Residents in Harvery, N.B., are doing their best to preserve an historic home in the community that was left abandoned, ransacked and vandalized.
The 200-year-old building doesn’t look abandoned from the outside, but upon entry the evidence is clear with smashed glass, appliances stolen and abandoned belongings covering the floor.
Allison Elias, who lives near the home, has tried everything she could over the past two years to save the home.
“It makes me so sad,” says Elias. "It's a historical home. For that fact alone, it deserves to be looked after."
The most recent owner left five years so, but has since passed away.
"It was left in her estate to her son, then the bank repossessed the home. So right now, technically Royal Bank of Canada owns the home," says Elias.
Elias has phoned the bank on several occasions.
"Basically what they tell me, because of confidentially, they can't release any information about the home,” she says.
Local historical societies confirm the home is one of the oldest in Albert County. It was built and owned by the Turners, a premier ship building family.
Gauis Turner had an integral part in rail development. He was also a well-known political figure
"I've known it here for 40 some odd years and visited in the house with people who have replaced the Turners,” says David Christie of the Albert County Heritage Trust.
Potential buyers have expressed interest in preserving home, including David Christie's friend.
"He inquired in Halifax. I think it was a lawyer's office that was working with the bank. He's been in contact with the son of the previous owner and he just hasn't been able to get any information," says Christie.
Alison Elias wants to have the situation resolved as soon as possible.
"It's in a prime spot right across from the dam. It could be an amazing interpretative centre or B&B," says Elias.
“It deserves to be saved. It has a story."
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Mary Cranston.
