In 1895, Bedford County in Pennsylvania built its jail. It was a large brick building with archways, oak doors, and even a tower, and looked more like a mansion than a prison.
That is, until you went inside and saw the rows of cells with iron-barred doors. The jail was used for over a hundred years, but finally, it was shuttered.
So what becomes of a jail when it's no longer a jail? Well, it goes on the market.
That's what happens to any bizarre building when it's time for a change. And compared to the tiny, isolated castle for sale in Washington state, a historic prison doesn't actually seem so strange.
The owners of the building, currently a hand-weaving studio, are putting the "house" in "jailhouse" and selling the stately brick structure, barred cells and all.
That means that you can snap up this historical landmark for $489,000 and turn it into, well, anything you'd like!
But although most of the cells are still in place, we advise against locking anyone up. Since it's so large, the prison is being marketed as a potential commercial property, too. Check it out, and see if you get the urge to be a jailbird!
[H/T: Old House Dreams]
Looking at it, you might not guess that this brick mansion was a jail. But it was!
Built in 1895, it served as a county jail for more than a century. It has turrets, porches, and a total of seven chimneys, all still working.
But if no one told you, you might just think it's a grand old house full of history. Which, in a way, it is.
The building still retains its original sign, too, which would make things a lot of fun when having guests.
And imagine how much fun you could have with trick-or-treaters come Halloween.
There's also this stone ram standing sentry by the front door.
Inside, there's a commemorative plaque.
You'll notice that the cost of the building seems quite a bit lower than today's asking price of $489,000, but adjusted for inflation, that actually equals about $683,000.
So you're actually getting a great deal!
Inside, the oak trims and doors are still intact, and it's really quite lovely. The house has been, for the past few years, used as a studio for several artists.
The shop, FireSong Studio, features handmade textile crafts and offers weaving, spinning, and knitting classes.
These rooms, with their hardwood floors and large windows, were likely the prison offices when the jail was still functioning.
They still have some of the beautiful original architectural details, like the pretty paneled windows.
While upstairs might not look much like a jail, downstairs is another story.
Most of the original cells, complete with cots and iron bars, are still intact.
The prison's brick oven, which was used to bake the bread served to the inmates, is also intact.
And it's got plenty of spooky corridors to satisfy any cravings for something creepy.
But naturally, a buyer might tear all of these old, rusty doors out and create something more cheerful.
The sellers have suggested that as well as being a living space, the jail could be converted into a restaurant, an art gallery, or even a bed-and-breakfast.
Living in a jail might not be for everyone, but it's great to see a piece of history being given a new lease on life!
SHARE it with someone in the market for a new house — and with unusual tastes!
