Check out how some amazing hidden gems were found by these families.
A Van Gogh Painting (Unsigned)
A Giant Monopoly Board
A Rare Comic Book (Worth $175,000)
A Masterpiece by Picasso
Ancient Mayan Murals
A Bootlegger’s Gift
Moving into a new home is always an adventure, but these families got way more than they bargained for. From priceless paintings to ancient artifacts, their discoveries will make you wonder what secrets your own house might be hiding.
A Van Gogh Painting (Unsigned)
“Sunset at Montmajour” is an authentic masterpiece by Van Gogh, which was found in an old Norwegian home. The twist is that the previous owners knew about the artwork for a long time, but they believed it to be a copy of Van Gogh’s work.
When the new owners took a closer look, they discovered it was authentic but unsigned by the famous impressionist Van Gogh.
A Giant Monopoly Board
In 2003, a Fresno, California couple received an unexpected surprise during their bungalow renovation. Upon removing the old carpet, they unveiled a giant, hand-painted Monopoly game board covering a large section of hardwood floor. The board featured classic London properties, a rail station, jail, and even a community chest.
Their son-in-law, intrigued by the discovery, shared a photo of the giant board online. He suggested covering it in epoxy and designing the rest of the flooring around it. Originally reported by News.com.au.
A Rare Comic Book (Worth $175,000)
In 1938, while renovating his home in Elbow Lake, Minnesota, David Gonzalez struck gold—not in the form of precious metal, but something even more valuable. Hidden within an old wall, he discovered a rare June 1938 copy of Action Comics #1. This prized find was later auctioned off, fetching a remarkable $175,000. This article was originally reported by the Winnipeg Free Press in 2016.
A Masterpiece by Picasso
In 2015, Carl Sabatino revealed to “Inside Edition” that he had discovered an original Picasso painting hidden in his home. Sabatino explained that his aunt, on her deathbed, had instructed him to check under her sewing machine.
Upon fulfilling her final wish, he found a painting he remembered from childhood, affectionately nicknamed “The Fuzzy Hat.” Little did young Sabatino know that this was actually Picasso’s “Woman with Hat.” After rediscovering it, Sabatino’s research confirmed its authenticity as an original work.
According to Sabatino, his uncle had purchased the painting for a mere $30 in London. However, after its rediscovery, the artwork was appraised at an astonishing $25 million. This remarkable tale demonstrates how a deathbed confession led to the unveiling of a long-lost Picasso masterpiece.
Ancient Mayan Murals
Around 2007, a Guatemalan family unearthed an extraordinary historical find while renovating their 300-year-old home, as reported by National Geographic. Beneath layers of paint, centuries-old Mayan murals emerged, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Lucas Asicona Ramirez, a family member, confirmed the discovery to National Geographic, recalling how he first stumbled upon the murals while removing paint in the kitchen. Archaeologist Jaroslaw Zralka later validated their authenticity, sharing insights into their significance and purpose with the magazine.
A Bootlegger’s Gift
As reported by the New York Post, in 2020, Nick Drummond and Patrick Bakker purchased a historic home in Ames, NY, with a whispered history of a former bootlegger owner. Intrigued by the house’s past, the duo felt it held untold secrets, sparking a curiosity that led them on a quest for hidden treasures. One fateful day, their search was rewarded with the discovery of a staggering 66 bottles of Scotch whisky—each worth an estimated $500 to $1,000.
Further research revealed that the previous owner, a wealthy bootlegger, had indeed left behind some of his prized stash as a gift for future occupants. Remarkably, the liquor had aged gracefully, standing the test of time.
A Hidden Room and Box of Rare Coins
Kelsey and Levi Gilles, along with their 15-year-old daughter Ada, recently moved to a new home in Virginia. Little did they know, their new abode held some exciting secrets, reports Inside Edition.
While unpacking in her new room, Ada stumbled upon a latch on the floor. With a bit of curiosity and effort, she and her parents discovered that the latch opened a hidden door to a previously unknown room.
The surprises didn’t stop there. Upon further exploration of the hidden room, they found a secret drawer. Inside the drawer was something jaw-dropping: a small box of rare coins. They returned this forgotten treasure to the previous owners.
Share your stories!
Have you found hidden treasures or surprises in your home? If so, drop us a note so we can share them with our HomeTips community. Send them to Admin @hometips.com.
References
- Top 10 Times People Found Hidden Secrets in Their Homes, Watchmojo, Written by Mimi Kenny
- California man discovers giant ‘Strip Monopoly’ game board hidden under carpet, Nydailynews, Written by Carol Kuruvilla
- Unprecedented Maya Mural Found, Contradicts 2012 “Doomsday” Myth, National Geographic, Written by Erik Vance
- Remodeler finds comic book worth over $100K in wall at Elbow Lake house, Startribune, Written by Curt Brown
