Look inside the McNeal Mansion, an abandoned 10,000-square-foot home from the 1800s that nature is reclaiming

Erin McDowellMar 17, 2021, 00:55 IST

The McNeal Mansion is somehow still standing after decades of neglect.Richard Lewis Photography

The McNeal Mansion, located in Burlington, New Jersey, is a ghost of its former grandeur.
The 10,000-square-foot mansion was damaged over the years by fires and nature taking over.
The decrepit property was captured in a photo series by photographer Richard Lewis.

When the mansion was built in 1890 as a family home for New Jersey industrialist Andrew McNeal, it was one of the grandest in the area.

An aerial view of the McNeal mansion in 2020. LSG Adventures/YouTube

Andrew McNeal was well known for founding a pipe plant and foundry, the McNeal Pike and Foundry Company, in 1866.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

The United States Cast Iron Pipe and Foundry Company, now known simply as US Pipe, purchased McNeal's company in 1899.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

Andrew McNeal was the first and only person to call the mansion their home.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

The pipe company moved its headquarters to Alabama in 1953, leaving the mansion abandoned.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

Several property developers have taken an interest in the mansion over the years, but all of them have fallen through.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

Parts of the mansion were destroyed by a fire in 2001.

The McNeal mansion in 2020. LSG Adventures/YouTube

In 2016, the city of Burlington purchased the mansion with plans to convert part of the property into a restaurant.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

It was during a trip to a test run of the restaurant concept that local photographer Richard Lewis said he was first intrigued by the historic property.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

But the mansion is collapsing in on itself, which makes it a dangerous place for "urban explorers" and trespassers.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

Safety was of the utmost importance for Lewis when photographing the McNeal Mansion - as was gaining permission to be there in the first place.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

He found a property that has become damaged, possibly beyond repair, over the years due to fire damage and neglect.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

Lewis described the property as "total devastation" and looking like "part of a war zone."

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

Plans for developing the property seem to have stalled indefinitely, and officials are now urging people not to visit without permission or professional guidance.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

The opulent home also has a separate carriage house, which has also fallen into disrepair.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

Despite its derelict state, you can still catch a glimpse of what it might have looked like over a century ago.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

The home still has some of its original grand features.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

Perhaps the best way to honor and remember the historic McNeal Mansion - at least, for now - is to look at photographs of the property.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

Despite being a shell of its former grandeur, the home is somehow still standing after decades of neglect.

The McNeal Mansion in Burlington, New Jersey. Richard Lewis Photography

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Look inside the McNeal Mansion, an abandoned 10,000-square-foot home from the 1800s that nature is reclaiming

When the mansion was built in 1890 as a family home for New Jersey industrialist Andrew McNeal, it was one of the grandest in the area.

Andrew McNeal was well known for founding a pipe plant and foundry, the McNeal Pike and Foundry Company, in 1866.

The United States Cast Iron Pipe and Foundry Company, now known simply as US Pipe, purchased McNeal's company in 1899.

Andrew McNeal was the first and only person to call the mansion their home.

The pipe company moved its headquarters to Alabama in 1953, leaving the mansion abandoned.

Several property developers have taken an interest in the mansion over the years, but all of them have fallen through.

Parts of the mansion were destroyed by a fire in 2001.

In 2016, the city of Burlington purchased the mansion with plans to convert part of the property into a restaurant.

It was during a trip to a test run of the restaurant concept that local photographer Richard Lewis said he was first intrigued by the historic property.

But the mansion is collapsing in on itself, which makes it a dangerous place for "urban explorers" and trespassers.

Safety was of the utmost importance for Lewis when photographing the McNeal Mansion - as was gaining permission to be there in the first place.

He found a property that has become damaged, possibly beyond repair, over the years due to fire damage and neglect.

Lewis described the property as "total devastation" and looking like "part of a war zone."

Plans for developing the property seem to have stalled indefinitely, and officials are now urging people not to visit without permission or professional guidance.

The opulent home also has a separate carriage house, which has also fallen into disrepair.

Despite its derelict state, you can still catch a glimpse of what it might have looked like over a century ago.

The home still has some of its original grand features.

Perhaps the best way to honor and remember the historic McNeal Mansion - at least, for now - is to look at photographs of the property.

Despite being a shell of its former grandeur, the home is somehow still standing after decades of neglect.