Picture this: you stumble upon a scene straight from a Halloween movie—a spooky old house in Roscoe, New York, decked out like a circus house. Photographer Bryan Sansivero has a talent for capturing the eerie charm of forgotten places, and his latest discovery is no exception.
In his book, “American Decay: Inside America’s Forgotten Homes,” Sansivero takes us on a journey through various abandoned buildings. But there’s one that keeps calling him back: the Catskill Circus House. This mansion, standing since the early 1900s, sits abandoned in a field choked with weeds, emanating vibes straight out of “American Horror Story.”
Sansivero is fascinated by its quirky circus theme, with peeling wallpaper, fading paint, and ghostly traces of its former inhabitants. It’s a chilling sight that he just can’t resist revisiting.
The photographer elaborated, saying, “The vibrant colors in the scene really catch your eye. I’m fascinated by the one-of-a-kind items left behind.” Among the traces left by former occupants were antique furniture and scattered toys.
Sansivero embarked on his photographic journey of the brick mansion in 2019, each visit adding to the eerie allure he captured through his lens. He found himself returning time and again, always feeling there was more to discover.
“I’d snap a bunch of photos, but then I’d realize there was still more to capture,” he shared.
Throughout his visits, Sansivero explored the depths of the mansion, uncovering at least four bedrooms. One room, adorned with purple and yellow diamond-patterned wallpaper, caught his attention as a potential circus-themed bedroom for a child. Despite the peeling ceiling, the room’s design resembled a circus tent, enhancing its distinctive charm. Amidst his explorations, he stumbled upon a forgotten croquet set, further adding to the enigma of the abandoned dwelling.
“We were absolutely floored by the condition of the house. It felt like stepping into a surreal world, seeing it there, completely abandoned,” he reflected.
Even the bathroom kept up the carnival atmosphere, and despite its deterioration, each room held onto its own special and eccentric identity.
“I’ve never come across a house where each room is so different from the next in terms of color, decay, and overall vibe,” he remarked.
Sadly, for those who were eager to capture their own spooky shots, the Catskill property is no longer deserted.
In an Instagram post, Sansivero described the home as “a highlight from my book American Decay, and the one people ask me about the most.” Unfortunately, “The Circus House” in the Catskills has been sold and renovated.”
