An Abandoned Cottage

[ourkind]

So here's a short long winded story...

Driving along an old country lane I came across this cottage sitting by the side of the road. Usually most farm houses are a few 100metres from the road with a straight or windy driveway, but not this one, I couldn’t even see a driveway.

At first I drove past it hoping not to disturb the residents with my bright headlights and continue on my way looking out for an interesting nightscape, but as I glanced at it I noticed that all the windows were out, and parts of the tin roof were missing. I hit the brakes, pulled over and reversed to take a closer look.

An abandoned cottage, wow now that’s interesting! I got out of the car and grabbed my torch and beamed it through the windows and the missing front door. I could see an old fireplace in what looked like a decent sized living room, then some rooms to either side of it with a leading hallway. At that point I felt a chill, and not because my dashboard showed it was only 1 deg Celcius outside but because I noticed that the walls were covered in tags ie. graffiti, and the floors littered with smashed beer bottles and other rubbish.

Now I spent most of my school days (regrettably) day-dreaming so I have a pretty vivid and crazy imagination and I’ve read most of Stephen Kings books. Needless to say I was a little bit spooked…

I grabbed my camera, set my tripod, focused the lens, took a few snaps, 30 seconds each mind you and then hopped in my car and left the old cottage behind me wondering who had lived there and why no one had bothered to repair or rebuild it.

Full resolution on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ourkind/9085017556/)

Thanks for looking :)

[CapturingTheNight]

I can fill you in a bit about this place. Recognised it straight away (About a twenty minute drive from me). It is an old pub/inn "The Squatters Arms", which is why it is close to the road. There are a number of abandoned buildings around the area. Cookardinia used to a thriving little country community but the tide of progress left it behind with most of the business and social trade going to Albury and Wagga. The inn closed in 1925 but was briefly restored in 1976 for the film Mad Dog Morgan starring Dennis Hopper (Morgans Lookout isn't too far away from there).

Nice shot Carlos. It has been on my list of locations to shoot around the area. Looks like I will have to scrub it off the list now, as it has been 'done" ;).

[iceman]

You guys have such great locations nearby!

Great shot!

[Larryp]

Nice shot, Carlos!
Thanks, Greg, for the interesting history of the building.

[matt34]

Nice work Carlos, did you light up the building or was that the moon light? looks like a great little location, maybe you could light it up from the inside. Been looking for a location to try something like that down in country vic.

[gregbradley]

Great shot Carlos.

Greg.

[ourkind]

WOW! Thanks Greg :) That explains all the beer bottles. I tried telling my in-laws where I'd been ie. past Mangoplah heading towards Holbrook turned right down a dirt road then left down a sealed road and there it was. They weren't sure where I'd gotten myself to :question: ... I wasn't really paying attention, just enjoying the drive.

Thanks for the explanation, I never realised it was that old nor that it could've had such a colourful history :thumbsup:



Thanks Mike :)

Nearby? Try more like a 5hr drive from Sydney :lol: Just happens that I visit my in-laws in Wagga every couple of months or so.



Thanks Laurie :)



Thanks Matt :) no, no light painting just boosted the shadows, it was a moonless night. That's a good idea ie. lighting the inside, I think next time I'm down I might try that :thumbsup:



Thanks Greg :)

[Ross G]

Great photo Carlos.

Like smoke coming out of the chimney.

Love it!


Ross.