These normal-looking homes hide unbelievable interiors
Don't judge a book by its cover

If you were to walk past these unassuming properties, you probably wouldn't look twice, however, these conventional-looking residences hide a rather big secret inside. From the ultimate cat shrine to a carnival house and even a dwelling dedicated to clowns, you won't want to miss these everyday homes, brimming with weird and wonderful interiors.
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 is in need of 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 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!
Alice in Wonderland house, St Louis, 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, St Louis, 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 the 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, St Louis, USA

Situated in historic Lafayette Square, the extraordinary and confusing home totals 2,500 square feet 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, St Louis, 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 $343,200 (£261k), but you can take a video tour here.
Barbie house, Melbourne, Australia

Barbie house, Melbourne, Australia

Inside, the modest home isn't quite so unassuming. A fiesta of colour, the house went on the market earlier this year and immediately attracted the attention of Twitter, whose users compared it to a life-size dollhouse fit for Barbie and the inside of a genie's bottle. Yet the owner insists that she used her own imagination to conjure up this unusual, bold design.
Barbie house, Melbourne, Australia

To achieve the look, she imported furniture from Dubai and commissioned decorative marble floors made especially for the house. Each space celebrates a different colour, imbuing every room with its own distinctive style. One thing's for sure, this lilac bedroom is no shrinking violet.
Barbie house, Melbourne, Australia

Artist's house, New York, USA

This seven-bedroom property in Bronxville, New York looks every bit the traditional family home, from the smart exterior to the half an acre of manicured grounds it sits on. If you passed by this elegant dwelling, you'd never guess what lies behind the façade.
Artist's house, New York, USA

The amazing American estate was listed back in 2015, giving the world a glimpse inside its doors. At the time it belonged to two artists – one was a caricaturist while the other created colourful art installations, sculptures and paintings, many of which are displayed throughout.
Artist's house, New York, USA

Artist's house, New York, USA

Jungle-themed mansion, Florida, USA

While this 12-bedroom, 15-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 2.44-acre property within a gated community took almost ten years and $8 million (£6.1m) to complete. Click to find out why…
Jungle-themed mansion, Florida, USA

Stretching out across 14,706 square feet, this $25-million (£19m) 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 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 simply an attractive four-bedroom family residence.
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

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, three bedrooms, a bathroom and utility room, plus there's even an outside courtyard with distant sea views, making it a great choice for a family base.
Clown collector's bungalow, Ontario, Canada

Another perfectly ordinary brick bungalow, this 748-square-foot home is set on a quiet street in Brantford, Ontario and enjoys easy access to schools and parks. However, this wholesome family home harbours a slightly eccentric secret inside.
Clown collector's bungalow, Ontario, Canada

Clown collector's bungalow, Ontario, Canada

You might be forgiven for thinking the previous owners had a slightly odd obsession with, what is for many, the stuff of nightmares, but the backstory is actually much more interesting. A Vice reporter tracked down the son of the former occupants and it turns out there is a much more sentimental reason for the unusual clown theme.
Clown collector's bungalow, Ontario, Canada

Gothic clock house, East Sussex, UK

While it's not your run-of-the-mill terraced home, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Clock House, designed by famed architect James Burton, would have a suitably refined Georgian-style interior worthy of a grand stately home. But inside this five-bedroom detached property, considered the 'Jewel in the Crown’ of St Leonards-on-Sea in the southeast of England, you'll find a serious flair for the dramatic.
Gothic clock house, East Sussex, UK

Built in 1830 and lovingly restored in 1976, this Gothic Revival-style villa would certainly make a unique family residence – and we vote the decadent décor stays. The property is laid out over three floors, including a suite of cellar rooms perfect for wine, storage and workshops. In terms of living space, there are two sitting rooms, a drawing room, reception hall and dining room.
Gothic clock house, East Sussex, UK

There are five bedrooms in total, including a master bedroom which is nestled inside the clock tower. It boasts double-arched stained-glass windows, framing views over the grounds and out to sea. The lavish rooms benefit from high ceilings and decorative moulded cornicing so you can slumber like royalty.
Gothic clock house, East Sussex, UK

