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Many old houses have their charm. It's truly amazing to start a new chapter of your life in a place that was constructed long ago and carries a rich history. Just imagine, countless people might have lived there, rising each morning, preparing meals, fostering bonds with their loved ones, and having numerous conversations.

When you move into a home with such a storied past, it becomes intriguing to immerse yourself in the house's atmosphere, honor its history, and perhaps even stumble upon hidden clues left behind by previous owners.

We've assembled a collection of pics with moments when people experienced exactly that. From discovering coins hidden in a wall to uncovering a hidden jacuzzi beneath the ground, these homeowners came across some truly cool surprises upon moving into their new homes.

#1

My Grandparents Have A Glassed-Over Well In Their Kitchen

My Grandparents Have A Glassed-Over Well In Their Kitchen

They bought the house 10 years ago, they stripped it down and they found it then. They thought it was quite unique and wanted it as a feature, it’s about 25 foot deep and connects to a small old river that ran under a long time ago. Fortunately I have yet to see anything down there!

TheRedGeradir Report

There are many things that we can find in the walls of old houses, like a scorched red corset, a 9th-century clay pipe or a mastodon. When you start digging, whether it's for a construction project in a long-inhabited area or renovating a house, surprises await. You might find something like a ritual object meant to ward off spirits, whether it's from 300 years ago or just a few decades back. It could have been placed there intentionally or left by accident. Unless it's a time capsule with a note, its true purpose may remain unknown.

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#3

I Was Helping My Dad Move Into His New Office, When We Found A Trapdoor

I Was Helping My Dad Move Into His New Office, When We Found A Trapdoor

Lumarous Report

Every building holds its own history within its walls, ceilings, floors, and foundations. The very materials, like wood, plaster, and stone, can hide secrets or even special items left for future generations to uncover—a connection between the past and the future.

#4

This Vintage Space Themed Wallpaper Found Under 3 Layers Of Other Wallpaper In An Old Farm House

This Vintage Space Themed Wallpaper Found Under 3 Layers Of Other Wallpaper In An Old Farm House

bubbaloon Report

#5

Found A Paw Print On A Brick Wall

Found A Paw Print On A Brick Wall

PoisoNinja Report

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Ana Ferreira
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a dog print! I guess mine isn't the only one that thinks he's a cat. 😆

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#6

Pulled Up The Carpet At The House, And Guess What I Found!

Pulled Up The Carpet At The House, And Guess What I Found!

Nnewel Report

American houses dating back to the Revolutionary War era had secret rooms designed for hiding food, contraband, and militia members from the redcoats. These rooms could have served as safe havens for women and children.

#7

They Found The Old Bath Under Their Living Room

They Found The Old Bath Under Their Living Room

markronz Report

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Aidan Campbell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Put in some flooring and some cushions and it would make a great conversation pit.

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#8

My Apartment Is An Old Police Station And Still Has The Original Cell Doors But Painted

My Apartment Is An Old Police Station And Still Has The Original Cell Doors But Painted

RubMyRing Report

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#9

Found A Message While Removing Our Cork Floor Tiles

Found A Message While Removing Our Cork Floor Tiles

tougemonster Report

Here are some reasons why old houses have secret rooms:

⦁In the early 1800s, many houses were equipped with secret rooms used to shelter runaway slaves.

⦁During the Prohibition era, secret rooms were essential for concealing and producing illicit alcohol.

⦁Reflecting on Anne Frank's experience, it's likely that secret rooms were used in Europe during World War II to shelter fugitive Jews.

#10

The Table At This Pub Has A Well In The Middle Of It (England)

The Table At This Pub Has A Well In The Middle Of It (England)

TeddyTeey Report

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Will Cable
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine sitting at the table and someone suddenly pressing their face against the underside of the glass.

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#11

Friend Was Redecorating His New House And Found This Under A Layer Of Wallpaper

Friend Was Redecorating His New House And Found This Under A Layer Of Wallpaper

thatjasonguy_ Report

#12

Untouched 1800's Cemetery Preserved In The Basement Of A Tall Building Built Over It

Untouched 1800's Cemetery Preserved In The Basement Of A Tall Building Built Over It

HierEncore Report

The magic of secret rooms lies in their mystique and intrigue, captivating people's imaginations. In today's world, concerns about societal breakdown and a general distrust of the government could drive someone to desire such hidden spaces.

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#13

Our New Apartment Has A Little Milk Door Under The Cabinets

Our New Apartment Has A Little Milk Door Under The Cabinets

d416 Report

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scag$y
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah yes, the milk door. Similar in many ways to modern day catflaps. This clever little door allows the milk to go outside to potty, ensuring that the only cottage cheese in your fridge is what you bought from the market. TRUE STORY.

