10 'normal' homes hiding VERY surprising interiors

Wild décor disguised behind unassuming front doors

If you were to walk past these perfectly normal properties, you probably wouldn't look twice. But these everyday homes are brimming with weird and wonderful interiors, ranging from the ultimate carnival house and even a dwelling with a surprising rock feature in the hallway.

Read on to step into the colourful world of extreme decorating...

Movie-themed house, Florida, USA

The ultimate fantasy retreat for lovers of all things Disney, Harry Potter and Star Wars, this Florida home is just bursting with surprises that the whole family can enjoy.

Don’t let this property’s simplistic mid-century exterior fool you – this quirky Airbnb is a one-way ticket to kidland!

Movie-themed house, Florida, USA

Located within a short drive of both Disney World and Universal Studios, this cute five-bed home is a theme park adventure in and of itself. This Harry Potter-inspired game room alone offers plenty of entertainment, with foosball and air hockey tables and a large flatscreen for movie nights, not to mention the Hogwarts mural and house banners festooning the walls and ceiling.

Movie-themed house, Florida, USA

The bedrooms are equally thematically exciting, and include a Star Wars room, a Frozen room, a Toy Story room and a Pirates of the Caribbean room. With something for everyone, this house is a dream come true for both children and children at heart.

Movie-themed house, Florida, USA

The rest of the home is also packed with elegant, more adult amenities, including a pool, hot tub and plenty of entertaining space. The double-height, open-plan living room boasts marble floors, sleek black cabinetry and black leather furnishings, but still with a few whimsical ‘Mickey’-inspired accents.

Renaissance-inspired chateau, Courgent, France

Elegant but unobtrusive, this French family home in Courgent boasts plenty of space for hosting, with 10 bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms, capable of accomodating 16 or more guests.

The house itself sits on 6.3 acres (2.5ha), expertly landscaped into a quintessentially ‘French’ retreat. However, the most remarkable features of the home are hiding inside…

Renaissance-inspired chateau, Courgent, France

That’s right, if you feel like playing at being lord or lady of the manor, where better than in this spectacular living room with its unexpected fresco?

Oak-panelled walls give way to a spectacular pastoral painting in this double-height space, where contemporary elegance meets old-world charm.

Renaissance-inspired chateau, Courgent, France

A fretwork of exposed beams cages in the bucolic clouds and clear blue sky painted across the ceiling in this remarkable space, guarded by a pair of classical marble statues.

In stark contrast to these archaic details, the rest of the living space includes sleek, white leather sofas, ultra-modern burnished silver side tables and an art deco-style coffee table.

Renaissance-inspired chateau, Courgent, France

Exquisite period details continue throughout the home, including parquet flooring, delft tiling, crystal chandeliers and more wood panelling.

While the chateau itself may not date to the Renaissance, the attention to detail on its elegant interiors is certainly enough to let guests pretend they’ve been transported back in time.

Historic millhouse, Virginia, USA

This remarkable property brings the concept of bringing the outdoors in to a whole new level. Known as The Millhouse, this historic brick property which was on the market to rent at $2,200 (£1.7k) a month in October 2024, started life as part of the woollen mills built overlooking Virginia’s Rivanna River back in the 1850s.

Today, its exterior may look like a fairly standard family home, but its interior is hiding a unique surprise…

Historic millhouse, Virginia, USA

Does this entryway rock your world? This stone outcropping which dominates the foyer of the home, giving the impression that great outdoors is slowly creeping into the house. The remarkable accent definitely gives the property a rugged, earthy feel.

Historic millhouse, Virginia, USA

It seems that when it came time to build the mill offices, it was easier to simply incorporate the rock outcropping into the building rather than attempt to chisel it away, with the result that it still serves as a prominent ‘accent wall’ today.

Historic millhouse, Virginia, USA

The rest of the home is far less quirky with three beds and two and a half baths across 1,885 square feet (175sqm) of living space.

Polished hardwood floors, large windows and other period features such as this original fireplace make the rest of the home warm and inviting, in spite of its somewhat ‘rocky’ first impression!

80s-themed Airbnb, Washington, USA

For anyone suffering from a bit of 80s nostalgia, look no further than this funky Airbnb, which boasts, according to its listing, the world’s finest collection of 1980s memorabilia. Just step inside this quirky yellow Washington bungalow and you’ll be instantly transported back in time!

80s-themed Airbnb, Washington, USA

The heart of the home, the living room boasts colourful furniture, a huge television (and of course an impressive collection of 80s films), a popcorn machine and Donkey Kong and Ms. Pac-Man arcade games, not to mention a crazy collection of toys, games and assorted knick-knacks from the decade.

80s-themed Airbnb, Washington, USA

Equally colourful, the kitchen comes fully equipped with vintage Tupperware, a cherry-red refrigerator, plenty of period-appropriate snacks and candies and a barbecue.

Outside, a spacious patio area provides the perfect location for outdoor dining.

80s-themed Airbnb, Washington, USA

The home includes three colourful themed bedrooms, two with queen beds and one with bunk beds.

For a home away from home, this retro pad seems like an awfully fun way to escape reality – and the 21st century – for a fun getaway!

Alice in Wonderland house, Missouri, USA

This three-bedroom home in St Louis, Missouri may look a little colourful from the outside but it is no match for the zanyness to be found inside. Original owner and real estate agent, Fritz McAvoy describes it as "going through the rabbit hole". Let’s find out why….

Alice in Wonderland house, Missouri, USA

Built in 1885, around 20 years after Alice in Wonderland was written, the peculiar abode hosts disorientating features throughout designed to riddle the mind.

