What Will Happen to Lynnewood Hall?

Rags to riches is a theme we like to dream about, but how many of us can actually get there?
Location: Elkins Park, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
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[@BrosOfDecay]

I recently produced a full fledged documentary on Lynnewood hall together with the Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation. If you are intrested in the property and want to get a full tour through it's inside and outside, it is worth the watch! Lynnewood hall is currently in good hands and I am almost certain that it is going to have a bright future, thank you for this wonderfull video!

[@ThisHouse]

Great work on the documentary! I'll pin this comment so others can enjoy it as well. Cheers! -Ken

[@karonradford4101]

It was awesome Leslie. 👌

[@traciejlbutler]

I enjoyed your video so much. Ive been subbed to you for a long time. much love from the UK

[@rebeccasmith9560]

I hope your friend from Explomo is better heat job on Lynnwood Hall

[@traciejlbutler]

@@rebeccasmith9560 explomo released a video Saturday

[@heatherwarner865]

Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation was formed just days ago on July 5th with the purpose of buying and renovating the building back. The biggest issue is getting The First Korean Church to actually agree to sell the property. There have been attempts since it went for sale in 2019, even going above asking price but the church always bows out. That means they are looking for a very specific buyer and likely one going for historic value rather than condos or apartments considering they have tried for years to get it labeled as historic. Estimates to refurbish have been anywhere from $3 million from Realtors to $50 million from actual contractors. The first thing would be pumping out the electric factory, getting rid of the mold and wet in the basement areas and also the leaking roof - that alone is going to take millions. It is going to take a lot of money, and a lot of volunteers just to get the place clean...and thats with using respirators for the lead based paint. It can be done if they take it room by room, floor by floor. People have been renovating huge Chateau and The Pethericks are now redoing an old convent.

[@LaszloBagi]

I can't imagine it every happening. It will probably go the way of Whitemarsh Hall which I played in as a kid.

[@debbylou5729]

No it simply means, ‘leave us alone….we own this and you missed your opportunity to show everyone how spiritual this place is’

[@IntriguedLioness]

The church is sitting on the property. I don't even live in the Philadelphia region but this property is very well known on the east coast. The church (yes, I have a huge problem with churches owning property) will not let it go so it sits and every year that it has no maintenance it will continue to disintegrate. In the end it will probably be demolished. There should be a law against churches owning property only to let them fall into disrepair. And of course churches don't pay taxes.

[@debbylou5729]

@@IntriguedLioness churches having property, and why is that? Are you even remotely aware of the amount of money that is saved in the US alone because of churches? The service and personal care of the poor, women and children as well as aid and service to foreign countries is mind blowing. Maybe you aren’t worthy to own property

[@ferraridan4883]

If this would be for use by the public, the city could step in and force its right of eminent domain; make the church sell it. Not sure what the church's motive is but as others have said, time keeps passing by and the state of the home continues to get worse.

[@MrFernando58763]

We a Nation of wealth but not many Americans today wish to preserve a place of beauty and historic value. If the wealthy donated a small percent this place would be able to be restored to its former glory.

[@linuxman0]

I'd love to see this returned to its former glory, akin to the Biltmore estate. These lovely pieces of history must be preserved and admired.

[@kellingtonlink956]

Stunning. As a kid, I thought that this was what most American mansions looked like. I was influenced by movies and comic books. And this well known masterpiece looked very much like the mansion featured in ‘Richie Rich’ comics. Thanks for the video.

[@jeanfranklin7918]

Hopefully, one great person will come along and save this place. If not one, maybe a decent handful will. What a shame to have such lovely homes destroyed. Please keep us posted, if you are able. Thanks. GOD BLESS.

[@aaron___6014]

It currently is owned by somebody who plans to save it and it has been since 1996.