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#14

Treasure In My Bathroom

Treasure In My Bathroom

Oldred92 Report

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scag$y
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did anyone else think that the treasure was a great big slice of chocolate cake? Perhaps I have an unhealthy relationship with chocolate cake. Or cake in general. But yeah, did anybody else think that? Mmm cake.

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While it's easy to see some great things about old houses, like their timeless character, there are plenty of additional reasons why old houses are better than new ones.

Old houses have a welcoming charm and unique architectural features like crown moldings, stained-glass windows, arched doorways, and antique chandeliers that you rarely find in new builds. In contrast, newer neighborhoods often have houses that look very similar, creating a "cookie-cutter" look without the individuality and character of older homes.

#16

Found Some Friends In A Mile-Long Tunnel That Travels Beneath My Apartment Building

Found Some Friends In A Mile-Long Tunnel That Travels Beneath My Apartment Building

holleyfieldart Report

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Laura Mende (Human)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not at all creepy, just a normal tunnel... Why am I hearing an eery children's song?!

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#17

My Friend Decided To Replace Her Old Carpet And She Found A Cellar Door And A Cool Surprise

My Friend Decided To Replace Her Old Carpet And She Found A Cellar Door And A Cool Surprise

madhats86 Report

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#18

100-Year-Old Elevator Handle I Saved

100-Year-Old Elevator Handle I Saved

Canars1 Report

The saying "they don't make them like they used to" is popular because it's true. Why? Let us give you a few examples.

Older homes were built with strong materials like stone, brick, and solid wood. For instance, the wood in old houses was from high-quality trees that are more durable and rot-resistant than today's wood.

#19

These "Tom And Jerry" Type Mouse Holes Gnawed In A House Built In 1741

These "Tom And Jerry" Type Mouse Holes Gnawed In A House Built In 1741

oppleTANK Report

#20

Found Some Nice Drawings Under The Wallpaper I'm Removing

Found Some Nice Drawings Under The Wallpaper I'm Removing

Fristiloverke13 Report

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ConstantlyJon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the house I grew up in there was a drawing of a cowboy on the inside of a little door we had concealing a small storage closet under our basement stairs. I never knew it existed until after I lived there for 17 years and went to college. We stored our luggage down there and I went to grab a suitcase and just looked at it in disbelief. Thought my dad drew it or something. Nope! Was there all along for me to see, I just didn't glance at it. I cringe at how many times I opened that door and didn't see it. Drawing was a good foot tall, was hard to miss.

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#21

This Building Has The Original 1909 Electrical Switches

This Building Has The Original 1909 Electrical Switches

Canaris1 Report

Another example is the use of plaster in old homes for walls, which is better than today's drywall in terms of insulation, soundproofing, fire resistance, and mold resistance.

Today, the common practice is to use cheaper manufactured materials like particle board and drywall to save money.

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#22

Uncovered At A Times Square Construction Site

Uncovered At A Times Square Construction Site

elshgi Report

#23

My House Used To Be A Bank, So We Use The Old Safe/Vault As A Basement

My House Used To Be A Bank, So We Use The Old Safe/Vault As A Basement

Pscel Report

Additionally, old houses were constructed with a different mindset. They were meant to be repaired, not torn down and replaced. New homes often don't prioritize the durability of materials. For example, most replacement windows today are made from vinyl, which typically lasts only 20-25 years. On the other hand, well-maintained wood windows in old houses can last over 100 years.

#25

My House Still Has Old-Fashioned Light Switches From Its Original Construction

My House Still Has Old-Fashioned Light Switches From Its Original Construction

NoFairYouCheated Report

#26

My Living Room Was Built Around A Huge Sandstone Rock

My Living Room Was Built Around A Huge Sandstone Rock

Jesse158 Report

#27

I've Been Living In My House And I Just Noticed My Back Door Handle Is A Spoon

I've Been Living In My House And I Just Noticed My Back Door Handle Is A Spoon

Basselopehunter Report

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#28

Friend Tore Down His Wall For Renovations And Found This Mural On Another Wall Behind It

Friend Tore Down His Wall For Renovations And Found This Mural On Another Wall Behind It