As a previous listing states, you’ll find "mirrors that reflect upside down. Bridges that lead to spaces with no faces. Closed windows with light from unexpected places".

Alice in Wonderland house, Missouri, USA

Situated in historic Lafayette Square, the extraordinary and confusing home totals 2,500 square feet (232sqm) of surrealist design. Each room feels like walking into an M C Escher drawing or Salvador Dali painting, with ceiling mirrors reflecting floors and numerous unconventional staircases, some leading you nowhere.

Alice in Wonderland house, Missouri, USA

While there’s plenty of character to be found in the structure and furnishings, you’ll also find your fair share of personality in the statues and models hiding inside and outside the property.

The intriguing rabbit warren was sold in September 2021 for $325,000 (£245k) but you can take a video tour here.

Jungle-themed mansion, Florida, USA

While this 14-bedroom, 17-bathroom home may appear luxurious from its grandiose exterior, you wouldn’t expect to find a jungle theme to reign within. Built in 1999, Entrelagos can be found on a private peninsula in Windermere, Florida.

The 2.4-acre (1ha) property within a gated community took almost 10 years and $8 million (£6m) to complete.

Jungle-themed mansion, Florida, USA

Stretching out across 14,706 square feet (1,366sqm) and on the market in October 2024 priced at $19.5 million (£14.7m), the Orlando-based wonderland is full to the brim with extraordinary features.

Custom ironwork forms the grand staircase, two spiral staircases and the main interior balcony, while a hand-carved bar in a wild reception area beckons upon entry.

Jungle-themed mansion, Florida, USA

According to the listing, many of the interior features were handcrafted by Filipino artisans and shipped to the US. The main door to the house was custom-made and inlaid with mother of pearl.

The stunning rotunda-style library overlooks the pool and gardens and has an open second floor, which is accessed by one of the gorgeous spiral staircases.

Jungle-themed mansion, Florida, USA

Upstairs you’ll find each bedroom boasting its own bathroom and verandah with stunning views over Lake Tibet, while the third floor hosts a 2,000-square-foot (186sqm) deck offering panoramic views and even fireworks from neighbouring Disney World.

Pictured is the cinema, complete with sliding entry doors that are hand-carved with the likenesses of numerous actors. You couldn't make it up!

Carnival house, East Sussex, UK

Located mere moments from the seafront, this Victorian property has lived many lives. First, it was a Turkish bathhouse, then it became a school swimming house before morphing into a glass factory. Today it's an attractive three-bedroom Airbnb, available to rent.

Carnival house, East Sussex, UK

Inside, the extraordinary home conversion is dedicated to all things carnival! With a spacious open layout and plenty of playful touches, this house would be perfect for a fun-loving family.

The unique home combines quirky features with Turkish-inspired décor and good old-fashioned Victorian character – personally, we think it's a charming combination.

Carnival house, East Sussex, UK

The large open-plan living area features timber flooring, exposed brickwork and stained-glass windows. The vaulted ceiling is decked out with eight vast skylights that flood the area with natural light.

And when it comes to fun, you won't tire of ways to while away the time thanks to the bowling alley and cinema room.

Carnival house, East Sussex, UK

However, practicalities haven't been overlooked – towards the rear of the open-plan living area is a spacious kitchen. We love the industrial touches like the polished concrete worktops and American-style storage lockers.

The house also features a cellar, mezzanine level and three bathrooms, plus there's even an outside courtyard with distant sea views, making it a great choice for a family holiday.

Victorian terrace with tavern, London, UK

From the outside, this four-bedroom Victorian terrace looks like the perfect traditional family pad in the city. It's located on a leafy street, enjoys great transport links and even has a garden. However, step inside and this unusual property tells quite a different story.

Victorian terrace with tavern, London, UK

On first impression, the house needs modernisation. That said, there is a double-storey extension already in place which maximises space in the kitchen-diner area.

It might not be to everyone’s tastes but there's definitely something charming about the dark wood cabinetry and stained-glass windows. The real surprise is still to come though as there's a secret feature hiding from sight...

Victorian terrace with tavern, London, UK

Here's where things get really interesting because the dwelling is also home to its very own bar! It's no modest corner set-up either – we're talking about a fully-fledged pub complete with beer taps, vintage stools and charming traditional décor.

Victorian terrace with tavern, London, UK

If queuing for drinks just isn't your thing, look no further. With plenty of space to host friends and family, the traditional scheme is steeped in history, from the antique woodwork to that incredible stained-glass ceiling. Talk about showstopping!

Colour-clash apartment, Paris, France

While this stately French apartment may boast an elegant if unremarkable exterior, its inside tells a very different story.

In fact, anyone who books the property on Airbnb will be in for a thrilling surprise when they open the front door, and suddenly find themselves in a ‘through the looking glass’-type world of colour and pattern…

Colour-clash apartment, Paris, France

Once a historic 19th-century artist’s atelier, the property today includes a modern open-plan living and dining area flooded with light from the original glass roof.

Spaces are delineated by their unique design, such as the pink diamond and stripe-patterned living area, and bright red dining area which seems to double as a library.

Colour-clash apartment, Paris, France

A collage of Oriental rugs, brightly coloured furniture and eclectic art complete the charming chaos of the apartment’s interiors.

The home has also been packed with relics collected on the owners’ travels around the world, according to its Airbnb listing, as well as plenty of historical carved furniture, mirrors and original panelling.

Colour-clash apartment, Paris, France

The home is capable of accommodating up to six guests, with three bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms all packed with as much colour and personality as the main portion of the house.

You’d never guess this artistic wonderland was hiding behind those unassuming glass-panelled doors!