The prized horse-shaped bush, now overgrown to be a ball of leaves. I remember children running around it, trying to include it in their made-up games. The horse bush had a legend where if one were to confess their love in front of it, their love would be eternal. 

The young master of the house was living proof of the legend as he himself had made a promise to his wife in front of it when they were younger. Theirs was a comforting tale where they died in each other's arms, embracing each other, as the flame that soared that night engulfed them.

Horses were the pride and joy of this household. Young boys grew up to be gentlemen with horses of their own while girls became ladies sitting behind the gentlemen on their horses, running off into the woods. Oh, how times have changed where riding on horses together was the most romantic thing to do. 

How could I forget the massive library where tidying was never-ending? Piles of books depicting the history and victories of the family were always the biggest nightmare to the children. All these priceless books containing secrets had been reduced to nothing but just a few scraps of paper to be stepped upon. 

Children running from their studies would always make sure to run to the kitchen, asking for a bite or two before going off into hiding again. Their teachers would then be stomping into the kitchen, chasing after them. It certainly was a refreshing sight to see. 

Oh how could you forget the first lady's wardrobe, it was always the talk of the town. You never seemed to find her wearing the same gown again. A famous rumor among the common folks was that she would burn the gowns after she had worn them. But I can assure you nothing of the sort happened. 

Her wardrobe was just so large that you could barely see the end of it. By the time she would wear something again, people would have long forgotten about its first appearance.

I can still hear in my mind the maids' grumbling and complaints whenever it was their turn to wash. The piles of clothes from all the layers were so high that one could imagine the pain in their lower backs before they even started washing. 

These empty rooms weren't always so lifeless. The parties held by the master were always crowded. People were always dancing till daybreak or until their feet gave out. Waves of laughter and people chattering, down to the clinking of wine glasses filled the halls with so much life and joy that guests would always leave with a smile on their faces, awaiting the invitation to the next party.  Unfortunately, the aftermath wasn't as pleasant as the party.

All the dust and soot everywhere, if the master were to see the state of the house right now, he would certainly go feral.