Gladys and Carla Spizzirri are not only sisters but are also real estate partners. For some time, the duo were curious about a particular house on Jane Street in Toronto, Ontario. One day, the owner of the property made a decision to put it up for sale. This let interested parties discover for themselves what secret the house was hiding. They were totally surprised by what they saw.
A 96-Year-Old Woman And The Secret She Was Hiding In Her Home
A Regular Home
From the outside, there was nothing special about 148 Jane Street and it looked like other Toronto homes. In addition, the street is simple and plain, with no notable landmarks, and the area did not have anything particularly exciting going on. The structures surrounding the property were regular-looking, so one might assume the home’s interiors were also regular-looking.
A Regular Home
Looking To Sell
Few people have been inside the home, and the only thing that most people knew about it was that its inhabitants were the same for a really long time. The house was certainly a mystery, but one day, real estate duo Carla and Gladys got a call from the owner. She was thinking of selling it. Of course, the Spizzirris had to see the house for themselves first.
Looking To Sell
Just A Regular Day
For Gladys and Carla Spizzirri, their day at the office started out fairly unexciting, and people there went about their usual routine. Prior to starting their own agency, the sisters didn’t work together. However, when they discovered that they were a great team, things changed. They realized that they were an effective and efficient tandem, so they kept at it.
Just A Regular Day
Surprising Event
Carla and Gladys have learned how the business works after being in it for several years. Aside from being great at what they do, the ladies also enjoy their jobs. They are not commonly surprised anymore, but there are still exceptions. This was one of them.
Surprising Event
The Phone Rings
From time to time, professional realtors still get shocked! The Spizzirri sisters did not know they were onto something huge, but it is understandable because no one knows what the future holds, right? The phone at the realtors’ office started ringing, and the call changed Carla’s and Gladys’ lives forever.
The Phone Rings
A Call From A Stranger
Since the phone at the real estate office never stops ringing, the call was answered like any other call. An older woman named Joyce phoned them as she was thinking of selling her home. However, she had not made the final decision yet.
A Call From A Stranger
A Secret
Joyce seemed hesitant while telling the realtors of her plans to sell her home. They could tell from the tone of the older woman’s voice and the way she spoke that she was not too keen on the idea. However, she was clearly one persistent person and would likely sell her house. Then, Joyce revealed a secret to the real estate duo which was completely unexpected and changed the situation for the two.
A Secret
A Different Kind Of Emotion
Many people that sell their homes see it as the right step for them, so they seem happy when they contact a realtor. They think it is the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Joyce, on the other hand, did not seem happy or excited that she was leaving her home.
A Different Kind Of Emotion
Hiding Something
For some reason, real estate agents commonly have a sixth sense when they are talking to clients. Both Gladys and Carla felt Joyce was keeping a secret – something that could make it hard to look for a buyer for her home. The realtors knew from experience that even if something unpleasant happened in the past, it could still affect the sale of a house negatively.
Hiding Something
Challenge Accepted
Joyce was not trying to hide any typical homeowner problem. The water heater was not malfunctioning and there were no problems like black mold. The secret was much bigger. However, Carla and Gladys Spizzirri stuck to their guns and made a decision to take on the challenge.
Challenge Accepted
No Way To Prepare
Real estate duo Carla and Gladys have confidence in their ability to list just about anything. They are excellent at their jobs and they constantly look for new opportunities. They have plenty of experience. However, it still did not prepare the two for what was to come.
No Way To Prepare
Something New
Carla and Gladys thought that since they had been in real estate for some time, they had already seen everything. The pair had successfully dealt with things that regular people would give up on, and the sisters believed they were capable of dealing with anything. Before arriving at Joyce’s house, the real estate duo were already thinking about things they might find there. Although some crazy ideas came to mind, the reality was unlike anything they had imagined.
Something New
Low Expectations
The three years that Gladys and Carla had already spent in real estate have helped the pair become familiar with Toronto. They had bought and sold a number of properties in the city’s well-known neighborhoods. Occasionally, the sisters would luck out and get their hands on a property which did not need a lot work and practically sold itself. They had no idea whether this was the case with 148 Jane Street, but the realtors were not very hopeful.
