comment on your descriptions of how the householder’s left the home. I disagree with you asking “how can they live this way” and “it’s disgusting.” As a young man, you cannot imagine what it’s like when a person ages. I’m only 63, yet I’m noticing I cannot extend my body like I used to. What’s really “disgusting” is that the lady of this home was left to herself with no one looking in on her! In the end, it was most important to feed herself and her cats, only because she was not able to much more. I can tell she was a great housekeeper when she was able. Please don’t insult a person’s memory by calling them and/or their living conditions “disgusting.” Keep up the great videos- I’m subscribed with notifications on! BRAVO!

[@lmk1966]

They were not hoarders they were collectors beautiful stuff they had Sooooooo sad their family members did not want the beautiful stuff

[@cindybogart6062]

I think this is one of your greatest finds, Lesley. Everything is beautiful there. Such a sad story. Blessings to you & yours❣️. Keep up the great work. I feel it’s protected by God to hero it safe ✨

[@nitatucker7628]

Love this! Thank you for what you do..I get to see places I'll never get to go thanks to you! Much love from Texas❤🤠

[@Over60sowhat]

Best find yet! Just beautiful!!

[@COMPOUNDCOLLECTIVE]

At 7:43 a lot of items you say are copper are actually brass. Copper is mostly used for cooking, some flat artwork like hammered pictures and on some roofs. Plated items are almost always brass underneath the plating.

[@tamarrajames3590]

This house tells a bittersweet story, a love that built a business they both loved. I think a part of Maria died with her Husband, and only found comfort in continuing the work they shared. At some point, she likely took in a stray cat…and it lead to more and more cats she tried to save, but wasn’t strong enough to clean up after, or remove the garbage. This was what she hoarded, the cats…and that can become illness with no one to help. The wall of Jesus were mostly bowls to hold holy water just inside the entry to a home…so people could cross themselves before leaving the house and on returning. The statue you wondered what it was made from was likely bronze or spelter (a cheaper alternative).. the orange bust of the lady was terracotta clay. A very interesting house to be sure, and a tale of what can happen when love becomes loneliness because of a lost love.🖤🇨🇦

[@donnadsmith853]

They traveled so much incredible things collected and their store items. Just incredible. I think in this home there is more money in artifacts than most castles.

[@lotusdolphin]

Leslie absolutely remarkable! So sad that her life ended up like that. I wonder where her children were and why they weren’t taking care of her. So sad

[@lotusdolphin]

Totally forgot to say thank you and love as always from Central California😢😎😘🇺🇸

[@janiegoss959]

I'm from Tennessee, and I have been watching your videos for a while. Love them and the respect you give them. Beautiful

[@TheAnimalsMagicShop]

That was mind boggling. Where were her children? I'm an antiques dealer and there is easily a couple of million dollars worth of treasures in that home, not to mention the beauty of the home itself. The fireplace, the stained glass window, the floors and chandeliers. She and her husband probably did estate clean outs. RIP Maria. I hope your cats were rescued even if you weren't.

[@sarahfarrell8214]

Hey Lesley, great exploring, such a sad story with beautiful artificats. It's so sad that she didn't have anyone to help her take care of her house. Thank you for the interesting video, stay safe, love ya!

[@donnayarbrough1333]

Very sad to think this lady lived like this and her children didn't take better care of their mother

[@maggiereeves2534]

Poesie means poems. If my french serves me correctly. Lovely home. Thanks for the video.

[@jelena7604]

The white dresses that were for children were probably 1st communion dresses.

[@llenyquinteros4371]

Woouu…que belleza ,gracias x compartir .desde peru un abrazo.

[@cucukartini810]

I want a cry every time i saw your video, paint and saddest deep in my heart.

[@annabelledumdum4959]

So lovely abandoned house!!

[@ramona_rami5643]

I love the artifacts , such a pity they may be abandoned there forever; the statue in the hall seems to light up the whole place; Thank you for this exquisite exploration!!!

[@ssm9451]

Wow, this was an amazing home. Yes, she was a big collector. Thank you for the tour. You are the best!!!

[@giovannayaranga960]

Really interesting channel, good job guys…. 👍🏻greetings from Florida

[@debmundorf3551]

Check out Explomo

[@garrygutermuth2591]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@jaxyab]

Exquisite table and 2 chairs at 9:42...Simply stunning! Another great explore.

[@jameysimpson1184]

Love this new video Leslie it’s amazing….thank you from Michigan!!

