A listing from the realty company House of Brokers has caught the eyes of many startled people. What appeared to be a nice Victorian home, actually had a nightmarish addition.This listing included a fully operational jail with 9 cells!The Fayette, Missouri home was described as a 2-bed, 2-bath, single family brick home, at the price of just $350,000. The listing describes the house as a historic site. The agent, Jeffrey Radel, wrote “WAIT until you get to picture #30!! 1875 Howard County Sheriff’s House and Jail. Extremely unique opportunity!!”The home appears normal, until you enter the basement through a steel door in the kitchen and enter the perfectly preserved jail.
It is unclear what law enforcement agency used this 2500 square foot jail, which includes a booking room, 1/2 bathroom, operational cell locks, and the original steel bunk beds.
Picture of the jail cell, from the listing agentThe house became a well-discussed topic on the internet, as the strange story went viral. Many readers were concerned that potential buyers may be interested in the home for nefarious reasons, and that the advertising by the agent may encourage such ideas.Jeffrey Radel denies this, saying that the was just trying to capture buyers’ attention with a unique opportunity. He says he is encouraging potential buyers to rework the space for other purposes, such as wine tasting. Radel states that he just wants the home sold.The house is described as move-in ready, with an unfinished basement. It appears to have new hardwood floors, an electric fireplace, and a partially fenced-in backyard.
Without looking at the basement, it seems like a beautiful, normal home. Could the potential buyers use the space in the basement for something less terrifying, or will the police have to keep a close eye out on the happenings at this unique property?
Oh, for heaven sake; rip out the cell structures, put up privacy walls and doors and MAKE A B&B, perfect size; might need one more bathroom – -depends on plumbing set up. Looks like there could be an additional entrance, exit on the right side of building, off the driveway. Unless it’s already designated an “historic preservation site”, it shouldn’t be a problem.
1875, wow! That’s really amazing actually that it’s still perfectly intact and preserved! I wouldn’t be that creeped out by it… Now I also wouldn’t ever go into my basement without my husband and every single light the house on either… But her a lot of people probably wouldn’t mind having that in their house!
You could probably sell some of those original things to collectors too
Am I the only one who see that the House seems to be tilted and way out of plum??? Either the picture was badly taken or the jail in the basement is not the biggest trouble the house gas
If you will look closely, you will realize that the structure was erected on a hillside; the ground slopes away to the right of the picture. Compare this to houses built on the hills of San Francisco. This is not a dark and dank subterranean torture chamber. There appear to be adequately large windows to admit sunlight, although there are bars on them.
Buildings of this type and period are typically very sturdy. Maintain the cells as a novelty. If the local authorities have a high profile prisoner or witness in protective custody, you might rent them the basement and still operate a B&B upstairs. I would wager that the metal door in the kitchen is not the only access to the basement. Typically there is an outside set of steps leading down to a separate entrance to the admitting area of such jails. If it is designated as an historic site, you can forget remodeling.
Some parents with adult offspring still living at home might find this house an ironic solution to their children living in their basement. What makes me curious is that there is no mention of the living space involved. The nine cells and admitting area are described as occupying 2500 square feet. Something is peculiar there. The upper floors would each be the same dimensions as the basement, making this 2 bedroom, 2 bath, a 5000 square foot house. I occupy a 2 story, 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, with living room, family room, and dining room, and the living space is only 1800 square feet. Something doesn’t add up. It certainly should not add up to $375,000.
Oh, for heaven sake; rip out the cell structures, put up privacy walls and doors and MAKE A B&B, perfect size; might need one more bathroom – -depends on plumbing set up. Looks like there could be an additional entrance, exit on the right side of building, off the driveway. Unless it’s already designated an “historic preservation site”, it shouldn’t be a problem.
1875, wow! That’s really amazing actually that it’s still perfectly intact and preserved! I wouldn’t be that creeped out by it… Now I also wouldn’t ever go into my basement without my husband and every single light the house on either… But her a lot of people probably wouldn’t mind having that in their house!
You could probably sell some of those original things to collectors too
Am I the only one who see that the House seems to be tilted and way out of plum??? Either the picture was badly taken or the jail in the basement is not the biggest trouble the house gas
If you will look closely, you will realize that the structure was erected on a hillside; the ground slopes away to the right of the picture. Compare this to houses built on the hills of San Francisco. This is not a dark and dank subterranean torture chamber. There appear to be adequately large windows to admit sunlight, although there are bars on them.
Buildings of this type and period are typically very sturdy. Maintain the cells as a novelty. If the local authorities have a high profile prisoner or witness in protective custody, you might rent them the basement and still operate a B&B upstairs. I would wager that the metal door in the kitchen is not the only access to the basement. Typically there is an outside set of steps leading down to a separate entrance to the admitting area of such jails. If it is designated as an historic site, you can forget remodeling.
Some parents with adult offspring still living at home might find this house an ironic solution to their children living in their basement. What makes me curious is that there is no mention of the living space involved. The nine cells and admitting area are described as occupying 2500 square feet. Something is peculiar there. The upper floors would each be the same dimensions as the basement, making this 2 bedroom, 2 bath, a 5000 square foot house. I occupy a 2 story, 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, with living room, family room, and dining room, and the living space is only 1800 square feet. Something doesn’t add up. It certainly should not add up to $375,000.