The Langford Mansion Abandoned After Coal Trading Losses

The Langford family established Bellemont House on Willow Street in the town of Ashford in 1909 after Richard Langford purchased the property using profits from his coal trading company. Richard, his wife Amelia, their three children, and Richard’s mother lived in the two-story Second Empire Victorian mansion. The family income came from coal distribution, mining contracts, and regional fuel supply agreements.

Local records described Bellemont House as a prominent neighborhood residence with maintained interiors, repaired stonework, and carefully managed grounds before changes in the energy market affected the family business.

The first warning sign appeared in 1929 when regional industries began reducing coal orders and several customers failed to pay their accounts. By 1931, Richard faced overdue supplier payments, falling company revenue, and unpaid property taxes. The family dismissed household staff, closed the upper dormer rooms, and delayed repairs to the mansard roof, balconies, and damaged shutters. The coal trading losses of 1933 caused business debts, mortgage difficulties, and legal claims against the estate. In 1934, Richard and Amelia left Bellemont House after foreclosure proceedings began, moving to live with their eldest son in another state.

Bellemont House was abandoned in 1935 after the coal trading losses, foreclosure, and accumulated debts ended the Langford family’s ownership. No restoration occurred, and no Langford relatives returned to occupy the mansion. Later property records showed unsuccessful auctions because repair costs exceeded the value of the residence. Furniture, business papers, and household belongings remained inside while weather damaged the stucco walls, slate roofing, and copper details. The hedges grew beyond the fence and the faded porch swing remained untouched beside the entrance. The Second Empire Victorian mansion remains empty on Willow Street, deteriorating without restoration or a confirmed future owner.