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Have you ever seen home security like this?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Godzyk Real Estate Services NH License 033394

Yes, that is a trap door located on the inside of the front door. The pit is about 9 feet deep. This Windham NH area home was part of Searles Castle. Built around 1905, this home was originally the guest house. It had it all. Complete with a stone wall surrounding it. Secret stairways and this pit. The home quite the history as noted here.

 

 

It is not exactly clear when they started breaking up the 175 acre property and selling off buildings and lots. In 1991 they began to renovate the castle itself. In 2001 the sisters hired someone to manage weddings and events at the castle and courtyard. Many buildings that were sold off all become residential homes. 

 

You may be wondering how i ended up at this home almost falling in this pit.?

 

Working in the bank owned segment of real estate, the owners left this home and the bank is taking it back. Part of my REO duties is conducting valuations of property. Now it is a good thing i noticed this pit when looking in the door and opted for a side door entry without a pit.

 

Back then could have been used as a security measure from invaders. Today the liability to keep away solicitors may be high. However a still interesting feature for me to share with you. 

 

My infamous closing: All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest. By using a philosophy, which is simple, to provide more personal and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process, I can help you find your dream home or sell your property. Your agent can stand behind you and assist with obstacles such as this.

 

 

    

 

                                 

 

To CONTACT Scott Godzyk please call 603.661.2121 or EMAIL: Sctprop@aol.com .

 

 

About the Author: Scott Godzyk is the Owner/Broker of the Godzyk Real Estate Services in Manchester NH. Proud to be locally owned and operated with 30 years of experience, Scott is a leading Agent for Listing and Selling Homes in this area.We are Full Time Agents ready to serve all of your Real Estate needs. Servicing Hillsborough, Rockingham, Merrimack and Belknap counties. 

 

You can search for Manchester area Homes For Sale by clicking here. what is for sale by clicking here.

 

 

Comments(54)

Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I am happy i looked through the glass to see it and went through a back door Nathan Gesner 

Feb 26, 2017 04:58 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

It sure is Mike Cooper , even has look outs above the old carriage house

Feb 26, 2017 04:58 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

They sure wanted something Grant Schneider and just abandoned it, but left some surprises

Feb 26, 2017 04:59 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I have seen that in new construction and used go berserk on walk through's prior to our Saturday and Sunday open homes Barbara Todaro 

Feb 26, 2017 05:00 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

That would hurt Nick & Trudy Vandekar. I had a REO they cut the post to the stairs and crashed in upon my first step. Good thing i was holding the rail

Feb 26, 2017 05:02 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Thank you for the honor Kathy Streib 

Feb 26, 2017 05:02 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I always wanted to list a castle Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 . I hope i get it assigned to me. 

Feb 26, 2017 05:03 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Myrl Jeffcoat what i wonder is what happened back a century or 2 ago when there was not such law

Feb 26, 2017 05:04 PM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Here in parts of Florida that would be marketed as "comes with  personal sinkhole!"

Feb 27, 2017 03:59 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Wow, now that would have been dangerous!

Feb 27, 2017 04:20 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Scott

Well that is certainly a first. Thank goodness you noticed it beforehand!

Jeff

Feb 27, 2017 08:22 AM
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Scott - It never ceases to amaze me the things you can find when working in real estate. Watch that first step into this house, it's a doozy.

Feb 27, 2017 04:37 PM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

I trust there was no welcome mat on the other side of the door! That is a bit daunting... find any other secret rooms or hall ways?

Feb 28, 2017 12:56 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I sure did Debra Leisek. 3 of them. There was a circular stairway to an old lookout on top of the barn, but when it creeked, i got out of there,  

Mar 14, 2017 03:08 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

That is for sure Troy Erickson , imagine if i didnt find the side door first. 

Mar 14, 2017 03:09 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I actually approached the home from the rear so i came to a side door that was open first. had i come the front way that could have been a little too exciting Jeff Dowler 

Mar 14, 2017 03:10 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

It sure is Kat Palmiotti and i hope they boarded it up, it is ot my listing assisgnment yet, so i cant do anything, but did warn them

Mar 14, 2017 03:11 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

When I wa sin Florida there was one in the news, it was exciting to hear how they form but not too exciting for those having them in their yards Gary L. Waters, Broker Owner, Waters Realty of Brevard, LLC 

Mar 14, 2017 03:12 PM
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

Hmmm.  Perhaps fill it with water and pirhanna?

Mar 27, 2017 11:58 AM
Cheryl Dukes . . . . . Intown Atlanta
Guaranteed Offer for your Home - eXp realty - Atlanta, GA

I just keep thinking what if I had one of those at my home with a removable lid that I take off just before retiring at night and every time I leave home. I think I'll add that nugget to my file of must haves for my dream-built home. Thanks for the idea.

Mar 27, 2017 07:28 PM