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From Lost Diaries To Hidden Passages, Here Are 50 Astonishing Finds Within Old Homes (New Pics)
When you were kids, what houses did you dream of growing up in, Pandas? Did Tony Stark's mansion with its futuristic gadgets and sleek design seem like the perfect place to live? Or did the Pink Palace Apartment from Coraline look way more to your taste? If you've always been a fan of old houses, this list might be just for you.
We searched the Internet for the most fascinating finds that people discovered in their old houses. Contrary to popular belief, it's not just ghosts and ghouls that reside in houses built in centuries past. Sometimes, new owners might find authentic pieces of history!
Bored Panda reached out to a couple revitalizing a 1912 home in Indianapolis to chat about the magic of old houses. Owners Matthew Bridges, who's an antique collector and owner of Father Wolf Antiques, and his partner Jessi kindly agreed to tell us more about the restoration process and what their 1912 house would say if its walls could talk. Read our conversation below!
More info: 1912 On Wallace | Father Wolf Antiques | Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Before It Was Torn Down, My Wife Preserved A Section Of Her Late Grandmother's 100+ Year-Old House, And Framed All The Layers Of Wallpaper
Matthew Bridges and his partner Jessi purchased their 1912 beauty in April of 2021 and have been sharing their journey on Instagram ever since. When we ask Matthew what captured his and Jessi's attention about the house, he says it was the original woodwork and the old door hardware.
"This house needed a lot of work but the first time we walked in and saw the beautiful staircase we knew this was the house for us," he told Bored Panda. "Some of the 'updates' dated to the 1960s, which didn't fit the vibe of the house, so we decided to give it a more period-appropriate feel but with modern conveniences."
Granted, the updates might not happen as quickly as one would want. Matthew says that time and money have been the biggest challenges in bringing this beautiful house back to life.
"I do a lot of the work myself so it sometimes gets pushed aside due to an otherwise busy schedule," he explains. "Restoration can also be expensive, even if you're doing the work yourself. So far we've tackled maybe one big project per year."
Nevertheless, he believes the house would be happy with their 'upgrades' if it were a sentient being. "We didn't strip it of its remaining original features and we added a few elements, like period light fixtures, that complement and fit the era of the home. Decor aside, I think we've preserved the integrity, the history, and the legacy of this old beauty."
If you're a fan of authentic old houses, be sure to follow Matthew and Jessi's journey in restoring their 1912 home!
RELATED:
#2
I Was Advised To Post Here The Authentic Tiles I Found In My Newly Purchased House. The Wooden Floor Is Also Original
The house is from the 30’s. Both have been pretty well preserved as they were covered. There some dust as well because we had just removed the new floor.
#3
Just Bought Our First Home (1909) And Found This Under The Carpet
Richard Iachetta 3 days ago
I sure hope you had that beautiful floor refinished. Dated or not that type of craftmanship never goes out of style
Buying an old house can be fascinating for more reasons than just the possibility that you'll come across an interesting find in the attic. In fact, current trends are all about old character houses. Just like with everything millennial-related, the new generation is rejecting the modern millennial-gray houses, which, according to them, lack character.
There's a whole subgenre of videos on TikTok about shaming millennial house flippers turning vintage, charming houses into 'sad beige.' In one such video, creator @everyones.junk.drawer points to how realtors covered up and painted over a whimsical and authentic clinker brick chimney. "They see something charming or that has character and say: 'Nope! Cover it up.'"
#4
136 Year Old Note Found On A Shingle When My Parents Renovated Their House
Text: “I was discharged from work on this house by McBride the Bulldog for being drunk only once, when he is drunk all the time. Carpenter Smith, Plymouth March 27, 1888”
#5
Window Lottery
I've been doing some restoration and playing lots of wall chicken and window lottery. I didn't have a lot of hope for the bricked over windows.
#6
When You Discover A Beautiful Murano Glass Grape Lamp In The Attic
We've been living in my grandparent's house for 8 years and I'm STILL discovering treasures!!
Why are people getting so mad? It's because new owners buy fixer-uppers and take most of their charm away. They cover the hardwood floors, paint over colorful, original wallpaper, or rip out and replace vintage tiling with off-white floors that give off the vibe of an asylum more than that of a modern house.
Katie Way writes for Vice that these "modernizing an old Victorian house" renovations are "the nouveau-McMansion chic." These houses are often characterized by "shades of beige and gray, brushed silver fixtures, a 'clean,' monotonous look." Basically, something you'd probably see on HGTV.
#7
Removed An Old Nasty Drop Ceiling From A Home Built In 1840 And Found This Hiding Above
#8
Collection Of Reference Seeds Found In My Grandad’s Attic
BoredLittleLeafSheep 3 days ago
My husband harvests and stores seeds, avidly! He would be drooling over this find if I showed him this!
