When restoring a 1920s San Antonio bungalow recently listed for nearly $1.7 million, renovators made an alarming discovery. Thousands of razor blades littered the ground beneath the pier-and-beam structure, according to its listing agent.
No, it wasn’t the home of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Apparently, someone in the home’s history just really appreciated a close shave.
The main bathroom had a medicine cabinet with a small slot in it for disposal of razor blades — in case anyone spots such an opening in their own washroom and wonders what it’s for. The slot led straight to the dirt below the house, listing agent Jeanine Claus, owner of Keller Williams New Braunfels, explained.
“There are probably still some [razor blades] down there,” she added.
The sea of sharps was discovered in 2019, when the home was restored, adding a slew of necessary updates. Those include a brand new metal roof and all-new plumbing. Even the shiplap on the walls had to come down since it was “eaten up with rot,” according to Claus. The floors, worn thin over the years, were also replaced. However, the new floors leave guests none the wiser. The previous owners also added nearly 800 square feet to the now 3,100-square-foot home thanks to the construction of a new master bedroom and en suite bathroom.
During the extensive renovations, the crew also discovered that the electrical wiring was frayed and in dire need of replacement.
“They were surprised the house didn’t burn down,” Claus said.
However, some historic details in the four-bedroom, four-bath home could be salvaged. Renovators preserved the original brick work inside the home, which frames fireplaces in the living room and bedroom.
The carriage house, also lovingly restored, is another element that retains the history of the property. During the reno, the previous owners lived in the apartment above the carriage house, which still has room for a small car — or a horse for those determined to keep it real. A large breezeway patio connects the carriage house to the main house and overlooks an ultramodern pool and hot tub.
This home is listed by Jeanine Claus with Keller Williams New Braunfels.
All photos and listing info via Realtor.com.
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