[@juant3969]

There’s many videos of urban explorers that were able to get inside this massive mansion. I must say the entrance that opens up to the 2 story sitting area is impressive. Each room in the mansion is insane. Unfortunately, that pastor who bought the house had stripped all of the high valuable things such as the solid marble fire place and the massive chandelier was a crook and greedy. This mansion should be a landmark before another “pastor” buys it. it does retains a lot of the original items

[@juant3969]

@Aaron__ all due respect. You have 1000% completely missed the point I was making and what I was really concerned about. Seems like you’re the only one with a horse in this race. I don’t care who the previous owner was…a pastor or whomever, It’s the least of my concern. So please in the future, read things thoroughly and carefully before youre quick to prove someone wrong that has nothing to do with what im referring to.

[@bron9674]

I watch the European urban explorers. Thanks very mucho.

[@HermicraftAddict]

I watched some urban explorers on this, too. It was still beautiful despite being in bad shape.

[@anthonypopola5773]

Carl McIntyre had stripped the Admiral hotel and Congress Hall,both in Cape May, left them both in shit condition, typical Bible thumping bullshit artist

[@cyrilmauras4247]

There was a huge mansion nearby to me on the Mississippi coast. It was certainly not as big as Lynnewood hall. The rich owner forced his children to live there under threat of being disowned. After he died, the children and their families all left and the large house was put up for sale. Like Lynnewood Hall, there were no takers. The house has now been torn down. Another story of a wealthy man who wanted to rule his family with an iron fist, that has resulted in waste.

[@heathermiskell6]

I hope that is kept up and not destroyed. It's tooooo beautiful!!!

[@mileshigh1321]

I have seen some recent urban explorer tours of Lynnewood Hall. A lot has been stripped but there is also some really beautiful rooms and details still in place! The cost of upkeep and things like having to replace the roof can be a deal breaker. It would be great to see it turned into something that would keep it intact!

[@sandyhossman7771]

So sad, what a beautiful park this would be.

[@ThisHouse]

I would love to see it turned into a museum. There is a newly formed organization with the goal of preserving the house. When I say new, I mean they went public a couple hours after this video was released. Here is a link to their site if you want to see their plans: lynnewoodhallpreservation.org/

[@roseskindaeverything887]

So this is why many mansions have more than one kitchen… everyone lives under one roof.. thank you hope someone shows it love again🌹

[@richardb9419]

Interestingly, I just took a tour of this place and it DID only have one kitchen! (The church added another during the time they had the place)

[@davidpalmer9334]

The state should step in and make this a museum or even the gov’t….. this should NOT meet the fate of soooooo many other magnificent gilded age mansions!!!!!

[@markwagner4909]

I think so as well but it takes money which folks that have some money don’t want to part with it.

[@drewp.weiner2473]

The armed extortion of others does not need to fund saving a rotting old house

[@drewp.weiner2473]

If you want it saved, find other private investors to save it. Don’t put the burden on people who don’t want to save or don’t care

[@richardb9419]

It is estimated to cost $50 million to renovate this place, ceilings and walls are falling down in places. You think this is the priority Pennsylvania should be putting its money towards ?

[@brettmanuel3440]

Guys, if you’re wanting to see a wonderful huge old house being restored - have a look at Wentworth Woodhouse in the UK. It gives you some heart that not all of these beauties are left to rot.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Thank you Brett!

[@charpnatl]

It would make a fantastic event space especially if the gardens could be brought back.

[@Gizathecat2]

Some investors should turn it into a boutique hotel and conference center.

[@gabriellehughes3175]

I have admired this Beautiful Mansion and it's history since I was little it deserves and needs to be restored.

[@thetravelingsuitcase2530]

Well... The restoration of the mansion begins! Excited to see this place after its well deserved revamp!

[@ladyhonor822]

"' THEY DON'T BUILD THEM LIKE THEY USE TO "' !!!

[@richenuff01]

I truly hope and pray that Lynnewood Hall doesn't go the same direction that Whitemarsh Hall did forty years ago. What a sad day when it was bulldozed erasing physical history of this beautiful estate forever.

[@eliseleonard3477]

I grew up in the neighborhood of this estate. It was popular for teenagers to go to the abandoned mansion at night. My grandfather made some dining room furniture for the Wideners in the 1920’s or 30’s and later had a retail furniture store not far from there.