#9
Dinosaur Bone Found In The Basement Of My Friend’s 15th Century House In North-Eastern France
There's a reason why millennials like their interior and architecture to be clean and minimalistic. As designer Katelyn De Spain of Makehouse Design Studio explained to Apartment Therapy, they are, too, rejecting what they grew up with. "The neutral grays emerged as a way to counterbalance the ruddy browns and overly warm beiges that dominated home interiors in the early 2000s," she said.
#10
Cleaning Surprise. Love When My Century Home Rewards Me For Giving Her A Deep Clean… Found This Underneath A Radiator Today
#11
Buying A 140 Year Old Home, Contents Included. I’ve Found 7 Of These Trunks So Far
#12
Victorian Wallpaper, Found In A Broom Closet, 1880s/1890s House, Kensington Market, Toronto
The best example of the houses millennials grew up in and are now desperate to rebel against is Tony and Carmela Soprano's home: Tuscan villa-inspired golden brown countertops, terracotta lamps, and even some golden accents, which today, no doubt, many would deem to be tacky.
#13
Photo Found In The Walls Of Our 1912 Build. Then vs. Now
#14
Renovating My 1850s Farmhouse And Found A Surprise
I’m an electrician and carpenter so I was updating the knob and tube when I found some original trim behind one of the device boxes.
SECRET CLOSET! Unfortunately the most valuable thing found is the extra storage space. Still a win for today!
#15
I Found This Old Lightbulb In My Grandparents’ House Finished In 1902 And It Still Works
Yet even therapists are defending millennials' taste in homes. Jennifer Chappell Marsh, LMFT, explains that we have to look at the "sad beige gray" trend through the lens of what that generation went and still is going through. They experienced two major economic crises, climate anxiety, student loan debt, and a housing crisis. "An uncluttered house done up in palatable, neutral tones can provide a sense of stability and control," Marsh told HuffPost.
#16
Our New To Us House Has A Secret Panic Room That Wasn't Included In The Listing! Built In 1978 And I Love This Place!
#17
My Great Grandmother Kept A News Paper Of When America Landed On The Moon. Just Found It Today
OzzyTheMano (They/Them) 3 days ago
bet you felt... hehehe... "over the moon" when she gave that to you?
#18
Engagement Ring Found In My Grandparents Safe
I’m not sure how old it is, but it was a cool find. My grandparents moved into a nursing home and assisted living. Going through their stuff before we auction the house and items. Ignore the nails, I didn’t have much time to redo them.
pineapple87 3 days ago
Would have paid zero attention to the nails had they not been mentioned
Essentially, when buying a house today in America, you can either choose a modern one, or a home with character. Home&Texture has gone over the pros and cons of buying both and suggests that choosing a timeless character house with history connects its occupants to the past, while modern houses offer contemporary aesthetics and convenience.
#19
Wall Lottery!
#20
Antique Games We Found In The Attic Today. They All Look To Be Around 1920’s
Found these in the attic today while getting some renovations done. Some have all the game pieces, so may still be in a bag/box that I have to finish going through.
No idea of value, happy to learn anything about them that you all may know.
#21
Found Old Crystal Glasses In The Attic Of My New Old House
A modern home comes with some financial perks. It's likely to be more efficient than an old house and require less maintenance through the years. Modern houses also come with technological advances, such as smart home improvements, making daily life more convenient. And, for those who like clean contemporary aesthetics, the sleek minimalistic look could be perfect.
#22
Hello, Just Bought A House Built In 1900. The Fireplace Was Boarded Up And Upon Removing The Board This Is What We Found. Anyone Have Any Ideas Or Info? Would Love To Find Some History Out Or Maybe How Much This Is Even Worth
Lyoness 3 days ago
Google Lens is your friend. It says: The image shows a cast iron fireplace insert, likely from around 1900, found in a house built in that era. These types of fireplaces were popular during the Victorian and Edwardian periods and are known for their ornate designs. Helpful Information: Material: Made of cast iron, known for its durability and heat retention. Style: Combination fireplace, where the mantel and firebox are a single piece. Era: Common in homes built around 1900, reflecting Victorian/Edwardian design. Function: Originally used for coal or wood-burning fires. Features: Often includes decorative elements and may have additional parts like a damper plate, grate, and ashpan. Placement: Smaller sizes were often used in bedrooms. Value: The value can vary, and getting an appraisal is recommended if considering selling.
#23
Anyone Know Where It Looks Like These Originate From? In My Friends Very Old Mansion. The Previous Traveled Around And Collected These From Diff Countries
#24
Circa 1792 - Before And After Fireplace Reno
An old house is certainly rich in history and one-of-a-kind charm, but it has its cons. Many old houses have limited amenities, such as central heating or insulation. Because of their age, they also tend to be less energy efficient. That's also why they might need repairs more often. After many years, after all, some things just don't work how they used to.