[@jilldavis7229]

Absolutely awesome! I loved the property!!! Sad that the children don’t come back for the families photos & air looms 😔 Such 1 of a kind treasures!!! The religious artifacts should be sold or auctioned off… they would get sooo very much money for those items!!! I loved the house itself! It still looked quite structurally sound to me! The antique wooden furniture was lovely, any collector or museum would have loved getting that beautiful furniture! I would love to clean it out & see what a gorgeous gem of a home was left!!! Loved the tile flooring! Loved the fireplace! Loved the size of the rooms & the huge bathrooms! I think that she had filled her 1 tub with kitty litter! Poor Maria did become a hoarder in her old age, but who knows how our minds will react to age?!? Thank you for sharing this wonderful adventure with us Leslie, I truly loved it ❤️❤️❤️

[@emoluv190]

I love watching your videos when I'm in bed, before I sleep! I find them extremely calming and interesting 😌 ☺

[@anniekarl3046]

The little white dresses in the wardrobe could be for first communion.

[@robinc1448]

She was definitely a hoarder. God bless her, may she be resting in peace with her husband!! That may be why the children just didn't bother. That is alot of work to clean and it's expensive to hire people to do the work. My mother wasn't a hoarder, just a very large 5 bedroom home . It took 5 dumpsters to clean out the house of things my brothers and I didn't want or couldn't sell.

[@alciramontero9512]

Ohhh😲

[@sammyjo8109]

She sold antiques as a business from her home so they were displayed there.

[@catherineguadalupe4698]

Wooow, unbelievable but we see it in our eyes the enormous collections of religious artifacts all displayed inside the house and cabinets! Amazing and very beatiful arranged from the most little ones up to the largest. The cabinets full of artifacts with their plates and glasses are still complete. Ther wardrobes also complete. The oil lump that was made a Chandelier is very unique. I love her pictures. She is an amazing collector of different things that she admire. Massive paintings just dumped inside the room. It's so sad all of it was just left behind and abandoned, but their children didn't want to take care of them all. I love this video, this is the first video that i have seen a massive collection of a religious artifacts. It's so sad that during her sickness time she made her kitchen and the living room a dumping area. God bless you always Lesley, goodluck to your next venture 😻😇🙏🇵🇭

[@nancerobinson4901]

Interesting and intriguing find. Great video. Wonderful voice to share the story.

[@RTCrmCreative]

Much Love from Maryland 💜

[@marciasmith45]

The handle of the fan looks like mother of pearl.

[@orchid3457]

It's 11.15 pm now, never mind, I'll have a a little sleep and wake up at 1 o' clock, for this room extremely awakes my curiosity. Waiting eagerly from Sri Lanka!

[@marcosgarcia2643]

You may watch later on!

[@orchid3457]

@@marcosgarcia2643 Thank you for your kind concern! But it's a pleasure to see a Bros of Decay video right away. You remind me of my favorite author - Gabriel Garcia Marquez!

[@catb-w5212]

How beautiful

[@vyju1964]

OMG! Interesting to watch.Great video .

[@jojocm1463]

Elation of finding the other side of the door to disgust of the bathtub within seconds 🤣 thank you for another fascinating documentary x

[@kristinakuzminskaite9084]

Fantastic exploration! Oh, Lesley, you've blown my mind😮😮😮❤❤❤😊

[@clintmyers9061]

Disgusting is correct and also, all those beautiful antiques. What a shame! I bet that place had a real oder. Lol

[@jenniferbrowning9957]

Unbelievable! Beautiful religious artifacts!

[@andromedapersea4792]

So strange.and.delicious..house...!!!

[@croheritage3d177]

Woman's bust is an allegory of poetry (french poesie) from around 1900.

[@MrQbenDanny]

"DISGUSTING??" What's DISGUSTING is the negligence in helping this gifted woman who brought beauty and elegance to the world with a exquisite gift of collections. Also an animal lover.

[@nobusmanrbbj]

When lesley says how disgusting this was I was taken by surprise...He was standing under a really special light fixture in a room filled with many more lovely things. Loads of beautiful, valuable things. He explains somewhat that nastiness grossed him out. All tha beautiful things would have to outweigh empty cat food cans? He risks a lot and endures a lot though. Those mornings when you can see his breath and hear the ice crunching under his feet. Even spending the night in one of these decaying places. Have seen him hot as hell in basements and attics. Maybe he needs another trip to the islands w/ Moreno Wellens and some more fancy drinks delivered to him on the beach...lol. He rarely complains so this one must have been really bad?