[@BarneyR-u2d]

It is such a shame to see homes that were so lovingly cared for for so many years fall into total disrepair. It’s hard to say what will happen to this beautiful mansion, but hopefully someone with sufficient funds or a foundation will come along before it’s falls prey to wrecking ball & restore it to its glory.

[@JimATLANTA1]

Religion always destroys.

[@richardmcleod1930]

Hearst Castle in California still exists. Sadly, these other homes did not. I wonder why some homes are maintained and others are not?

[@yodservant]

Hearst Castle and its surrounding lands were donated to the State of California in the 1950s and are now maintained under the auspices of the National Park Service. Used to live just down the road from San Simeon in Cambria. The Castle is open for tours and special events.

[@richardmcleod1930]

@@yodservant The last time I visited San Simeon, the surrounding lands were free of commercial development. Hope that is still the case as part of the charm is the open landscape surrounding San Simeon for miles around.

[@cprestia]

I think a building like this ought to be public space rather than residential or commercial. I could easily envision it as a cultural venue with museum and library with plenty of space for performing arts events such as classical music concerts. Artists could rent studio/gallery space. The grounds could be an arboretum. Install an epic playground for the kiddos. Designate a quiet area of the grounds as a “reading garden” adjacent to the library section of the building. Outdoor “concerts on the lawn” in the evenings. Surely enough public, private, and nonprofit entities could band together to create something like this.

[@Friesian-q6u]

What a very informative video. I thought it so sad that all the assets were sold off. She is a lovely mansion and I hope someone worthy of her buys it and keeps it a lovely mansion.

[@seanroche2358]

Considering all the urban explore videos this beautiful home can be saved

[@blueyzsf]

Nice vlog today! A lot of buzz around this place right now. Another YT channel Bros of Decay just did a vlog from there and attempting to raise fund for restoration. 😁😁

[@StamperWendy]

I hope it ends up on the historical registry. Thanks, Ken!

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

It needs to be Permanently Preserved as a Historic Landmark much like its' British & French Counterparts. As a way to teach history ( regardless as to whether that history is pretty or ugly ) ! Such can also follow its' British & French Counterparts as a "Manor House/Chateau HOTEL" as well !

[@TheJiggs666]

A preservation society just bought it. I grew up next to Lynnwood hall, been waiting 30 years for this day!

[@StyleRecordGroupcom]

If it was in England it would get snapped up, this beautiful place has to be restored soon

[@talmadge1926]

Not so sure. Look at the sad fate of Mentmore Towers.

[@karenmetz4500]

Thank you for your video, 💞shame these beautiful mansions are being neglected, the history of these times is so interesting. The people could benefit from Restoring it for tourism as so many are doing in Europe as well. ❤️

[@waynegray7130]

Again, the problem is the religious group that stripped the place of its ornamentation!

[@CauseImSmokingYourMenthols]

This doesn’t surprise me.

[@colonialrevival7403]

A Non-profit group is raising money to buy and restore the mansion in order to make it a museum. Also restoration of the estate would be very similar to what is currently happening at Wentworth Wood house in England so it is not impossible

[@TheMightyCookieShow]

Pretty wild this place exists because of grief. It's amazing what a man will do when when he loves someone

[@TheCaffeinatedOrganist]

John Singer Sargent- pronounced like the military officer “sergeant. ” A very important American portrait artist.

[@ferraridan4883]

Would have been nice about 80 years ago if the city had stepped in and purchased it for an art museum. Even today if it were sold for $0, it would take at least $50 million to try to bring it back to some level of its former glory. Sad to see this incredible home go to ruin,

[@39x58]

see you guys in 20 years when i buy this

[@ernshaw78]

For the sake of history I would love all of the interior space to be reverted back to what it was. But in the event of certain minor spaces not being recreate-able I would hope some other museum pieces like "The Gilded Age Bathroom" or "The Gilded Age Bedroom" could be done to contextualise things and of course see the Art Gallery done up as maybe a restaurant and organic gift shop. The Pool could be a member space for yearly members and yearly fundraisers. I think it could be done as a true museum space with no loss of heart for a crass hotel concept.