Gritzenizer Report

#29

This Headstone Found Under My Garage

This Headstone Found Under My Garage

Bouncingbatman Report

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Boreddd(she/her)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Googled her out of curiosity, here's what I found about her and her family for anyone interested: Martha Alice often went by her middle name; married 7 July 1895 to William Roland Walser (1876-1954), son of Roland Walser & Sarah Byerly. Alice died 23 December 1912, age 41 yrs, 2 months, 22 days. Her original tombstone was found buried behind a garage. At least 5 children--from 1910 census: Roy L, Zebode R, Myrtle M, Zenobian W, & Leonora M. How sad for the five young children to have their mother die two days before Christmas. Roy Lee Walser 1896–1940 Zeb Roney Walser 1900–1984 Myrtle Mae Walser 1903–1983, wed Felix Dewey Byerly 1898-1975 'Nobe' Zenobian William Walser 1904–1994 Mable Leonora Walser 1908–1914, died age 6 of diphtheria

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#30

While Renovating My Basement We Found This Painting On The Cement Behind The Wall

While Renovating My Basement We Found This Painting On The Cement Behind The Wall

J_A_Prufrock5 Report

#31

Bad**s Old Oscilloscope I Found In My Grandparents Garage

Bad**s Old Oscilloscope I Found In My Grandparents Garage

bananas2bananas Report

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Janet McG
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! Heathkit! Did your grandfather built it? I don't know it they're still around but Heathkit was a major build it yourself electronics company.

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#32

So I Just Moved Into A New Apartment, And Made A Big Discovery

So I Just Moved Into A New Apartment, And Made A Big Discovery

demc7 Report

#33

The House I'm Staying In Has Kept Its Original Well As A Feature

The House I'm Staying In Has Kept Its Original Well As A Feature

Gberry13 Report

#34

Found This 20-Year-Old Promise Hidden Under The Wallpaper In Our New House

Found This 20-Year-Old Promise Hidden Under The Wallpaper In Our New House

AngeB1818 Report

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KJ
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Was only a few years since it was last decorated, at least in my head that is true!

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#35

My Grandmother Found “Rouge” From The 1950s

My Grandmother Found “Rouge” From The 1950s

annabelleliz Report

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Michael Sauerwein
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hopefully that vivid red color is not from cinnabar, a toxic mercury-based mineral that was used in old makeup.

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#36

Apparently, Disposing Of Old Razor Blades Inside Your Wall Was Acceptable In The 1950's

Apparently, Disposing Of Old Razor Blades Inside Your Wall Was Acceptable In The 1950's

usefulthings Report

#37

I Recently Moved Into A 70s Dream Home. This Is My Bathtub

I Recently Moved Into A 70s Dream Home. This Is My Bathtub

Miners_Not_Minors Report

#38

Tore Down The Floor In Our 50-Year-Old House, Found This. I’d Love To Know Who She Was And If She’s Still Alive

Tore Down The Floor In Our 50-Year-Old House, Found This. I’d Love To Know Who She Was And If She’s Still Alive

tokulix Report

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Carla Phillips
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I the only one who thought, "oh, 50 year old house, the 1940s!" Oh, wait, it's literally 1973 and I'm old.

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#39

There's A Random Chain Embedded In The Wall Of My 1930s-Era Home

There's A Random Chain Embedded In The Wall Of My 1930s-Era Home

WomanOfEld Report

#40

This Guy Was Tearing Out The Carpet And Found A Monopoly Board Underneath Left By The Previous Owners

This Guy Was Tearing Out The Carpet And Found A Monopoly Board Underneath Left By The Previous Owners

Damnthatsinteresting Report

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#41

The Walgreens In My Neighborhood Used To Be A Bank And They Used Its Vault As Their Vitamin Section

The Walgreens In My Neighborhood Used To Be A Bank And They Used Its Vault As Their Vitamin Section

jhal2 Report

#42

This Mail Slot In A Building I Was In Today Sends The Mail Down 17 Stories To The Basement. Original From 1929

This Mail Slot In A Building I Was In Today Sends The Mail Down 17 Stories To The Basement. Original From 1929

iiiicpdiiii Report

#43

A House My Girlfriend And I Looked At Had A Shower In The Guest Room

A House My Girlfriend And I Looked At Had A Shower In The Guest Room

Bigger_Jaws Report

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#44

The Date Of The Royal Wedding Is Engraved On Our Chimney In The Attic

The Date Of The Royal Wedding Is Engraved On Our Chimney In The Attic

Nasha199 Report

#45

We Found A Safe Behind A Fake Electrical Socket In Our New House

We Found A Safe Behind A Fake Electrical Socket In Our New House

hippyscum98 Report

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ƒιѕн
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like how they went back and staged the first photo taking off the cover.

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#46

The Fan In My Toilet (Probably From The 70s) Has The Same Logo As Beats By Dre

The Fan In My Toilet (Probably From The 70s) Has The Same Logo As Beats By Dre

MonsieurEff Report

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Kira Okah
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's also an optical illusion, at least that is what the photo is doing with me.