[@MrQbenDanny]

@@nobusmanrbbj He really turned me off, and not once did it occur to him that the cats probably weren't the only ones eating cat food. Calling her a hoarder was also an ignorant option in describing the house. All of the treasures were in general order and place. The kitchen stunk because that's where food is processed in cooking and eating with nowhere to dispose of properly, ditto the bathroom where it's not clear it had running water. I know nothing about this boy, probably just a bad manners day for him without intent to offend. But, he did. Maybe he needs a good spanking. 👍

[@sammyjo8109]

@@MrQbenDanny I also was shocked at his narration of this video. Evidently going into old abandoned homes is not what he should be doing as most will have mold, mildew at the very least.

[@MrQbenDanny]

@@sammyjo8109 The books he opened had no signs of mold which says the humidity levels of the house were not hazardous to the property or the contents. The bathroom probably had some mold, but that's presently in most homes with lazy people. The wallpaper looked healthy. The Christ Wall was in perfect condition. He did avoid the room of books so, it's possible some humidity victims are present. It would take at least 3 years with a team of 4 to catalog an inventory of the contents and may be a daunting process for her family, not to mention expensive which have caused them to look the other way. A not honorable gesture towards a woman who from what was featured on this post was an excellent provider. The home is stunning. The rare books are pirate treasures on their own for historic value and excellent condition. He should seek out and interview the family, that would be truly a must watch. Or, perhaps you're right, an amazing exotic cave in the Yucatan with wildlife is preferable. I will check out other posts and withhold further criticism. Cheers Sammy.

[@LizatHome]

I think we can not know what the smell was like. The rooms with the cat food etc also had other things that cats leave behind and I can fully understand him feeling ill standing there. I felt fairly ill watching it. This is said with respect and understanding of the problems besetting the elderly. It upsets me that family or government social services were not around to help her in her last days. Very upsetting, but also understandable that he found it upsetting. I appreciate being able to see these videos through the eye of his camera.

[@luellayagge3603]

I truly enjoy all your videos and the deep respect you show. I loved the albums and the bust of the lady. So beautiful!

[@marypalmer1062]

The best explore you have ever done!! WOW.

[@BobLaw-z7v]

Leslie: This was a wonderful home. I have never seen swo many things in one house. If someone could buy all of the things in this home they could open a shop and have more than enough inventory to stock it. It was wonderful so see. Bob Law

[@jrd3523]

Please do not assume she trashed the place herself; looters in search of valuables are mostly the culprits.

[@elmin82]

beautiful place

[@suzannethorndycraft5653]

Many times I have seen you identify baby strollers in error.May I kindly correct this? The large pieces are baby prams or carriages. The large ones are meant for small babies who sleep a lot. The smaller ones are the true strollers as the child is able to sit safely and not fall over.They began in England and called a perambulator now a pram.Look for them in old British films. Your work is amazing.

[@cactiish]

I am starting to understand when older people are not able to keep their homes clean and worst not able to take care of themselves and everything hurts!! My son tells me,mom you have to keep moving.Sounds like my wake call! Look forward to your next video. Hugs from Fl.

[@CircleB-ig9mk]

Those artifacts on the wall are holy water fonts.

[@DrnkTheWildAir]

What exquisite pieces!

[@janiebrossmann1178]

This is so very sad 😞…knowing that she suffered along in sadness… Her children wanted nothing to do with her or this incredible amount of wonderful antiques once she passed away ? 😭 Knowing that it will all totally deteriorate as time goes on…I really don’t understand why people and antique dealers aren’t encouraged to come in to rescue these beautiful things 😔

[@adrianabadillo1793]

OMG, the collection is amazing, thanks for the video.

[@justcurious3514]

that huge album in the bedroom with all the pics of the same woman- just wow. And then the huge painting in the hallway - even more wow... I wish we could talk to the woman that lived in this house. I'm speechless at how unique and random it is. Just gobsmacked. Hahaha I've never used that word before and that's what this house makes me feel hahah like whaaaaaaaaat

[@ArtisticallyArranged]

That album was actually full of Vintage postcards, of different women. They were very popular in the early 1900s through to the 1920s and 30s.

[@cajunangel4894]

@@ArtisticallyArranged / Thanks for the confirmation on the postcards when a saw the stamps in the corner of many of them that is what I thought they were ‘ I’m from Louisiana the old homes here that were abandoned were mostly taken over by drug attics looking for a place to hide and burnt down the home Others were just taken apart piece by piece and sold for new homes - unfortunately they were items stolen by vagrants

[@lc5346]

They could have or maybe did have one heck of a store!! Wish the kids would gather up everything and sell it! Wonderful find! Great video!