Low Expectations
Moving On
Joyce did not seem like she was keen on selling her house, so Carla and Gladys had to see the property for themselves to know why. When the older woman contacted the realtors, she told the duo something pretty surprising which would surely affect the property’s sale. Joyce hinted at something surprising the real estate agents would find when they stepped inside her house.
Moving On
A Living Legend
96-year-old Joyce was still lucid and had good hearing. This impressed Carla Spizzirri since her own grandmother could not hear well. It was incredible that Joyce was in great shape, but there was actually a bigger surprise waiting inside her home. The real estate duo were in for something really amazing.
A Living Legend
Their Expectations
While Carla and Gladys were on the way to 148 Jane Street, they did not know that they were about to see something unbelievable. From the outside, the older woman’s home did not look very different from other houses on the street. However, the moment the sisters stepped inside the home, they saw the thing that Joyce was talking about.
Their Expectations
A Looming Disaster
Joyce told Carla and Gladys she had been living in her simple home for over 70 years. In that time, she had never had work done on it except the upgrading of the kitchen. When the pair heard this, they began to dread their visit to the home. If it was neglected, it was likely that the house was in bad shape!
A Looming Disaster
Worst-Case Scenario
When Carla and Gladys were on the way to 148 Jane Street, the two felt skeptical about everything. They did not think it was possible for Joyce to have maintained her house in good condition because she did not have help. The realtors prepared themselves for the worst.
Worst-Case Scenario
A Hoarder
Carla and Gladys grew more worried as the day of the visit got closer. The ladies were concerned primarily about the effort and time needed to clean the property if it were not maintained. The realtors hated going to a hoarder’s home. They thought it was possible that the older woman had filled her house with junk and debris that she collected throughout the 72 years she had been living in her home.
A Hoarder
Not All Bad
On the upside, Carla and Gladys thought that they lucked out on the property’s location since the housing prices within the area had been going up for a while now. The duo knew that the house could fetch a good price. Once the call with the older woman ended, the realtors proceeded to crunch numbers to have an idea how much the house might be worth. Since the figure was higher than their initial estimate, they were pleased. This meant their company could have a bigger profit.
Not All Bad
So Far So Good
148 Jane Street is in the city’s Old Mill neighborhood, a location which many Torontonians consider ideal. The Spizzirri sisters have sold properties in the neighborhood and the houses fetched impressive prices. However, Carla and Gladys was not really sure at the time how much they could sell Joyce’s house for. After they did the calculations, the estimated value of the property they came up with is $968,000!
So Far So Good
Still So Hesitant
Since Carla and Gladys have not checked the home’s interiors, they were not quite sure about the figure they came up with. They needed to consider the cost of bringing the house to acceptable standards of living. They also had to address one more issue. Joyce seemed really hesitant – could they convince her to sell her house?
Still So Hesitant
Making Up Her Mind
When Joyce first got in touch with Carla and Gladys, it did not seem like the older woman had made up her mind about putting her house up for sale. The real estate duo were worried about this. Nevertheless, Joyce did say she intended to sell her house in spite of having lived there for seven decades. We bet it is pretty hard to leave a place where you have lived almost all your life. For Joyce, her home was full of great memories.
Making Up Her Mind
Hold It
The way Joyce talked made Carla and Gladys pause. They were wondering whether the older woman was upset that she was leaving her home of more than 70 years or there was something which she was not telling them. If you are attached to a place you, it is natural to feel bad when you leave it. However, if Joyce was indeed keeping something from them, the real estate agents would have a full plate…
Hold It
Maintenance Issues
Before Gladys and Carla made a decision if they were taking on the project or not, the ladies decided to check out 148 Jane Street. The realtors thought that the property would likely need repairs before they could offer it to prospective buyers. They also knew that it would depend on the kind of maintenance the house had over the years.
