A property on Charlemont Road in East Ham, London, has earned the moniker of the city's 'ugliest home' due to its fortified exterior of rusting steel and razor wire. The abandoned house, which once served as a private recording studio, remains frozen in time, preserved exactly as its late owner left it.
A Fortress of Memories
Pedestrians and drivers frequently pause to observe the striking property, which neighbors have likened to Alcatraz prison. The yard is enclosed by a wall of rusting steel, topped with razor wire, while the former shop front is a stark brick facade. Inside, however, the property offers glimpses into a life preserved, with dust-covered boxes, cartons, and even food remnants. Old organs, wires, and microphone stands hint at the building's past as a recording studio.
The building is wider than typical terraced homes on the street and formerly included a flat above the shop. Residents recall it being converted into a recording studio where notable artists allegedly arrived in stretch limousines.
The Musician and His Studio
Simon Taylor, founder of Empty Property Hunters, an investment company specializing in revitalizing abandoned homes, is leading the effort to restore the property. His company acquired the house in the summer and began renovations within five days. Taylor explained that the property was bricked up at the front and converted from commercial to residential use in 1979 to accommodate a recording studio. The owner, identified as musician Morris Ammar, lived in the flat above the studio for decades.
Neighbors remember Ammar as a friendly individual who would often wave from an upstairs window. One resident recalled him discussing a new song collaboration with famous artists on ITV. The property fell silent after Ammar's death from a heart attack in December 2024. His partner remained until March 2025, after which the house remained empty.
Revitalization Plans
Taylor's company aims to transform the property back into a family home, potentially creating four or five bedrooms. The primary challenge is obtaining planning permission to remove the front brick wall. Taylor expressed optimism that the local council would support the removal of the