[@griffin2263]

the art in this home is amazing the picture with the nuns and the snow picture with the church in the front hall ...so sad ...sometime families are fighting and cant or will not clean out a house because they are not getting along ...very sad to see it all just rotting away ..

[@shawnalleman7535]

I don't think they were hoarders, everything is displayed in an organized fashion. You can tell they cared and loved their home.

[@marilynburak4452]

Great video,Lesley…That was something else for sure…Beautiful artifacts…sad at the end that it seemed like hoarding took over…

[@marilynburak4452]

Lot of artifacts for holy water..

[@marthasampoll645]

Saving an inventory of the religious items she sold is not hoarding. The accumulation and decay could have been due to her aging and inability to keep things clean. Please refrain from negative statements, just pay some respect. THIS HOUSE IS A MUSEUM Thank you

[@tzok09]

The little boxes are snuff boxes and the fan handle was mother of pearl.

[@BrosOfDecay]

That’s some great information thank you!

[@tzok09]

@@BrosOfDecay My pleasure. I know you love to learn. You do so well showing these beautiful snapshots in time.

[@cynthiatomblin5427]

Hi Lesley beautiful mansion. Love all the artifacts beautiful . Love all the antique furniture .it’s sad they left it to decay Great video stay safe.🥰❤️👍🏻👏🏻🔥

[@iregomez9025]

Lesley que casa tan extraña !! extraña pero muy bella ... como tu . excelente video I love you

[@aranchaortizrodera2496]

Si es un muchachito muy fino para mi gusto un poco amanerado pero muy fino

[@surgicalg9143]

Hello from Wisconsin. This is a great video just loving it.

[@elainewright9750]

The stones are turquoise.

[@habac3875]

I am excited with this video clip and with this channel because of the history of the past of this place and the explanation of stuffs. I pray these religious stuffs would be kept in place without vandals.

[@roxannevictor]

So many treasures. Amazing.

[@kristie5981]

Leslie, this is one of the most fascinating ever!!! That photo album with all the "model " pictures. Amazing!!! I wonder if it was her??!!

[@saiprom]

Wow! Very interesting home, with all the collection they had in this place are very interesting indeed, lot of history of the people who lived there you can tell by of what you found around the house , I love the candles Caesar cutting, first time I ever see something like that , thank you for sharing, very interesting place indeed.

[@darlenespencer4594]

Fascinating and beautiful home

[@bronxwarrior3281]

Awesome 😎 time to explore thanks for checking out these places

[@theseamstress6315]

She must have been pretty sick in her end days. Nice explore Leslie. Her collection is worth a lot of $$$$.

[@joangravel2436]

Awesome video and house thank you 👍

[@AzzaLu2B]

😘 Hi and thank you for taking me to this unique explore of so many precious antiques.. Truly mind-blowing how much is left to wither away in all that trash.. Poor Maria, bless her and resting in peace, thank you also.. I have just found your channel thru Maureno, explomo and love the great respect and hours of love you share for what you do best.. I feel like I am there even tho I live in Australia.. Lots of Joy, Peace and Love for you always.

[@Lightgirl715]

Leslie have you ever seen an American TV show called "Hoarders"? It looks like this lady became one. It's a mental disorder....often the bathrooms end up being used improperly or not a all...and even though she had a spectacular collection, it seems toward the end, she just gave up. Thanks for doing this one.

[@pamcardenas6592]

Hi Bros. of Decay. I love your videos. Who ever the camera man is - he does a fantastic professional job!!! Keep up the good work!!

[@annettejones1300]

Beautiful Grandfather clock ! A wall clock hangs on the wall !!

[@berthagreen1620]

It looks like there’s not much dust on anything. Beautiful artifacts.

[@debsguitar2]

WOW simply amazing !!!!!

[@wilmaburrgooch981]

What a sad story, 🙏

[@clairesims7275]

Amazing, the fan handle looks to be mother of Pearl. I think that wall is a display for their customers. What a lovely find🌹

[@ritafoster8625]

This was very interesting

[@tinanova9717]

B.O.D.... Such a beautiful, fascinating place...

[@cortneyperfume_madness480]

Its all just sad. Here today gone tomorrow... Life is so wonderful and yet just painful and sad.

[@karenm3822]

The album with the pictures of a lady in various poses were I believe fashion postcards, sometimes of actresses & are vintage collectables.