Maintenance Issues
Complete Surprise
The real estate duo set a date for their visit to Joyce’s home. They wanted to see the house for themselves to find out how much fixing up it needed. They had no idea that something completely unexpected was waiting for them in the property. The two were taken by surprise once they saw what Joyce’s big secret was.
Complete Surprise
Final Answer
Before they came over, Gladys and Carla could only estimate the value of the property based on a picture of its exterior and its location. Without more information, their estimate was not really reliable. In addition, the home looked a lot like other houses on the street.
Final Answer
A Decision At Last
At last, Joyce arrived at a decision. She was going to put her home up for sale. Carla and Gladys only had to see the property for themselves. The day came for the realtors to conduct their inspection. They came to 148 Jane Street and were greeted by the older woman at the front door. As soon as they went through the door, the sisters were stunned.
A Decision At Last
Amazing Interiors
Carla and Gladys had no idea what they were going to see in the house. They were not prepared for it either. Once they stepped inside, the pair could only stare in amazement. The interior of the home was definitely not mundane and the older woman was no hoarder.
Amazing Interiors
Essentially Perfect
In fact, Joyce looked after her home like any other traditional woman. The house was simply stunning on the inside. For Carla and Gladys, it was surprising to see how much care had gone into maintaining the home, which was basically perfect. The décor, the furniture, and also the knickknacks were all great. The house was sparkling and impeccably clean.
Essentially Perfect
Time Capsule
The pair of realtors were amazed to see the home’s excellent condition. Carla and Gladys felt as if they hit the jackpot! Even though this was completely unexpected, they knew the property could fetch a higher price – more than their initial estimate – since the home was in incredible condition.
Time Capsule
The Designer Herself
What’s more, the house was like a large time capsule. Stepping inside it made you feel as if you traveled back to the 1940s. Joyce actually moved to 148 Jane Street around that time. She decorated her home to her liking – the flooring, wallpaper, curtains, furniture, and more were all chosen by Joyce herself. So cool!
The Designer Herself
Something Special
As Carla and Gladys went around the house, the pair were thrilled that the rooms were all very clean and attractive. In their years in real estate, the ladies had not encountered a cleaner and better-maintained house. They could see that plenty of effort had gone into looking after the lovely home, the duo understood why the older woman was hesitant. On the inside, Joyce’s house was in excellent condition but there was something about it which might be a dealbreaker.
Something Special
Huge Problem
The real estate duo were concerned that the house was femininely decorated wherever you looked. The home was incredible and well-kept, but it might not appeal to male buyers since a lot of men might find the décor too floral or too pink. The golds, purples, and pinks in the rooms would probably not appeal to many male clients and even some women. Plenty of money, time and effort are needed to redecorate an entire house.
Huge Problem
Very Unique
The home’s most unique part was the basement, which was an acquired taste. It had the perfect man cave, complete with wood panelling. There was also a wet bar. It was clear that a man spent some time there, probably Joyce’s husband. The room was surely a retreat from the florals and pastels in the house.
Very Unique
Apart From That
The house was stunning, but the backyard was unfortunately not. It surely saw some neglect although at some point, it seemed as if the owners made an effort to install AstroTurf. However, that was the only landscaping they did. Despite the lacklustre backyard, the realtors knew the property could fetch a great price. Carla and Gladys got some inspectors to come to the house to check for hidden damages and flaws before they began selling the house.
Apart From That
The Inspectors
Sometimes, a house can look amazing but have severe hidden problems, such as foundation issues or moldy walls. Things like these usually mean a huge price drop, but Gladys and Carla believed the house was perfectly fine. Despite how confident they were, something unexpected might turn up. There was another huge surprise when inspectors came to the 148 Jane Street.
The Inspectors
Beneath It All
As soon as they arrived at the house, the home inspectors started their work. Since they scoured all the parts of the house, it took some time for them to finish checking everything. Their discovery shocked everyone – the home was in perfect shape. It could be offered to potential buyers as it is! Gladys and Carla had never experienced anything like this before!
