The Forgotten Dreams of Woodmill Place: A 16-Year-Old Ghost Town in Sorn, East Ayrshire

In the tranquil town of Sorn, East Ayrshire, lies a haunting testament to ambitions derailed by time and circumstances: Woodmill Place, a group of sixteen homes meant to thrive as a bustling community but now stands mostly deserted, slowly being reclaimed by nature. It's a stark reminder of a project halted and dreams unfilled.

In the heart of Sorn, East Ayrshire, amidst picturesque settings, lay the remnants of a once-ambitious housing project. Woodmill Place, aptly termed a "ghost town", paints a haunting picture with its empty, half-painted homes, a far cry from the bustling community it was intended to be.

These homes, priced at around £300K during their prime, mostly remain abandoned. The project, started in 2007, was brought to an abrupt halt when the initial building company faced bankruptcy due to the 2007 credit crunch.

Today, only three of the sixteen houses on Woodmill Place are occupied. Videos from the site reveal homes stuck in time: half-painted, partially plastered, with fixtures and amenities like toilets and baths strewn around. Nature is slowly reclaiming its territory, wrapping these skeletal structures in its green embrace.

The few residents who took a leap of faith, envisioning a vibrant community, now express their anguish and frustration. Over a decade later, their disappointment is palpable as they recall the broken promises of a flourishing neighborhood.

Subsequent to its initial builder's bankruptcy, a new construction firm acquired the site for £2 million. However, much to the dismay of the locals and the handful of residents, this firm has not made any progress, leaving the homes to the ravages of time.

A woman, one of the brave few to move into these homes, lamented, "We were sold a dream of a great community. Years have passed, and nothing has changed. If they have no plans to continue the construction, they should pass the baton to someone who will honor the dream."

Situated overlooking the scenic River Ayr and Dalgain Farm, the potential of Woodmill Place is undeniable. What remains to be seen is whether this "ghost town" will be brought back to life or if it will remain a chilling chapter in the annals of Sorn's history.