Family discovers secret 1920s attic staircase hidden behind a wall
Secret 1920s attic found hidden behind wall

A family who purchased a 1920s property three years ago have made an astonishing discovery that has left the internet stunned: a secret attic, complete with a staircase, was concealed behind a wall.

The moment the wall gave way

Carol and Tracy Thiemer, along with their young children, moved into the house aware it had a third-storey attic space from the exterior, but with no visible means of access. Just days after moving in, they pinpointed where the entrance might have been sealed off. In a now-viral TikTok video, Tracy is seen pushing his hand through what appeared to be ordinary drywall, creating an opening to peer inside.

After fully removing the plasterboard, the family found a staircase leading up to a substantial, forgotten space. "We bought our 1920s house with a third story attic that we had never seen," Carol explained in the clip, which has amassed a staggering 4.2 million views.

A hidden room with unexpected potential

Venturing inside, the family discovered an attic boasting attractive wooden beams and windows, instantly presenting the potential for an additional living area. Remarkably, the space already had electrical connections and plumbing stubbed in place, making future development more feasible.

Carol noted the presence of an "ancient chandelier" and expressed relief that there were no signs of animal or insect infestations. However, the family's plans for a major refurbishment have been paused. "Unfortunately, money is really slowing down this project," Carol admitted to Newsweek.

Their current ambition is to convert the space into a playroom and hangout spot for their children, with the long-term goal of adding a bathroom to utilise the existing plumbing.

Crowdfunding a dream and the mystery remains

With their TikTok follower count soaring, the Thiemers are now hoping to leverage the platform's Creator Fund to finance the attic's transformation. "Thank you so much for the interest in our attic!" Carol expressed, sharing their goal of reaching 10,000 followers.

The discovery has sparked intense speculation online. One viewer questioned, "The question is WHY did it get closed off?" while another suggested it would make a beautiful master bedroom. A third commenter declared the find likely increased the property's value significantly.

However, not all advice was encouraging. One user urged them to seal it back up, arguing that the insulation was crucial for the house's efficiency. This has left Carol pondering the previous owner's motives: "I'm still wondering why the previous home owner closed off the access." The mystery behind the sealed wall adds another layer of intrigue to their extraordinary find.