Beneath It All
It Is On
When the realtors got back to the office, they started selling Joyce’s house at $699k. They knew this was expensive, but something exciting happened. There was a bidding war that started between prospective buyers. They saw how beautiful the home was. The property was definitely a great choice for those who wanted to own a home in the neighborhood.
It Is On
Blast To The Past
The impressive home with stunning interiors became viral and news outlets started picking up the story. As the house became more and more popular, its price also skyrocketed. Themedia had a huge influence on the market and pricetag of this house.
Blast To The Past
Modern Kitchen
Most of the house remained the same, except the kitchen. In the ‘60s, Joyce had modern conveniences installed because she wanted more efficiency in cooking. The update may have been done in the ‘60s, but the appliances were still working well. This is to be expected because Joyce looked after her home really well and it was a time capsule home.
Modern Kitchen
Where She Went
It was already time for Joyce to let go of the masterpiece she created and cared for so well for decades. She was actually a seamstress in the past and do not have professional training in interior design. “I’ve always tried to be individual, and follow my own styles,” Joyce explained to HGTV. The older woman was selling her home since she wanted to live in a retirement home.
Where She Went
A History Lesson
Joyce and her husband moved into their home back in 1942, during World War II. A lot of people were curious whether the new owners of 148 Jane Street were planning a makeover. To this day, we still don’t know what the home’s new owners did but it isn’t a heritage site or museum, so they are free to do whatever they want it. We just hope they do what’s right.
A History Lesson
Not The Furniture
There was a catch in purchasing the house – the sale did not include the furniture. The furniture pieces definitely played a huge part in the home’s design and feel, so we hope the buyers had read the fine print. Joyce’s daughter wanted the furniture, so she inherited it.
Not The Furniture
After Seven Decades
Joyce started living in her home when she was 24 years old and in the seven decades that she lived there, she never neglected the house. In her later years, she spent a lot of time in the master bedroom, but it still looks immaculate. The bed and chairs looked absolutely brand new. They did not look like they came from the 1940s.
After Seven Decades
Pastel Colors
Joyce explained to the media that her personal design style was all about tone on tone pieces, matching designs and soft colors. Thanks to her talent and skill, she made her home inviting and comfortable.
Pastel Colors
The Intricate Details
There are two bathrooms in the three-bedroom house, which had post-war era wallpapers, wall to wall carpeting, metallic wallpaper, gold touches, floral sweeps, and baroque pattern. In addition, the home comes with fireplaces, which are essential in battling the Toronto cold. The hardware and cupboards were customized and tailor-made. The color choices were masterful, with every room having a color scheme chosen after much consideration.
The Intricate Details
The Best Part
The main floors are stunning, but our favorite is surely the basement. There were wooden cabinets and laundry machines in laundry room. They looked amazing beside each other. These classic finishes and depth found were truly something else.
The Best Part
Follow In Her Footsteps
Joyce enjoyed decorating her house and caring for it. She managed to maintain her home to a standard which few people can achieve. In John Sims’ case, however, his newly purchased house in Arizona had not been well maintained by the previous owners.
Follow In Her Footsteps
New Beginning
In Tucson, Arizona, John Sims bought a friend’s house, but when the friend handed the keys to John, he left an odd message as well. Little did John know that receiving this bit of information would start an incredible series of events.
A New Beginning
So I’ve Heard
John’s friend told him that rumor has it something was buried in John’s new backyard. Now that John was the owner of the property, he could do anything with it. A rumor is a rumor but once the idea had manifested John just had to know.
So I’ve Heard
Wild Curiosity
Understandably, John got really curious about what was in his backyard. He half-jokingly told his friend he wanted to borrow a shovel. While the two laughed things off, John knew proper equipment was needed for the job.
Wild Curiosity
A New Project
John was determined to uncover the secret of his backyard, so he started working on the project. He couldn’t let the matter go. John started to dig. However, he realized that maybe simply digging would take a bit too long.
A New Project
Arizona Heat
Naturally, the Arizona heat was intense, and the temperature climbed to three digits in Fahrenheit. However, John kept going. Even with determined labor, he still came up empty. John did not give up, though.
