How couple turned their coastal home renovation into a journey of unexpected historical finds

Getting a surprise when you least expect it is a sight to sore eyes, especially during a home renovation. Whether it is finding a forgotten treasure in the attic or stumbling upon a hidden gem during a routine task, these unexpected finds can turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure. A couple, Miranda and Cameron–who goes by @hausonthetyne on TikTok–is a perfect example of this when they start renovating their 1900s coastal home.

Miranda and Cameron, two new homeowners, made some fascinating finds while renovating their 1900s house. The couple is sharing their renovation journey on TikTok, where they have gained over 53K followers. The couple bought their beautiful and charming coastal home in Tynemouth, UK, in March last year. They always dreamed of taking on a renovation project together. With Miranda on track to become an architect by September, this home was the perfect canvas for their vision. "The house was full of potential, and we were excited to make it our own, but we never expected to find such incredible pieces of history buried beneath the surface," Cameron told Newsweek.

One of their favorite discoveries was the original Victorian-era spindles hidden behind plywood. "One morning, Miranda had a hunch that there was something behind them, so I grabbed a crowbar—and my phone—and recorded as we removed the plywood, and there they were," Cameron remembered with excitement. "They're so beautiful that we've decided to keep them."

Their excitement did not end there. They also found four-panel doors, a cast iron fireplace and an assortment of antiques, including old health salt tins, chicory coffee and chocolate enamel tins, vintage medicine bottles from Boots the Chemist, and even a local newspaper from decades ago. Reflecting on why these features were hidden, the couple mused,  "We think it's just a reflection of changing tastes over the years. Every era leaves its mark, and styles evolve over time." Their video showcasing these discoveries has gone viral, amassing over 8 million views and sparking a flurry of comments from viewers amazed at what was hidden by previous owners.

"What did they do to those doors? What about the banisters? What's under there? I'm watching," said @annierie62. "As someone who has made bad choices by going shoeless, ma'am where are your shoes when working on pulling staples out of that floor!" asked @perfectlyimperfecterica with care. "Trend of covering doors and stair spindles in hardboard, back in 1960's lead by TV presenter Barry Bucknell, everyone did it to be 'fashionable,'" shared @guineapig4eva.

You never know when a surprise might pop up, especially during a renovation. Miranda and Cameron's renovation of their 1900s coastal home turned into an adventure when they unearthed Victorian-era spindles and antique treasures, much to their delight. Similarly, Stonestack Renovations on TikTok revealed their own eerie surprises while fixing up a 1960s house. The wife discovered a hidden storage area behind a closet, leading to a vintage suitcase and a creepy doll inside. Their videos captivated viewers, proving that even the bravest renovators can encounter spine-chilling surprises when uncovering the past.

You can follow Miranda and Cameron (@hausonthetyne) on TikTok for more content on home renovation.