Hidden in the picturesque Sussex countryside lies an impressive mansion that, if completed, would have rivaled some of the grand royal residences in Britain. Known as Hamilton Palace, this massive estate, rumored to surpass Buckingham Palace in size, has been under construction for decades but now stands in ruins, much to the disappointment of local residents.

The construction of Hamilton Palace began in 1985 at the hands of Nicholas Van Hoogstraten, a controversial business magnate and millionaire from Sussex. Despite coming from a humble background, Van Hoogstraten amassed a significant fortune, with his property empire extending far beyond the grand mansion near Uckfield, East Sussex.

Throughout his career, Van Hoogstraten has been involved in various scandals and controversies, including accusations of being a slumlord in the 1960s. He made headlines for his alleged involvement in criminal activities, such as paying a gang to carry out attacks on his rivals.

In 2002, Van Hoogstraten faced a high-profile trial for the murder of a business rival, Mohammed Raja, ultimately being convicted of manslaughter. Despite his legal troubles, Van Hoogstraten downplayed the importance of completing Hamilton Palace, citing other priorities. He has since relocated to Zimbabwe and is rarely seen in the UK.

Local residents have expressed concerns about the deteriorating state of Hamilton Palace, labeling it the “biggest slum in Britain” and the “ghost house of Sussex.” Some have raised safety issues, describing the property as a potential hazard that attracts antisocial behavior in the area.

Wealden District Council has addressed these concerns, stating that while the property is not in a densely populated area, reports of dangerous structures or unlawful behavior will be investigated. Police enforcement is recommended for any antisocial conduct associated with the estate.