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Kent is well known for its countryside and seaside towns, earning the name ‘The Garden of England’. But beyond the coastal charm lies a lesser-known, haunting side. From historic forts to abandoned hospitals, Probate Property Services have curated a list of Kent’s abandoned properties.
Fort Amherst (Chatham)
Fort Amherst was originally built to defend against Napoleonic invasions in the 18th century. The fort includes underground tunnels, gun emplacements and barracks, some of which are still intact. Many sections remain abandoned with decaying rooms and pass ways. Today, the site is free to visit with some reporting ghost sightings and unexplained noises.
St Augustine’s Hospital (Chartham)
Once a psychiatric hospital in Chartham, St Augustine’s Hospital closed in 1993. While parts of the site have been redeveloped, origins of the building and several wings remain with the Victorian architecture. Many visitors come to this site to explore Kent’s mental health heritage and view the haunting graffiti-covered remnants of its historic architecture.
Matthew’s Equestrian Centre (Gillingham)
The Equestrian Centre was built in the 1980s to honour the owner’s son. It once hosted large equestrian shows and featured on television. However, when the local council denied planning permission for future events, the owner chose to abandon the site rather than redevelop it. Since then, the building has suffered multiple arson attacks and vandalism.
West Cliff Hall (Ramsgate)
Originally built as a theatre in 1914, West Cliff Hall famously hosted acts like The Rolling Stones in 1964. It later became home to the Motor Museum, which vacated the site in 2005. The building has now been abandoned for nearly two decades and continues to deteriorate. Although there have been proposals to transform the site, reports highlight that the structure is in serious disrepair and poses safety risks. This suggests that they would likely require a complete rebuild to achieve a long-term solution.
Reculver Towers And Roman Fort (Herne Bay)
Reculver Towers was built in the 3rd century as part of the Roman forts designed to defend against seaborne invasions. Today, the twin towers of the medieval church still stand prominently above the surrounding coastal landscape.
Halloween Reminders
These abandoned properties offer fascinating insights into the history and narratives of earlier times. Many are restored and maintained as heritage sites. However, many are left to decay and become hotspots for anti-social behaviour such as vandalism, squatting, and other criminal activity.
Final Thoughts
Do you know an of an abandoned property in your area? Signs of neglect like overgrown gardens, boarded-up windows and disrepair can indicate a property has been left empty. Reporting these properties is important to prevent further deterioration, which can impact the surrounding neighbourhood and cause frustration within the community.
At Probate Property Services, we specialise in supporting clients with empty and probate properties. Our experienced team provides tailored solutions, from valuations and property preparation to final sale. Report an abandoned property today.
