Abandoned Charlemont mansion secured, due to be demolished within the week

Following months of inaction at the Charlemont ‘spooky’ house, temporary fencing has been installed and plans for its demolition are in place.

Fencing has gone up around the condemned mansion in Charlemont. Picture: Alan Barber

The Charlemont ‘spooky’ house’s days are numbered, with temporary fencing finally installed and plans for demolition in the works.

The City of Greater Geelong confirmed on Friday that despite missing the deadline to tear down the derelict double-storey mansion on Batten Rd, the owners of the property have assured them it will be demolished within the next week.

A building order issued by the council in June ordered the owners of the large two-storey brick house to secure the building and demolish “the dwellings and outbuildings” by Monday July 18, though the house was still standing on Friday – five days after the deadline.

In a hopeful sign for disgruntled neighbours, temporary fencing was installed around the perimeter of the property on Thursday.

On Friday, a council worker visited the premises and could be seen surveying the home.

A City of Greater Geelong worker appeared to be checking the fencing that has gone up around the derelict mansion in Charlemont. Picture: Alan Barber

In an interview with 10 News, City of Greater Geelong chief executive Ali 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,” Ms Wastie said.

Temporary fencing has gone up around the Charlemont ‘spooky’ house, three days after the deadline for its demolition. Picture: Alan Barber

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.

The home’s second floor has charred walls and piles of ash.

Mother of three Mariska Oberholzer, who lives adjacent to the property, said she had seen young people climbing on the outside of the house and throwing tiles off the roof.

“Kids get on top of the roof and it’s a double-storey house,” she said.

“I’ve stood here and I’ve watched them, and I’ve tried to signal them down, but they don’t listen.

“It’s so scary to watch. I now just go inside because I don’t want to see them fall off or through the roof.”

Ms Oberholzer said she had written to the council about the house and relayed her fears someone would get hurt.

Inside a derelict house on Batten Rd, Charlemont, opposite new homes. Picture: Alison Wynd

She said she had not received a response.

“I have complained to the council about the house … they don’t seem to really want to do much,” she said.

“It’s really frustrating.”

Ms Wastie agreed that the property was “derelict”, “very unsightly” and “unsafe”.

According to the Victorian Building Authority, failure to comply with a building order can lead to prosecution, and under the Building Act, can carry a maximum fine of up to 500 penalty units.

Originally published as Abandoned Charlemont mansion secured, due to be demolished within the week