Hidden passageways

A tiny keyhole in the wood paneling turned out to be a portal to Britain's history — a passage created 360 years ago for the coronation of Charles II.

The Hardworking Home: Check out these design ideas for every space and budget

Here's another posting for the 'clever things' part of the blog. I've long been interested in the concept of illusion - magic tricks, gimmicked boxes, hidden doorways and the like. I did a lot of research on 18th century liquor smuggling, and in the process came across a few neat things I thought I'd share. The first is an excellent book that is now in the public domain, which means you can read it on line for free. It's called Secret Chambers and Hiding Places and is available at…

If there's one dream that unites all bookish folks (aside from, you know, universal literacy) it's the dream of having a secret passageway hidden

Lock up your valuables or hide yourself from annoying house guests with any of these hidden rooms and secret passageways.

austrian library // pinterest: aryasstark

Hidden stairwell in library to safe room

Castle Rising Castle is situated in the village of the same name in Norfolk, UK. It was built in about 1138 by William d Albini, 1st Earl of Arundel, who also owned Arundal Castle. Much of its square keep, surrounded by a defensive mound, is intact, and it is now in the care of English heritage. The castle is in remarkably good condition despite being over 850 years old. One of the most striking features is the earthwork surrounding the moat. The built up soil is now covered in grass for…

Thomas Jayne and William Cullum transform an eclectic guest home from mundane to magical with a dose of ingenuity and plenty of colorful joy.