Urban exploration - The abandoned Tipi estate

Here is the urban exploration of an abandoned estate, tucked away in an isolated corner of the countryside. The road leads through a flat infinity. To the right, fields. To the left, fields. It is frighteningly monotonous. The mere thought of hiking in such a place feels soul-crushing. Fortunately, the estate we are visiting today is nestled at the bottom of a valley, bordered by a bucolic river. The area is charming, and the walk is quite delightful.

The path to reach the estate is somewhat long. However, the timid morning sun bathing the countryside proves to be pleasant. Upon arriving at the site, you are immediately met with a forced gate and houses in a dire state of repair. These were the former dwellings, likely the oldest ones. They are completely consumed by humidity and mold—which is only logical, given their proximity to the river.

Let’s continue along the path toward the heart of the estate. We come across a larger, relatively modern building that the urbex community has dubbed 'The Tipi Domain.' This name holds no administrative reality. In fact, the estate officially has no name at all, as it was nothing more than a private initiative.

It was impossible to find any information on this estate; administrative archives remain silent. This makes sense, as consistent reports suggest this project was never finished. According to local lore, it was a pharaonic project led by a wealthy individual who, unfortunately, quickly ran into financial troubles regarding his assets during the first Gulf War. This information should be taken with a grain of salt, as it remains unverified.

Records mention a plan to build 80 bungalows, of which only one was completed. On the other hand, the central part is finished. It strongly resembles a leisure center structure, featuring pleasant saunas and a small pool on one side, and stables on the other—which seem to have seen little use given their good condition.

Given the financial difficulties, locals say the estate was put up for sale at a high price, especially considering the vast number of hectares included. However, the asking price deterred buyers. This led to the gradual abandonment of the estate, which soon fell into decay.

Its sheer isolation in the middle of the countryside has invited extremely fierce vandalism. Scarcely a square meter has escaped the carnage. It is defiled, tagged, broken, and looted. Such violence is both unacceptable and sickening.

According to neighbors, rave parties are held here incessantly. While the premises were in good condition in 2019, the building is now a mere shadow of its former self, to the point where the visit has become uninteresting. Beyond that, one’s thoughts go out to the owner, who must be deeply revolted to see his property degraded so severely and so rapidly. It is unacceptable.

Despite all this, one can only hope that a renovation project might one day see the light of day, as the setting is truly bucolic and endearing, much like the pleasant nearby village. This potential offers hope for the site to be revitalized. We can only wish it the best.