A homeowner in a 145-year-old house made a stunning discovery while working on their hallway, uncovering two hidden archways buried beneath years of renovations. The images, shared on Reddit, quickly went viral, capturing the imagination of users who urged the owner to restore the architectural gems. The find highlights a growing trend in historic home renovations, with homeowners investing heavily to revive old-world charm.
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Reddit Discovery Goes Viral
Reddit user u/RudeRudyHipton shared photos on May 21 of two ornate archways uncovered in their hallway. The post, titled “Found this surprise in our front hallway,” appeared in the r/CenturyHomes subreddit and amassed 18,000 upvotes and hundreds of comments. The arches, hidden under steel siding and layers of renovation, revealed intricate craftsmanship from a bygone era.
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Owner Torn Over Restoration
In the post’s caption, the homeowner admitted to feeling overwhelmed. “I want to restore, but it’s so much work….Glass is mostly broken or missing. Outside is covered with steel siding. Half of me wants to cover it back up and pretend I saw nothing,” they wrote. The home, dating back to 1880, carries layers of history and challenges.
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Trend of Renovation Spending
This story mirrors a broader surge in U.S. home renovation spending. According to a survey by Houzz, the median spend rose from $15,000 in 2020 to $24,000 in 2023. Notably, 51 percent of homeowners spent $25,000 or more in 2023, up from 37 percent in 2020, reflecting a booming interest in restoring and upgrading aging properties.
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A Series of Discoveries
The homeowner revealed that the discoveries came gradually. “I had no clue. I found the arch around the door a couple years ago when running power out to the porch light. Then I found the giant side arch a week ago,” they noted. They also unearthed records showing the house once had a stable where the garage now stands, adding to the home’s layered history.
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Speculation Over Design Origins
While some Reddit users speculated on the house’s architectural style, the owner clarified, “It has Victorian elements, but I wouldn’t call it a Victorian house. Who knows, many things have been changed over 145 years and many owners.” They also noted the hallway floor was slightly slanted, suggesting it might once have been a porch, though its connection to the arched doorway remains unclear.
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Community Urges Restoration
Reddit users rallied behind the homeowner, encouraging them to embrace the find. “You won the wall lottery! Start up the restoration savings fund,” commented u/FreidasBoss. Another, u/SodaPop9639, added, “Restore! Those arched windows would be stunning! Worth the investment.” Multiple users shared similar sentiments, calling it a rare and precious discovery.
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Hidden Treasures Speculated
Many commenters believed more surprises might lie beneath the home’s renovations. “I bet that’s not the only treasure hiding under all that siding,” wrote u/Serene_FireFly. Another, u/stimber, questioned past decisions, “Why in the hell would someone cover that up?” The emotional weight of the discovery resonated with readers, with u/deadinside_rn remarking, “The way my jaw dropped. I would have to just accept the pain and restore them.”