[@pmm3112]

Someone Has To Buy this place and Save it!! Can't it be revived and turned into a hotel, resort, country club, residence with a spa and casino??? It's too valuable to let rot! There are so few artisans who can reproduce the type of work which went into a palace like this. If only it can become a destination for something to conserve the history and architecture of this exceptional mansion.

[@aaron___6014]

It was bought in 1996 and there are plans to save it.

[@pmm3112]

@@aaron___6014 It's been 26 years then? When will the rescue commence?

[@aaron___6014]

@@pmm3112 It sounds like they're currently working to either form a foundation or a non-profit and gain investors or restoration partners and sponsors with the current owner or they're looking for a new owner.

[@aaron___6014]

@@pmm3112 there's a really in-depth one and a half hour special on a KZbin channel called Bros of Decay. At the end they talk about the plans for the future of Lynnwood Hall

[@VibePower]

@@aaron___6014 This non-profit organization, Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation, Inc., is already formed and has been approved by the IRS for full 501c3 status. Through the full knowledge and permission of the current owner, they are actively working to maintain the site and minimize ongoing damage, with security measures already in place. This organization intends to acquire the estate for preservation, restoration, and long-term funding through an economically viable and sustainable approach by identifying and partnering with educational institutions of common goals. Major contributions will be required, but donors will be encouraged by LHPF's programmatic initiative.

[@karonradford4101]

Leslie you are the only one who has shown just how much the Church has milk this place and is letting it Rott. You did an awesome video. Edward and Angie will make sure this place will be taken care of. I know We all need a seller. I'm just hoping the Society will be able to take this place away from that church that milk the place to Ruins. Love your Vidoe Leslie Yours really shows the place.

[@lululestat]

I feel like the way the Titanic is gone this house also has the same status Rotting, falling apart, people took the valuables inside the home and selling them for money, random explorers leaving their footprint on the property and all the while it’s a darn shame this gilded era manson is now decomposing slowly just like the Titanic Forgotten and left behind and may be beyond teapot I don’t think it should have ever gotten to this point but sometimes people do not have value for anything

[@fordkoleski7913]

One of my favorites!

[@MakQeen]

Bros of decay just did a video inside this mansion, there is a group who are now taking charge of protecting and restoring this mansion.

[@albertstadt9853]

They've got an uphill battle. Some buildings are too large and too expensive to save.

[@MakQeen]

@@albertstadt9853 well hopefully they can keep the worst of it at bay. If they would create tours, people would pay to see the inside for sure.

[@turkey0165]

I would hope Elon Musk would buy it and restore it to its majesty Restore the beautiful gardens and art galleries !

[@ShyDog827]

I’m happy hear that’s this estate is finally in good hands. It’s such an incredible place. I can only imagine what the grounds and furnished home looked like when the family lived there. It’s a shame that with all the wealthy individuals spendings millions on new builds, that not one has stepped in to preserve this beautiful estate.

[@Gods2ndFavoriteBassPlyr]

Incredible story - well told. (Spoiler Alert - What will happen to the Residence is currently unknown.)

[@michaelwhite2823]

The place is doomed. It is too close to Philadelphia, not out on the Main Line and Elkins Park is not a great area. Otherwise it would have been rehashed long ago.

[@GabrielDalMaso]

This is why I play the lottery, to one day win and save this beautiful palace from ruin... or at least save it from tacky developers.

[@claudiocavaliere856]

Absolutely a me masterpiece of Architecture! Breathtaking art collection! One of the most amazing properties ever! Majestic in every possible way! Yet, what a sad situation it is now! Very sad indeed!

[@samanthab1923]

It’s Titanic connection could help with tourists. Museum w/artifacts. Tours of the home & gardens.

