Nicholas van Hoogstraten, notorious for his reputation as one of Britain’s worst landlords, faces renewed criticism as his extravagant £41 million mansion, Hamilton Palace, lies in a state of decay for almost four decades.
Dubbed the ‘biggest slum in Britain’ by locals near Uckfield, East Sussex, the sprawling property has become a source of contention and concern.
Exclusive images reveal the mansion’s dilapidated state, covered in aging scaffolding, with building materials scattered on the grounds, prompting residents to call for a thorough investigation by the local council.
Decades of Disrepair: The Ghost House of Sussex
Hamilton Palace, a grandiose project larger than Buckingham Palace, commenced construction in 1985.
Despite its ambitious beginnings, the mansion now stands as a monument to neglect.
Neighbors, frustrated by its decaying state, have labeled it the ‘Ghost House of Sussex.’
Locals express growing worries about the property’s deterioration, branding it a ‘death trap’ that attracts anti-social behavior and drug use.
Urging intervention, they call upon the local council to scrutinize the safety and security aspects of the abandoned estate.
Concerns and Challenges: A Magnet for Anti-Social Behavior
Residents surrounding Hamilton Palace raise alarm bells over the property’s potential dangers.
They highlight the ease with which trespassers, including youths, access the site, engaging in illicit activities.
The dilapidated buildings, coupled with unsecured fencing, create a breeding ground for anti-social behavior.
A concerned mother emphasizes the urgency of council checks to prevent potential harm, fearing that the lack of security measures could lead to injuries or worse.
Local Sentiments and Council Scrutiny
Local sentiments reflect frustration and disillusionment, with residents decrying the mansion as ‘the biggest slum in Britain.’
Some attribute the lack of action to a perceived deference to Hoogstraten’s wealth.
Calls for the local council to intervene and address the safety concerns gain momentum.
Residents express skepticism about the property ever being restored, with one business owner proposing alternative uses, such as converting it into flats or a hotel to benefit the local economy.
Ownership and Legacy: The Hamilton Palace Dilemma
Hamilton Palace is believed to be owned by Messina Investments, managed by Hoogstraten’s four eldest children.
Despite the transfer of control in 2002, the property remains a subject of contention and neglect.
Hoogstraten, unfazed by criticism, asserts the mansion’s durability, claiming it is far from ‘crumbling.’
He attributes the persistent scaffolding to routine maintenance, dismissing concerns about the property’s deteriorating condition.
Conclusion: From Landlord Infamy to Mansion Neglect
Nicholas van Hoogstraten’s legacy, marked by landlord infamy and legal controversies, now intertwines with the neglected state of Hamilton Palace.
The mansion, once envisioned as a grand testament to wealth, stands as a decaying relic, symbolizing decades of disregard.
As locals seek intervention and the local council contemplates scrutiny, the fate of Hamilton Palace remains uncertain, encapsulating a saga of opulence turned into dereliction.
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