La Serre du Chirurgien (“The Surgeon’s Greenhouse”) is a huge and impressive old glasshouse in the south of France. Although called a greenhouse, this seems to be a detached conservatory building rather than a greenhouse for growing plants. Little history is available online about this location.
Half of the greenhouse is circular, with a large dome ceiling. A patio table with parasol sits under here. A metal pole supporting several bulbous lamps hang above the parasol.
In the middle of La Serre du Chirurgien is a firepit, constructed of brick. A large funnel-shaped chimney hangs above, rusty after use of neglect. Some strands of ivy sprawl across the floor at the foot of the firepit, exploiting some of the broken window panes to sneak inside the greenhouse.
Around the edges there are several blocks of circular benches, which follow the curve of the glass walls of La Serre du Chirurgien. Guests would sit here and at the patio table and enjoy food cooked on the firepit.
It is unclear whether this greenhouse was once associated with the adjacent house, or the school/college type buildings a little further away..
Outside there is a rusty spiral staircase, leading to a walkway at the top of the greenhouse. The exterior walls are partially overgrown by ivy and other scrambling plants.
Credit for these amazing photos to: Obsidian Urbex Photography
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An abandoned 19th-century greenhouse conjures images of a once-grand structure overtaken by time and nature yet still retaining echoes of its former elegance. Here’s a portrayal of such a setting:
Architectural Beauty: The greenhouse, constructed in the 19th century, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and architectural ingenuity of the era. Its design likely features intricate ironwork, ornate glass panels, and a grand entrance that once welcomed visitors into a world of lush botanical wonders.
Overgrown Gardens: Surrounding the greenhouse, the gardens that were once meticulously tended are now overgrown with tangled vines, wildflowers, and unruly shrubbery. Nature has reclaimed its territory, weaving a tapestry of greenery that obscures the pathways and conceals the beauty that once flourished within.
Broken Glass Panes: The greenhouse’s glass panes, once gleaming in the sunlight, now bear the scars of neglect and decay. Many are cracked, shattered, or missing altogether, allowing sunlight to filter through in fractured patterns that dance across the crumbling interior.
Forgotten Treasures: Inside the greenhouse, remnants of its former glory linger amidst the decay. Dilapidated benches, rusted tools, and weathered planters stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era when this space was alive with the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of exotic flora.
Atmosphere of Mystery: Despite its dilapidated state, the abandoned greenhouse exudes an aura of mystery and intrigue. Visitors who dare to explore its forgotten corridors may uncover hidden alcoves, secret passageways, and forgotten artifacts that hint at the stories and secrets locked within its walls.
Whispers of the Past: In the stillness of the abandoned greenhouse, one can almost hear the whispers of the past—the voices of gardeners tending to their prized specimens, the laughter of visitors marveling at nature’s beauty, and the echoes of a bygone era when this place was alive with vitality and purpose.
In the midst of its desolation, the abandoned greenhouse remains a poignant reminder of the transience of human endeavor and the resilience of nature’s inexorable march. It stands as a hauntingly beautiful monument to a bygone era, inviting contemplation and reflection on the passage of time and the fragility of existence.
Photographic Inspiration: For photographers and artists, the abandoned 19th-century greenhouse offers a wealth of inspiration. Its weathered beauty, juxtaposed against the encroaching forces of nature, provides a captivating subject for capturing the passage of time and the enduring allure of decay.
In the midst of its desolation, the abandoned greenhouse remains a poignant reminder of the transience of human endeavor and the resilience of nature’s inexorable march. It stands as a hauntingly beautiful monument to a bygone era, inviting contemplation and reflection on the passage of time and the fragility of existence.