The Weirdest Things I’ve Seen in Calgary Homes (So Far)

One of my favorite parts of being a realtor is that no two houses are the same. Even when you’ve toured hundreds (or in my case, thousands) of homes, you still find surprises. Some are sweet, some are clever, and some… well, let’s just say they belong in a category all their own.

Here’s a peek into the quirkiest, strangest, and most memorable things I’ve come across in Calgary homes.

The Basement Moat

Yes, you read that right. A medieval-style moat, in the basement. There was even a tiny drawbridge. While I respect the commitment to a theme, I did wonder: what’s the resale market like for castle enthusiasts?

The Penny Backsplash

At first glance, it was charming. Thousands of shiny pennies glued to the wall above the counters. But then I thought about cooking spaghetti sauce, steam from the kettle, and cleaning that surface every week. Suddenly, not so charming.

The Staircase to Nowhere

Picture this: a full staircase, beautifully built, leading straight into the ceiling. No door, no loft, no trap door. Just… drywall. To this day, I have no explanation.

The Taxidermy Gallery

I’m talking wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling animals. Every room. It was like being followed by dozens of glassy eyes as we toured. My clients whispered, “We’re not sure we can sleep here.” Fair enough.

Hidden Rooms & Secret Doors

These are less weird and more cool, but still worth a mention. Bookshelves that swing open, panic rooms tucked behind closets, even a wine cellar accessible only by pulling on the right panel. Every time I find one, I feel like I’m in a mystery novel.

Why This Matters

Besides being entertaining stories, these moments remind buyers and sellers of something important: homes have personality. Sometimes that personality is quirky, sometimes elegant, sometimes downright baffling. And that’s the beauty of real estate — you’re not just buying walls and floors, you’re buying stories, too.

So, the next time you tour a home and think, “That’s unusual,” remember: somewhere out there, a realtor is still trying to explain a staircase that leads into the ceiling.