[@christopherkraft1327]

It's amazing to see the structure still standing!! It would be wonderful to see someone restore it & use it for some worthwhile setting, perhaps a hotel!!! Thanks for sharing another fascinating video!!! 👍👍🙂

[@bron9674]

I would love to know where the ornate mirrors, tile, marble, wood, columns, sculpture, paintings, garden, fabric, fountains and other "stuff" gutted from the beautiful mansions and homes went to. For me, it's upsetting enough to hear of one beautiful home being destroyed to put up another, like folly, and then that building scrapped as the centuries turned. Where did the raw material and "ornament" generally go? Anyone know? Thank you for partly explaining this example.

[@sandyhossman7771]

Probably removed and sold like a few mansions here in Erie, PA. Hand carved fireplaces, and wooden pieces where removed taken to Pittsburgh and sold, while historic society tried to buy them. One was the Powell Brothers farm which were the first to import and raise Clydesdale horses. The Powell Brothers hosted presidents.

[@bron9674]

@@sandyhossman7771 Thank you... bron

[@cindybogart6062]

Most likely sold to a salvage yard if your lucky. It’s where people go to find authentic period pieces when they restore other homes. Hopefully that’s where it went and not into a landfill somewhere! This sort of thing just breaks my heart💔

[@bron9674]

@@cindybogart6062 Thank you, very kind.

[@anncrow3340]

My guess would be the one disgraced "preacher", it was said he stripped out everything of value and sold it. Js

[@kilobravo449]

I thought someone was taking care of it. Leslie, from Bros of Decay was touring it very recently.

[@pamelas1002]

It should be saved. But it won't be. It'll be torn down to make ugly subdivisions. That's just my humble opinion.

[@WO2411]

That Pastor need to sell it to Rick Ross or Drake

[@robertbarnier45]

These wonderful buildings must be saved. Nothing as good is built today

[@javierpacheco8234]

Turn it into a school for classical architecture. It would a great idea.

[@moonboots1969]

Amazing work, than you! Excellent Channel!

[@ScanlanTrace]

Could you do a video on the preparation of building a home like this in a time of less technology and how were they able to communicate meeting certain products or supplies in order to finish a project like this in a safely Manor specially before phones are cars???????

[@bethbartlett5692]

I appreciate the clean lines and sound structure of the Greek influenced Architecture. *It emulates Grandeur, Classical, and Strength.* *This Home's Architecture will motivate it's saving, it will be purchased and maintained.* *It is one of the most appealing of the Historics.*

[@angeliclasereowens5912]

The bad things going on in Philadelphia right now I'm looking at your guyses film and it's absolutely amazing to see such a gorgeous beautiful mansion in Pennsylvania it's sad to see such a beautiful beautiful mansion just sitting there they can turn it into so many different things to help the lest fortunate

[@amandahirschfeld7382]

Amazing

[@IntriguedLioness]

I don't even live in the Philadelphia region but this property is very well known on the east coast. The church (yes, I have a huge problem with churches owning property) will not let it go so it sits and every year that it has no maintenance it will continue to disintegrate. In the end it will probably be demolished. There should be a law against churches owning property only to let them fall into disrepair. And of course churches don't pay taxes.

[@v.g.r.l.4072]

I hope that his jewel of a house is saved by an art's lover. Thanks for the video.

[@b.j.hinote4301]

Oh please someone dont let them tear another work of art down. Save it.

[@millardfillmore241]

Great episode.

[@aaron___6014]

The Bros of Decay KZbin channel just released a 1 hour 36 minute special about Lynnwood Hall. It includes an interview with the curators and tours of all the rooms (all done legally). There's also an explanation at the end on how they plan to save Lynnwood Hall. I think it's likely to be demolished given that most of the furnishings are gone and the interior is bare with lots of decay due to lack of repairs. The home needed to be given to a historical society that could create a large yearly budget to keep it up, like the James j Hill home. But even then the creator isn't as significant as J Hill. Btw, due you have a video of the James J. Hill house?

[@healthyamerican]

usually the neighborhood surrounding these types of homes have gone down hill, which means most who could afford to restore the home wouldnt want to live in it so they just pass on it

[@dawnbrainard]

Add it to the historical society of homes.