#25
Decent Floor Lottery. Appalachian Log Home Built In 1864. We Found This Old Linoleum Under Carpet And On Top Of The Original Wide Plank Floors
April Pickett 3 days ago
Is it possible to save the linoleum? Could you use it somewhere else? If I could save it, I think I would try to make a wall hanging or incorporate it into a wall somehow.
#26
Does Anyone Have Any Idea What This Tiny Door That Leads To The Outside Would Be Used For (House Built In 1950)
tectuma
Could be for leprechauns or gnomes... I still would not leave any food out.
Same-Gear-4978
Not sure if milk doors were still a thing in the 50s, but potentially that?
sugar-magnolia
it leads to John Malkovichs brain
#27
The Ceilings On My House From The 1890's
Modern house haters say that they can feel cookie-cutter, sterile, and devoid of personality. And what old houses lack in efficiency, they certainly make up for with their authentic charm. Things like creaks in floorboards and brick walls can add a unique sense of style, and, as the years have already proven, much of the design features stand the test of time, remaining visually appealing even after a long time.
#28
Found This Old Watch In My Grandma's Attic. It Looks Pretty Special, Anyone Able To Identify It?
I've found very similar looking watches online around the 1920's. There are two markings, one seems to read 156 and the other maybe E 791.
#29
Jewellery Found Inside A Wall In A Victorian House
#30
Heavy Metal Cone With Some Sort Of Measuring Markings On It, Has Threads On The Inside
Found while cleaning out an old house. It looks like it was maybe buried based on the state of the bottom half. It is entirely metal. I didn’t get a picture of the threads but they seem to start where it’s not rusted/decayed.
nitro479
Looks like an artillery shell detonator. Set it down gently and notify the authorities. Cue the EOD bot.
What do you think about old houses, Pandas? Do you think their quirky aesthetics and authentic design details are worth the disadvantages? After going through this list, I certainly think so! If you liked these fascinating finds, be sure to check out previous articles about even more things that people have found in their old homes here and here!
#31
Pre Great Depression Columbia Grafonola, Supposedly 1 Of 2 In The World, Sister Might Be In The White House
I recently uncovered an antique Columbia grafonola in my late grandmother's garage. The item was originally owned by my great-great grandfather Jacob E. Pierce. He used to be a wealthy newspaper owner in Huntsville, Alabama before the Great Depression and owned the locally infamous wedding cake mansion.
The item stands at about 3 ft. tall and features textured floral designs, a vinyl rack, a built-in speaker/horn, and elaborately carved wooden legs, two of which have broken off.
During the economic crisis, my great aunt took the grafonola. Upon her death, my grandma ended up with it in the late 90s and brought it down to Florida. Now that my grandmother has passed, I now have it.
These are the facts as I know them, what I don't know is, if it really is 1 of 2 in the world and if it's sister was ever in the White House, it's only hearsay passed down from my grandma, to my uncle, to me.
From the research I've done, I've come up empty handed. I can't find an archive detailing all of the antiques in the White House. That being said, I can't find any other grafonolas of the same model. If nothing else, that means it's either pretty rare or a really nice commission.
Is the family legend true?
What should I do about this antique given its less than pristine condition?
Lee Gilliland 3 days ago
Have you written the White House historian? There is one and she would know.
#32
Won The Ceiling Lottery
This is the feature I’m most excited about in my new home! It’s a little damaged in the corners because of the radiator pipe but overall it’s so much better than the drop ceiling. Sadly I did lose the flooring lotto - the planks (under plywood, under vinyl, under carpet) are too thin to serve as an actual floor.
TruthoftheHeart 3 days ago
At least that means you can pick your floor to match the beautiful ceiling!
#33
Nerve Gas Grenade At The Family Cottage (Circa 1920). Details In The Comments
Our family’s 1920 cottage has had this extinguisher on the wall for decades. According to some Googling:
“In 1900, the Red Comet fire extinguisher was a glass sphere filled with CTC, or Carbon tetrachloride. Early Red Comets used salt-water, but CTC was more effective. Firefighters hurled the Red Comet at the base of a fire to extinguish the flames.
Carbon tetrachloride was suitable for liquid and electrical fires and the extinguishers were fitted to motor vehicles. Carbon tetrachloride extinguishers were withdrawn in the 1950s because of the chemical's toxicity. Exposure to high concentrations caused damage the nervous system and internal organs. Additionally, when used on a fire, the heat converted CTC to phosgene gas, formerly used as a chemical weapon.”
At least there’s no asbestos in the place…
BoredLittleLeafSheep 3 days ago
These are VERY, VERY DANGEROUS, and should be removed by the local fire department, says my former-firefighter husband.
