Our "SECRET HIDEOUT" Build | Wasted Space Under the Stairs

A small little space under the stairs is very common in old farm houses. Ours was enclosed, with a very narrow and short door. When we bought the house, it will filled with old carpet remnants, and we would often toss in small toys and board games to keep them out of the way when not in use. Now that we have two grandbabies (so far), Rachel came up with the idea of turning the space into a secret hideout for them to use when they're visiting. Kind of like our little "Narnia" for them to enjoy. We cleaned out all the stuff, and covered up anything that could be dangerous to little people, and hung some peg-board for a quick way to store all the goodies. We added some lighting, some twinkle lights, and even a reading section with a pillow and a small curtain. Everything was finished off with some vintage toys we found up in the attic, or that we purchased from second hand shops. We both absolutely ♥ how it turned out, and can't wait for the adventures to come!
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That 1870's Homestead
P.O. Box 179
Newport, MI 48166
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[@1870s]

Don't worry about socket and light bulb, a socket cover is coming and there will be a hanging light fixture away from kiddos.

[@Greens5511]

Oh good! 🤗🤗 Honestly, I shouldn't even say anything because from past videos it sounds like Todd is kinda a Safety Steve like I am....lol....I do not know what it is, but my brain is always scanning to avert any issues that someone could get hurt. Sorry about that 🤗. U both did an awesome job!!

[@mammafawn]

OH WONDERFUL.....I HOPE YOU RECORD THEIR REACTIONS MAYBE (if you allow them to be public) we don't let our grandbabies take much publicity. So I wouldn't blame you. But I sure can feel your Pride and Their Joy! What a Beautiful little Blessing🥰

[@susanmurten6178]

I'm so glad you said this!! I didn't want to be the negative Nelly, but having worked in peds... I was going to send you a DM on IG 😂 It's a magical space and while I had guessed it would be a cheese cave, this will make precious memories for your grandkids ❤

[@gwenholmes3110]

So wonderful your grand kids will love it

[@thehiddenhomestead4769]

The best part of this video was Rachel's glow. She is truly in grandma heaven!!! What a beautiful thing to do for your babies...imagine all the cousin memories they'll make 🥰

[@XOjmmXO]

I bet Rachel is the first one to grab a sleeping bag and take a nap in this cozy little place!! Love this! It's so adorable!

[@morningwoodfarms713]

🤣 Agreed!! 😂🏆🛏

[@erikateixeira4849]

What an awesome play space! You are the best grandparents around and your grandchildren will never want to go home!

[@joycedemolle4565]

That came out adorable Rachel and Todd. Ok my guess is that the first person to grab a sleeping bag and sleep in the cute space is going to be: RACHEL 🤣🤣🤣❤️💖

[@galeharris6696]

Oh my gosh, when we moved into our very old house here in Vermont, when I was 7 years old, back in 1957, there was a space that was very much like this! I loved that space so much, and I had my dollhouse in there, and would hang out there when we had rainy days. What a magical place it was. Your grandkids will LOVE this space, guys!💖

[@catherinejones6481]

Rachel, this is so fabulous. As a kid who never got toys my heart is bursting imagining the sheer joy you are going to bring to your grandchildren’s childhood. So so wonderful.

[@cricketfauquher2199]

Love it! Isn’t being grandma just the best!!!!! 🥰

[@n.watson8497]

Love it! The grandkids are going to want to spend lots of time at Grandma's and Grandpa's house.

[@jennj3537]

Stop!!! You guys this is soooo cute! I love that all the toys are secondhand “vintage-y” this is the kind of a magical place a kid will forever remember ❤

[@cherihabegger9856]

We have a 3 year old granddaughter who would love that! What a good job!

[@jessicalee6728]

Love it! You should make the door almost invisible on the outside so they think they found a secret passage way. A door that adults can’t see.

[@1870s]

We are putting a faux window in the door

[@pamschonfarber1041]

Oh so cool, decorations all the toys. Very lucky kids.

[@makingMyHouseaHome412]

Just remember that the dirt will fall down in between the steps. You might want to seal them somehow or dust and dirt will end up costing all those lovely toys. Good going grandma and grandpa.

[@patriotmama1749]

Oh, Rachel! The childlike wonder in your eyes as you revealed the secret hideaway! I love this SO much! Your granchildren are so blessed! Many of those toys I played with back in the '70'S! LOVE, LOVE, L O V E !!!

[@emptynestgardens9057]

If that doesn't scream Grandma & Grandpa loves us, I don't know what does. I was so excited to see the FP school chalkboard desk! That was one of my favourite toys. You guys are the best!

[@sherrywhisman7479]

This space is just darling. You will make precious memories until your grand babies can’t fit in the opening anymore. Only recommendation is to use “Dust Free Chalk”. No dust and will be better for the babies. Good job!