[@tobygoodguy4032]

1:23 I have no doubt that the Union wasn't supplied with prime rib ... or even beef jerky for that matter. 🤠

[@richardmcleod1930]

Hopefully it will be restored. We could certainly use a larger home that the White House in Washington. Moving the White House to Lynnewood Hall would be an improvement. And they would have the tax money to fully restore it as the United States Government throws away so much money already. Why not put that money to good use instead of Politicians bilking the system..

[@jocer75]

It’s still beautiful

[@johnstancliff7328]

its so sad this property has fallen into ruin. such a grand estate and no one wants it... its going to be interesting to see what happens... hopefully they can save the estate and restore it to a public place like a museum or other use. so sad to see all the damage as documented by others... it would be cool to see it completely restored and kept up...

[@francoisedunne223]

Another beautiful story of someone that built America. It is really a shame that nobody with lots of money has taken over that estate and turned it into something it is a beautiful building what history is hidden in the walls? I really would like to know what happens to this house such a shame. Can’t believe that they don’t make it some kind of a national historical monument.

[@joekillip6505]

I'll make sure it's restored

[@maxbear215]

The Great Room is quite similar to the Great Room in the Breakers in Newport, R.I.

[@123pb]

Luxury hotel or conference center-maybe?

[@MrInzeo]

The seller wants to much money for it. It’s sad what the house looks like now.

[@brianandrews7099]

This family didn’t have much luck on boats.

[@michaelmoore8834]

The Staircase you pictured is not the staircase

[@ThisHouse]

Thank you so much for pointing that out. Looks like we had a mix up with editing. We are trimming the video right now to remove that photo. Cheers!

[@davidrahnis7341]

What an amazing home and grounds! Amazing history as well. It sounds like the property is presently owned by the Korean Church? If true, good luck. I'm a real estate attorney in D.C. The Koreans are notoriously difficult to negotiate with. There is just some sort of cultural barrier, especially when it comes to real estate. I wish there was something I could do to help move it to its next caretaker. Beautiful property though.

[@gerardguida7727]

An American or an American company has to buy this property! No AMERICAN is going to pump money into a Korean owned property!!! PERIOD!

[@princeowenstv6528]

Finally I been waiting for this mansion

[@andrewdupuis1151]

i hope they able save it i saw another video on it earlier

[@mikejackson1410]

Unfortunately, we will most likely loose this great house as well. It’s so unfortunate that we, as a country, show our patriotism and come together as one when national tragedy strikes, but really could care less about American history and how we got here today. Not just wars and politics but the men and women who built this country since it’s founding. “Tear it down its the past! Strive for a better future!” But how can we, when we fail to learn from the past and are destined to make the same mistakes again and again. That is why the US is can never be as great as it was in the past. Inept and corrupt politicians that only see their personal agenda and how to gain from it. If it’s not a conflict overseas it’s one here at home. All elected politicians should be limited to two terms, no more. It’s not a career and should not make you rich… “serving your country” for the betterment of the USA.

[@omegaman1409]

I can only imagine how isolated one must had been in those early days.

[@cassandraralph5906]

Dare I say it, depending on how close this particular mansion is to suburban areas, I suggest that this mansion be carefully and thoughtfully divided into around 33 apartments, and then each apartment sold to the local people. I am just being honest and practical.

[@the.jess.effect]

That's not a practical use at all but thanks for your 'honesty'.

[@susannebrunberg4174]

What a terrible thought! It should be a museum

[@LizzieWestBathandBody]

Lynnwood Hall is an American High Clere Castle this is our American Downton Abbey somebody really needs to preserve it and save it. The current owner which is not the church because they had to file bankruptcy which is unheard of but he saved the property by paying a note of sort the rumor is 3 to 5 million I forget what but there's more than one property on the estate besides the hall there's the caretaker cottage which is a big mini Mansion if you like and then there's the carriage house there's a lot to do and a history worth saving! If everybody who cared about this the state would pitch in $5 I'm pretty sure we could buy it and restore it properly!

[@davidwelch4841]

Lynnwood Hall unfortunately will probably be demolished because it's deteriorated beyond repair. It would cost $1billion to renovate a house this size. As beautiful as it was and is it's simply not worth it.