The master bedroom has its own boutique-style bathroom, but it's no hardship to use the family bathroom when it looks this good. Here, glitzy gold and green damask wallpaper, elegant statues and a clawfoot bath lit by giant pillar candles create the ultimate quirky spa experience.
Never Never Land, California, USA

Looking relatively straightforward from the outside, you’d be surprised to find out what adventures lie in store for visitors to this particular Lakeport abode, California. Built in 1997, the three-bedroom barn-style property holds a lot of fun within its timber-framed walls….
Never Never Land, California, USA

Once inside you may find yourself swinging from the rafters with excitement, literally. Ropes help inhabitants of this Peter Pan-esque property fly through the air from room to room, while bridges help you navigate the 36-foot high ceilings and transport you towards the master suite and guest bedroom.
Never Never Land, California, USA

Listed for sale at $1.2 million (£915k), the 3,700-square-foot sawmill timber construction hosts 1,272 lineal feet of wooden planks. Complete with stamped concrete flooring with radiant heat, you’re certainly insulated for the chillier months.
Never Never Land, California, USA

But as if that wasn’t enough entertainment, there’s even a full live band set-up with stage, amps and drum kit ready to go. Outside you’ll also find a unique built-in pool and gas fire pit in the backyard, plus 3.77 acres of land to explore with the Lost Boys included in the sale.
Purple house, Middlesex, UK

Purple house, Middlesex, UK

Yep, the whole house is awash with purple, adorned from floor to ceiling in shades of lilac, violet and lavender. That's one way to add colour to your home... The original listing made no mention of the eye-catching scheme. Instead, it underplayed the interior as a "family-inspired design".
Purple house, Middlesex, UK

The sea of purple spreads into the kitchen, which features two-tone purple and white walls. Thanks to a recent extension, the ground floor now boasts a spacious master bedroom with a dressing area and ensuite, no doubt painted in a luminous shade of purple too.
Purple house, Middlesex, UK

Cat-themed log home, Arizona, USA

Set on 20 sprawling acres in Concho, Arizona, this remote log cabin looks like a quaint prairie-style home. With two bedrooms and one bathroom across 2,500 square feet, you'd think it would make a good base for a young family. However, when you step inside you might think twice...
Cat-themed log home, Arizona, USA

The original listing says it best: "If you love cats this is the home for you – if not bring your sandblaster!" Listed in 2017 but now off the market, this house was definitely built with all things feline in mind. As well as eccentric cat décor throughout, it also features cat walkways and even a multi-level cat castle.
Cat-themed log home, Arizona, USA

Cat-themed log home, Arizona, USA

Marilyn Monroe house, Dublin, Ireland

Marilyn Monroe house, Dublin, Ireland

Marilyn Monroe house, Dublin, Ireland

The Marilyn Mansion, as some dubbed it, is decked out with hundreds of images of the silver-screen starlet, set against luminous walls, metallic furnishings and unashamedly extra décor like this sparkling chandelier.
Marilyn Monroe house, Dublin, Ireland

The superfan home immediately captured the hearts and wallets of several serious Marilyn memorabilia collectors. Thanks to the level of interest, the original owner – who was looking to downsize – decided to sell the property fully furnished for a rather reasonable $220,000 (£166k).
Medieval-inspired cottage, Northamptonshire, UK

Tucked away in the pretty village of Cranford, Northhamptonshire is this inconspicuous two-bedroom Grade II-listed home. While it looks like a cute chocolate-box cottage from the outside, the inside tells an entirely different story. The current owners have fully renovated the property and their interior inspiration, England's Belvoir Castle, makes for a pretty surprising sight once you step through the front door...
Medieval-inspired cottage, Northamptonshire, UK

Medieval-inspired cottage, Northamptonshire, UK

Medieval-inspired cottage, Northamptonshire, UK

Upstairs there are two double bedrooms, each decorated as dramatically as the living rooms downstairs. The extravagant master features a painted ceiling worthy of Michelangelo, a four-poster bed and an abundance of crushed velvet furnishings. Also on this floor, the bathroom includes a whirlpool bath fit for a king or queen. Talk about a regal residence!
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