In a thrilling discovery shared with the r/centuryhomes community, a homeowner uncovered a pair of 1900 pocket doors during their final walkthrough—an unexpected delight not mentioned in the listing. Hidden within the walls for over a century, these 125-year-old doors, likely original to the home, emerged with a bit of effort, revealing intricate craftsmanship, functioning hardware, and a clever arched design that immediately captured the attention of vintage home lovers online.
Unveiling a Hidden Treasure
The first hint of their presence came during the final walkthrough—a gleam of old hardware peeking from within the wall. Curiosity turned to determination as the homeowner worked to extract them, needing “quite a few jerks” to free them from years of dormancy. After a simple cleaning and lubrication, the right door slid beautifully along its original track—its mechanism still strong after more than a century.
The left door proved more stubborn, with misaligned panels and an out-of-square frame causing friction. An air shim helped ease its motion, and a deeper restoration is planned to return both doors to their former glory.
A Unique Design Sparks Curiosity
The most fascinating aspect of the doors? Their arched look, which is produced by using rectangular frames with concealed trim to give the appearance of a curve. One commenter was struck by the design, asking, “I have never seen a pocket door with windows in it. Very cool. But how do they slide into the wall? They look like they wouldn’t fit?”
The homeowner explained, “They’re rectangular, but trimmed to look arched. That hidden curve is above the rail, which runs tangent to the top.” It’s a subtle design trick—one that not only enhances the home’s aesthetics but also preserves full pocket functionality.
A Labor of Love in Progress
Though one door is operational, the left panel still needs restoration. Its separated joints and tight frame require extra care, but the homeowner is undeterred. The rare inclusion of windows in the door panels suggests they were meant to allow light to pass between rooms—possibly a parlor and dining room—enhancing both ambiance and flow.
The homeowner plans to clean and repair the left door soon, turning the surprise discovery into a rewarding preservation project.