#34
Bought A House And Found A Vintage Safe In The Garage. Locked, No Key
#35
Found Some Jars Of Coins In A Stone Wall In My Basement
Found these coins in a Michigan basement (stone wall), when I was remodeling my 1890’s farmhouse. The newest coins are from 1941. I counted 174 brand new 50 cent coins. Next day I went back to digging and another Jar popped out of the wall. This one had 10, $5 gold coins, 2, $2 1/2 coins, and one $1 coin. My pictures aren’t the best, and I might send some of better ones off for grading. Any idea what they are worth? (eBay prices are all over the place)
#36
Found Hand Painted Folk Art On Stairs When I Removed Carpet
I removed the old carpet and 8 gazillion staples and nails. Every other riser has hand painted PA Dutch folk art. I'm going to see if I can get down to nice wood on the treads and touch up the painted risers.
This is in my old restored Barn outside Philadelphia. It was built in the 1740s and converted into a house some time in the 1940s.
There are at least 4 layers of paint on the treads. But the steps are really beat up. If I can't get down to good bare wood, I may paint them again. I tried citrus strip, you can see areas on the bottom two steps. Took a lot to get to that, not ideal. I ordered a craftsman IR paint remover. Just waiting for it to ship. I'm the meantime I am using carbide scraper on the stringers and will paint those up with a matching ivory color.
The folk art isn't really my style, but it's beautiful and someone really took a lot of time and care to paint it. I feel I owe it to the house to try to restore it and put it on display. It will be the first thing you see when you walk into my house.
Am I crazy? Do you like it? Any advice on the approach if I'm not heading in the right direction? If I have to paint the treads, thoughts on color? I'll also paint ( or maybe wallpaper) the walls. I welcome design thoughts on that too.
April Pickett 3 days ago
The risers are unique to your house. For the rest of it, do what you think is best. I understand first instincts are usually right. Just remember, it's paint and can be redone.
#37
My 1921 House Never Ceases To Surprise Me. I Found This Painting While Finally Cleaning Out The Attic To Re-Insulate It
Notable other attic finds from previous owners: some lovely mountain dew green carpet, a shotgun bullet press, and a functioning 10" CRT.
#38
Bought A House And Found A Bag In The Loft With Photo Albums Hidden Inside. Digitised Everything (The Oldest Dated Item Is From The 1870s) - A Rather Interesting Glimpse Into An Unknown Family Over The Years. Spot The Cat, Dogs, Morris Dancer, Proud Labourer, Chickens And Badass Clothing
#39
Crying Caulk/Plaster Girl Here With News
Crying happy tears today because:
WE WON THE FLOOR LOTTERY! Pulled up the ugly, cracked tile in the bathroom and found the original hex tile in great condition underneath 😭😭😭. I’m ecstatic!
#40
Found A Box In The Rafters In The Garage… Thought I Found A Safe, But I Ended Up With Even Better. Now I Have To Get A Player For These. I’m Dying To See What’s On Them
#41
Found Some Victorian Transferware Tiles Hidden Behind Several Layers Of Paint On An Old Fireplace (Scotland)
I would love to know the part number of these without taking them off and looking on the rear side. My Google lens results aren’t returning the correct type although I am getting a rough indication of date.
Also, I think it would be wonderful to have a transfer wear sub on Reddit if anybody fancies setting one up. I can imagine these tiles can be very addictive to collectors .
Auntriarch 2 days ago
I saw transfer wear and wondered what level of nerd would be interested in that, then I realised they meant transfer ware. I think I've been hanging around UKGrandad too much
#42
Old Glass Water Jug Full Of Pennies I Found At My Grandparents House
#43
Found A Dry Sink In My 1807 Home. We Just Got This House. As I Was Cleaning Out The Bottom Cabinet I Realized There Is A Sink Under That Strangely Shaped Cover On Top
#44
Wallpaper Piece My Wife Kept From Our 1890s Farmhouse Remodel
#45
I Just Found A Wall Of Whiskey Bottles From 1914-15
#46
Love The Wall We Found In Our 1892 Norwegian Farm House
#47
Was Replacing My Vanity And Found This Gem Behind The Wall
#48
My House Has Portraits In The Crawl Space From The Original Owners In 1960 That Have Never Been Moved
#49
This Set Of Ball And Claws Found In The Attic Of A 19th Century Pagan Farmstead In Vermont
Gingersnap In Iowa 3 days ago
My Mom had an antique piano (1880's) the piano stool had legs like these.
Poll Question
What type of house did you dream of living in when you were younger?
Futuristic mansion like Tony Stark's
Whimsical place like the Pink Palace
Modern city apartment
Rustic farmhouse
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What do you think ?
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