Living Life in an Abandoned Hospital: Aisha's Unconventional Abode
Echoes of a forgotten past
In the heart of London, a bustling metropolis where rents skyrocket alongside its fame, Aisha Barratt (35) has found an unconventional way to keep afloat. This TV producer calls an abandoned hospital home, serving as a "property guardian" in exchange for a low rental fee. Some might find this idea unsettling, but for Aisha, it's a unique opportunity to save money and immerse herself in London's history.
Rents in London and European major cities have seen a dramatic increase over the years, pushing many residents to explore unconventional housing options. Aisha has been residing in the hospital for over a year, saving her hard-earned cash in the process. She's not alone though, as around 150 other "guardians" call the vacant site home. With the hospital's expansive layout, Aisha uses a skateboard or scooter to navigate the hospital's labyrinthine corridors.
"Living in fear"
In recent times, Aisha has used TikTok to share her unique living situation with the world, showcasing the hospital's tidy kitchens, clean bathrooms, and beautiful garden. However, the videos don't shy away from the hospital's haunting past. Some clips take on a ominous tone, displaying creepy, long corridors, yellowed walls, and out-of-order elevators.
Aisha admits that she feels a sense of unease living in such a historic and clearly-haunted space. She confesses to encountering several rooms that instill a certain "bad vibe," left possibly haunted by the restless spirits of deceased patients. In one video she shared, she takes her audience on a tour of a cordoned-off corridor and a locked basement room. "It's terrifying down there," she says. "It's locked, chained, and padlocked."
Despite her jovial demeanor, Aisha's honesty reveals the true fear that lurks behind the walls of the historic hospital.
- Despite the uptick in rents and the perks of calling an abandoned hospital home, Aisha cannot shake the fear that comes with living among the hospital's ghosts.
- The concept of property guardianships has garnered attention beyond the UK, with major news outlets discussing the unique living arrangements in abandoned hospitals.
- To save money on rent, Aisha shares a living space in a hospital ward, building a life around the vacant hospital's dilapidated but beautiful landscape.
- Cognizant of certain rooms giving off a vibe of discomfort, Aisha makes a conscious effort to avoid spending excessive time in certain areas of the hospital, like the ominous basement in England.
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Extra Insights
Living in abandoned properties, such as hospitals, schools, and offices, plays a significant role in helping address the housing affordability crisis in cities like London. While property guardianship programs like Aisha's offer temporary relief, they remain a controversial solution. The lack of legislation and proper regulation leaves many guardians vulnerable to subpar living conditions. Yet, prioritizing affordability and making the best use of vacant properties can prove to be a valuable strategy in alleviating some of the housing crises in European cities.
