Demolition of abandoned Charlemont ‘spooky house’ slowly kicks off

There are small signs that the demolition of the Charlemont ‘spooky house’ is underway, 12 days after council’s deadline to tear down the mansion.

Tiles on the roof of this derelict Charlemont have been removed, though the property still stands. Picture: Geelong Advertiser

There are modest signs that work is underway to dismantle the Charlemont “spooky house”, after the owners of the property assured council it would be demolished this week.

On Friday morning, the double-storey brick house on Batten Rd remained upright, 12 days after the deadline of a council building order that required the owners to demolish “the dwellings and outbuildings”.

Tiles on one section of the mansion’s roof were removed, though there were no other major visible works done to the property.

The City of Greater Geelong confirmed last Friday that the owners of the property assured them it will be demolished the next week.

No workers were present at the address on Friday, though demolition crews were observed dismantling the house next door.

In what was a hopeful sign for disgruntled neighbours, temporary fencing was installed around the perimeter of the property on July 17, as per a council building order to secure the premises.

The house – which has been described by neighbours and City of Greater Geelong chief executive Ali Wastie as “derelict”, “very unsightly” and “unsafe” – has been the cause of much frustration for many local residents, who live across the street from the eyesore in a newly built estate.

The abandoned house poses a safety risk due to extreme vandalism by trespassers, who neighbours allege on one occasion attempted to set the house on fire.

In an interview with 10 News, Ms Wastie said council has legal avenues available to them if the owners don’t comply with the demolition orders.

“Council always has legal means at its disposal, but also council doing the job as well, and then sending the bill to the owners,” she said.

According to the Victorian Building Authority, failure to comply with a building order can lead to prosecution, and under the Building Act, can lead to a significant fine.

Originally published as Demolition of abandoned Charlemont ‘spooky house’ slowly kicks off