Urban explorer and photographer Leland Kent, known for his project Abandoned Southeast, has uncovered countless forgotten places across the American South. Among his most unforgettable finds is a grand brick mansion built in 1899 for Robert H. Moulthrop, an Alabama state senator recognized for his work in education reform. Even in abandonment, the house commands attention. Its scale, balance, and craftsmanship echo a time when homes were built to last, offering a rare window into both political history and architectural ambition.
The mansion blends Imperial Revival and Queen Anne styles, creating a presence that is both stately and ornate. A tall turret once offered sweeping views of the surrounding land, while decorative brickwork and large windows hint at the elegance that once filled its rooms. With five bedrooms and expansive living areas, the home was clearly designed for family life as well as formal gatherings. Despite years of neglect, its architectural strength still shines through.
The home’s endurance is no accident. The Moulthrop family owned one of Alabama’s largest brick manufacturing operations, and the mansion was built using exceptionally high-quality materials. In some places, the exterior walls measure up to six bricks thick. The columned veranda still stands firm, its solid structure contrasting sharply with the visible decay above.
Inside, however, time has taken a harsher toll. Sections of the roof have collapsed, debris covers the floors, and once-elegant fireplaces and walls have crumbled. Bathrooms with original tile remain, but warped walls and unstable floors reveal serious damage. The mansion stayed in the family until the 1980s, after which it was gradually abandoned. Today, it stands as a quiet monument to lost grandeur—proof that even the strongest homes fade without care, yet never fully lose their dignity.
