At first glance there doesn’t seem to be anything unusual about this lovely detached Victorian property, which has seven bedrooms, a conservatory opening onto a large, private garden, and a hot tub. But there’s an incredible surprise on the first floor
House hunting can throw up all kinds of surprises. A home may look perfectly normal from the outside, but there could be any number of surprises – good or bad – inside.
Whether it’s some questionable interior design choices, appliances that haven’t been updated since the 50s, or even a secret hidden room, you never know what’s behind the front door of what could be your dream home. One home in Southport which is on the market for offers above £799,995 has an amazing surprise hidden inside.
The property in Priory Gardens, Birkdale, looks from the outside like an attractive Victorian detached seven-bedroom home. Pictures on the Rightmove listing show beautiful wood panelled floors, a conservatory opening onto a large, private garden, huge bedrooms, and a hot tub.
But there’s one thing which might catch you off guard when looking through the photos. A Reddit user posted a link to the listing on the social media site with the title: “When you think you have seen everything.” They added: “Absolutely stunning property and not strange at all until pic 27.”
The surprise is hidden on the landing of the first floor outside the master bedroom, which features a small vestibule – which the current residents have turned into their very own ball pool. Finally, the dream of re-enacting 90’s kids game show Fun House in your very own home can become a reality.
People on Reddit were wowed by the discovery. One said: “My dog would love that!” Another wrote: “Can’t believe this hasn’t sold yet! Maybe the ball pit is a non-negotiable.”
Another said: “It’s such a bizarre but beautiful find. I’m amazed it hasn’t been snapped up yet.”
And someone else wrote: “Be still my beating heart. I absolutely adore this house. Even the ball pool. I’ll keep it.”
A different user said: “Just lovely, and that ball pool is fun for all! A house that perfectly manages the compromise between smart and looking like an actual home.”
Another shared their memories of a similar feature in another house. “My friend used to live in a house that was split into upstairs and downstairs flats,” they said.
“They had the top floor with a staircase that went down a little bit to nowhere, because it was blocked off to separate the flats. They filled it with ball pit balls like this.”
The property is being marketed as a leasehold by Southport-based Bailey Estates. The listing on Rightmove says: “Situated close to the heart of Birkdale village, you would be forgiven for missing this hidden gem of a house as you passed by.
“Take a closer look however and you’ll discover the oasis of calm that is Priory Gardens; a secluded cul-de-sac setting that feels more like an enchanted woodland glade. Nestled in the corner, hidden from the road, stands this striking Victorian property and large private gated driveway, built in the gardens of the original Priory in 1896.
“Steeped in history and brimming with quirky magnetism, from the moment you step through the stylish front door you get the sense that what lies within is something very special indeed. Set over four floors, this home offers a wealth of versatile space throughout.”
