Owners of Charlemont ‘spooky house’ ordered to secure the property ahead of demolition

The owners of a derelict Charlemont mansion – which locals believe is a base for thieves and vandals – have been ordered to demolish the property.

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

A notorious Charlemont property known as “the spooky house” is set to be torn down, after the City of Greater Geelong issued a building notice to its owners requiring they demolish it.

The owners of a large, two-storey brick mansion on Batten Rd that was gutted by vandals and covered in graffiti have been given until Monday July 14 to demolish “the dwellings and outbuildings” at the address.

The City of Greater Geelong issued a building notice to its owners advising they must “show cause for why the building should not be demolished”.

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

It is understood they have not done so, and therefore must comply with the order to tear the dilapidated home down.

The house, which is filled with mouldy toys and marked with what appears to be blood stains, is one of multiple abandoned properties in the region, which neighbours fear promotes anti-social behaviour.

In early June, City of Greater Geelong placemaking director Tennille Bradley told the Geelong Advertiser officers were actively investigating the Batten Rd property as part of a larger probe into multiple abandoned properties in the area.

At the time, Ms Bradley said the municipal building surveyor had issued a building order to “secure the building and restrict access within the dwelling”, however on Friday afternoon, the property did not have fencing and remained unsecured.

She said they have been “been following up compliance issues with the owner of the property”.

Blood splatters inside a notorious house on Batten Rd, Charlemont. Picture: Alison Wynd

“The owner has been directed to comply with this order to secure the property and restrict access as a priority until demolition can take place, and temporary fencing will be installed shortly,” Ms Bradley said.

“The Building Orders require demolition of the dwellings and outbuildings by 14 July 2025.”

Speaking to the Geelong Advertiser last month, young mum Ruby Honey said her car was ransacked by vandals just three days after she moved in to a new build across the road from the home on Batten Rd.

Council have ordered the house Batten Rd, Charlemont, is set to be demolished. Picture: Alison Wynd

“They took my handbag, passport, garage door remote and my kid’s birth certificate,” she said.

“Now whenever I hear sounds at night, I know it’s that house.”

Just two weeks later, Ms Honey says she came home from a friend’s house about 11pm to find 20 teenagers running from the derelict house.

Another resident said they had witnessed multiple attempts by vandals to light the property on fire. The home’s second floor has charred walls and piles of ash.

Photos from realestate.com reveal that the house was in pristine condition just six years ago, with recent photos taken by the Geelong Advertiser laying bare the extent of the destruction wreaked by squatters and vandals.

Originally published as Owners of Charlemont ‘spooky house’ ordered to secure the property ahead of demolition