Villa Zeit #01
by Broken Window Theory
At first glance, you wouldn't believe this home is abandoned. But it is - and the past is present. This is a true time capsule hidden somewhere in Austria, letting your imagination run free. But who left all of this behind? Who were the former residents? The purpose of our exploration was to find out.
Villa Zeit #02
by Broken Window Theory
The furniture inside the manor looks like it would date back 250+ years. Yet, it's just faking this style. Interestingly enough, every chamber of this house imitates a different European epoch. It's quite a unique feature considering that this was just a residential house. The house was built in the historicism epoch when it was common to emulate older styles.
Villa Zeit #09
by Broken Window Theory
A musty smell accompanied our exploration wherever we were going. But the rooms almost looked pristine. After a minor renovation, one could move right back in. The old home is still fully-furnished. Among the vintage interior, we also discover real antiques. Up in the attic, we found personal belongings.
Villa Zeit #03
by Broken Window Theory
Amidst the cobwebs and buried under thick layers of dust, we even discovered an old analog film camera from a Swiss company. As filmmakers ourselves, this was a truly unique find.
Villa Zeit #42
by Broken Window Theory
These photographs are the only testimony to the people once living here. We were browsing through this intimate collection because there was no other way to find out who occupied this grand estate. In these pictures, more than 100 years of family history have been preserved. Going through this, we saw the same faces again and again.
https://flic.kr/p/2odTZBcVilla Zeit #04
by Broken Window Theory
This house is a real time capsule, but it keeps its true story hidden from us. The pompous interior indicates that a wealthy family must have lived here in the past. But they're long gone - yet, their possessions are still here. And there may be a simple explanation: the former residents are deceased. And when you inherit in Austria, you also inherit the debts - unless you don't accept the inheritance. Depending on the situation, the estate is then divided among various creditors. This often ends in disputes, and sometimes courts have to negotiate. This can go on for decades.
https://flic.kr/p/2odNZyFVilla Zeit #26
by Broken Window Theory
There is this phenomenon when you roam around these deserted sites: your imagination just starts to run wild. You picture a story in your mind about the people once dwelling here. What were their professions? What were their fears and concerns? And why did they disappear in the end? What you imagine here, may well have happened! These abandoned places are sets of modern fairy tales. So, tell us, what story do you have in mind?
https://flic.kr/p/2odRwuiVilla Zeit #25
by Broken Window Theory
If you're interested in joining the full exploration, make sure to watch our video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/jrDiiMs1sYc
