Opinions were divided when it came to the mysterious building - while some found it intriguing, others couldn't shake off an eerie feeling. However, one thing was certain: anyone who laid eyes on it would carry the memory forever.
It was 75 years ago when the Shell House was first created at 137 Southbourne Overcliff Drive in Southbourne.
In his pursuit of beauty, George Howard dedicated himself to transforming shells, rocks, and shattered pottery into a whimsical garden of decoration.
Despite not profiting from visitors, George managed to raise substantial funds for charitable causes, totalling thousands of pounds.
In the era of the 1980s, the garden experienced consistent acts of vandalism, eventually leading to its demolition in February 2001.
Amid the demolition process, a set of four large clamshells from the Pacific Ocean, each valued at £1,000, went missing.
In 2003, the remnants of shells that adorned the house were still visible until the property was demolished to pave the way for a new block of flats.
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