Arizona Heat
Adjustment
John had already dug four holes in his yard, but he did not find anything. Despite the disappointment, he started to think of a different way to find the thing buried in the yard. Suddenly, he thought of something.
Adjustment
The Blueprints
John searched through the area’s municipal records and found what he needed. There was a document that states Whitaker Pools constructed something on the property back in 1961. This was starting to feel somewhat like a treasure hunt of some sorts.
The Blueprints
Taking It To Another Level
John knew he had to do things the smart way, so he hired consultants that used equipment like metal detectors. They searched John’s backyard. There was nothing at first, but the detectors suddenly went off.
Taking It To Another Level
X Marks The Spot
John was thrilled and marked the two spots where the detector went off with an X. John quickly started digging up the spots. He continued go dig for quite a while and was becoming restless. Then, his shovel hit something.
X Marks The Spot
Lucky Strike
The shovel hit something metal. John was ecstatic, but he paused. At first, he thought he hit a septic tank. However, he knew it could be something else. To avoid causing any damage, caution was needed.
Lucky Strike
The Discovery
John actually found some kind of hatch. He cleaned the area around it, and pried the lid open. He peered in carefully, making sure not to inhale a lot. It was possible there were toxic fumes or mold inside. What he saw amazed him.
The Discovery
Stairs Below
Under the lid, John saw a spiral staircase leading downward. John was eager and had to know just where this would lead him, he could have jumped in right then and there but decided not to. Even though he was extremely excited, he hesitated and for good reason.
Stairs Below
Safety First
John is a fire department captain and he knew it was foolish to proceed without any serious preparation. He knew there was a possibility that the structure beneath was unstable, so he thought of a plan. However, he could not execute it alone.
Safety First
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The Team
John called up friends to ask for help. His plan included having backup in case something went wrong. There was an important task they had to complete before they could explore the space. He needed them to solve this mystery and execute this without getting hurt.
The Team
The Master Plan
Despite his overwhelming excitement, John wanted to explore what he found in a safe way, so he and his friends came up with a plan on how to proceed. They also created a blueprint in order to have a proper plan.
The Master Plan
First
The first thing to do was to reinforce the concrete structure around the stairs, which had accumulated rust. Even though he was getting more tempted to just go down, John knew he had to be smart.
First
Reinforcements
They secured the rebar inside the hatch and set down layers of concrete so that the structure would hold when a person goes down. Safety comes first, they could not have anyone being harme it would definitely not be worth it.
Reinforcements
Summer Stench
The unavoidable and stifling Arizona heat slowed down their progress. The team put up a tent to protect themselves and the things inside the hole. They also added a Sonotube cardboard structure to prevent damage to things while they continued to work.
Summer Stench
Preparation
The team set up an electrical line to illuminate what was inside the hatch and installed a black pipe to funnel fresh air in. Their final goal was getting closer. This was an important step if they wated to slve this mystery.
Preparation
Ready To Go
The entrance looked better after the team widened it. They pressed on despite the Arizona heat and at last, John felt that it was safe enough to climb down and start exploring his discovery. The team can finally go inside.
Ready To Go
Last Touches
However, because of the rust on the stairs, they were still not safe. John was not sure what weight the stairs could manage. The stairs could only be repaired from the inside. John knew he had to find another way in.
Last Touches
Another Way In
The entrance was too deep and narrow to jump in, so John inserted a ladder. Feeling really excited, he climbed down. John really waned to solve the mystery. He was willing to risk it and was too eager to wait for any further solution.
Another Way In
John The Explorer
John descended the ladder and discovered an entire complex underground. It was totally empty, though. He then walked through an arched doorway. He became speechless because of what he saw.
John The Explorer
A Bit Of The Past
John could see that the ceiling inside the chamber was made of old fiberglass but it was coming apart. They had more work to do. However, he would not give up since there was more to uncover.
A Bit Of The Past
Long Buried
It seemed the structure was not use by previous owners of the house. With no upkeep for fifty years, some wear and tear could be expected, but the structure was in good condition. It was empty, but John and his friends already knew what it once was.
Long-Buried