[@yourmomshouse0486]

estimates to refurbish is 40m

[@TheMrboogity]

It because it’s old expensive and decaying doesn’t mean it’s worth saving. The money and effort should be spent on something of greater artistic, historical and social value.

[@jasonshull3106]

Great video as always thanks.

[@darlachief4610]

Father God thank you...... I pray for the minds and the property owners to come together as one to turn the property in something for children or somebody that needs to be picked up it's got a chance God bless his vision

[@VickieJones-ve8bm]

Have you made a video about the Sam Hill mansion in Eastern Washington State?

[@HermicraftAddict]

Am I the only one that finds the first house exterior more beautiful?

[@LJB103]

What I don't understand is the complaint about it's ultimate cost: $15-20 million to buy and $50 million to restore. Considering that less magnificent estates are selling at $160 - 200 million, this would be a bargain! elkins parkThe best thing that could have happened to the estate would have been if Joseph, like H.C. Frick (the Frick Collection NYC) and Henry Huntington (San Marino in Pasadena, CA) left it and the art collection as a museum. John Singer Sargent's last name is pronounced like the military rank of sergeant. Very good video. Thanks.

[@QueenBee-gx4rp]

The main thought I had while watching this was of conspicuous consumption. I know it was an era to flaunt wealth….but why.? A still beautiful house could be built without 55 bedrooms! Did no one think ahead? A simpler life will see you to the end.

[@aaron___6014]

The main goal of these grand homes was to entertain possible investors to grow your ventures. These are the ventures that led to the establishment of many of the great industries and infrastructure of the United States as well as placing is one of the great powers of the world.

[@aaron___6014]

I simpler life would not lead to great companies like the Great Northern railroad which established much the West Coast of America

[@yettobseen]

We have more billionaires than ever, not one can envision a purpose for this grand estate? Museum, hotel resort, private home?

[@gandfgandf5826]

Grandeur without beauty. The cost of upkeep of such a building means its use for any purpose is unlikely. I admire the optimism of those who built such edifices, but its time is past.

[@chester_re]

ITS AMAZING HOW OFTEN MEN OF THE CLOTHE SEEM TO 'ZERO IN' ON THESE PROPERTIES?

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Lynnewood Hall makes me think of the ocean liner S.S. United States that has been laid up since late 1969. In the 1980's the liner's interiors and fittings were sold at auction and the vessel is now a shell and continues to be that way. So far it looks like Lynnewood is sharing and will share the same situation. The mansion is just too big. It looks more like a government building than a house. I hate to see the loss of a beautiful home but there are people, not buildings, with more urgent, immediate needs. I'd rather pay for someone to have dental and medical care; to have a new roof put on their normal-sized house; help someone with their first and last month's rent so they won't be homeless; get a car for someone to get to and from a job rather than spend the money on an architectural colossus that would surely be a money pit. Lynnewood's time has come and gone.

[@hottpan]

I think that is a very fair and understandable argument, but buildings like this must be saved, too many have been lost to time and replaced by meaningless buildings not meant to last. Beautiful works of art like this will never be created again, once it's gone, it's gone. If we continue to let these marvels fall, what will be left in 300 years? We must do what we can to keep the windows to the past open, and not forget the pioneers that got us here. Italy, France, England all have held strong in preserving important monuments of the time. If we let all of ours be buried what will we be left with?

[@NICK-FLUX]

ES UNA GRAN CASA, SERIA BUENO VOLVERLA A SU ESTADO ORIGINAL Y DISFRUTARLA COMO ENTONCES...IT IS A GREAT HOUSE, IT WOULD BE GOOD TO RETURN IT TO ITS ORIGINAL STATE AND ENJOY IT AS THEN...en lo personal soy admirador de este tipo de propiedades, siendo escritor y pintor artístico, me fascinaría un lugar apropiado para mi obra...Personally, I am an admirer of this type of property, being a writer and artistic painter, I would be fascinated by a place like this, serious, appropriate for my work...