[@lisaemerson8061]

i love the play room a life time ago when my grandchildren were babies and toddlers i had a under the stairs long narrow closet i turned into a play space boy my grandkids loved it they had so much fun there grown now and i have 6 greats

[@conniea9201]

My mother has a secret place under her steps also, and all of the grandkids loved it, they wrote their names on the back of the door, now all of the grandkids have kids of their own, and they enjoy the space to, my mother loves it, the great grandkids also added their names, you guys are going to make fantastic memories with your grandkids 😊

[@kerrie8486]

My husband and I did this for our children and they would read books and have their treasures. Now they’re in their 20s. Your grand kids will love this and have great stories when they’re grown

[@berniem.6173]

The house I grew up in had a toy room under the stairs. I spent many hours playing under those stairs. Your grand babies will love their secret place. ❤

[@lindagary7077]

When we purchased our last home it was 147 years old. We had joist sistered to stregenth And had the outside perimeter of the room, 12” wood sanded and stained. The interior of the room we put down a wool rug with padding It looked amazing. And solved the high points of the corners. Never noticed again. And easy to clean

[@stephiefultz]

How adorable!! We also took a room that was an addition and made it for my grandkids and little visitors to play. Praying for more grand babies in the future. Looking forward to seeing your floor done. Have a blessed evening. Northern Michigan here. So far 33 inches of snow ⛄️

[@angelapeck9269]

That’s a perfect little hideaway for your grandchildren. We have 4 ranging in age 1-9 years. I would love to have a special place for them all to play.

[@suewhalen3919]

What a magical, inspirational room! I could see mini Christmas lights, instead of a light bulb, that might get hot. Great Job!

[@amlach6148]

This kid’s hideout is absolutely wonderful and beautiful and wish I had something like this when I was young…what excellent Grandparents you are and your grandchildren are so lucky and blessed! 😀❤️👍

[@Finnswife3]

This is why we are looking for a new homestead. Our 760 sq ft cobblestone cottage is wonder-full but there’s not enough room here for our five grands. Sweet!

[@n8yzg]

You will have so much fun watching the little kiddos play. I keep my kids toys and my grandchildren loved play with the old toys. What a great idea for you guys. Enjoy every minute of your time with your grandchildren because it goes by so fast.

[@lorigreen2192]

That secret playroom for the kids made me want to be a child again. It is absolutely precious and I can just imagine the looks on any child who sees it for the first time. Good job guys, you did a fantastic job.

[@marybk882]

My mother collected the fisher price little people and buildings for her grandchildren to play with. She made the entire second floor the "kids" room! I now have her collection for my own grandchildren. I have the house and schoolhouse too. You did a great job, your grandchildren will love it!

[@jodisampson4508]

What a magical place for your Grands! They will love it.During the covid lockdown my husband built a little 10x12 playhouse in our back yard for our Grandkids, it looks like a little log cabin,they love it.We have all old toys ,The fisher price, barn,school, airport, hospital,village, house,I played with all that when I was little and wanted them to have them too, I have the little kiddles and their house too.Our Grands are 2,5,8,12 and 15 now.Time flies so fast, enjoy those sweet babies.They will absolutely love their little hideaway.

[@justpatty7328]

You have won the Grandparents of the year award! My heart sings- just as I'm sure it does you both! ❤

[@mollysmith6055]

Aww...who wins the Coolest Grandparents award? You and Todd! What an amazing space you created.

[@chrissyfrancis8952]

My cousin & I LOVED to play under the attic steps in our grandparent’s house! We climbed through the steps & set up a secret space! SO fun! Your grandkids will love them

[@faithopeloveful]

Love it! What a way to repurpose that space. We have 14 grandchildren, 12 down to 4 months. I'm telling you that because we have that same fisher price house and an airport and airplane and the garage with lots of cars, playground and people, etc. They love it. Every week they play with those just about more than anything else. I saved it all from my own kids. Praying the flooring works out without too many deviations!

[@juliaingersoll6115]

Rachel! This is so awesome! Your grandbabies (and hopefully our future grandbabies) will cherish this space you have created for them! How fun.

[@earlenebrown7181]

My parents had a space under our stairs in are basement, that was my room to play in like that when I was a child. My parents are gone now and my husband and I just moved back in to my parents home and we are going to fix it up for our 5 grandkids. ❤

[@pamschonfarber1041]

Oh that's the coolest your grandchildren will love that so much, I remember little cubbies in my grandparents home that were so cool, well they must have been I'm 62 and still remember how magical those little spots in the house were.

[@kathyweber2089]

Leave the mat! That little room is a child's dream. Well done Granny! They're lucky to have grandparents as thoughtful as you and Todd for planning a magical space to grow up in. I imagine that to be a reading nook when they get old enough to leave the toys behind.

[@susanmassey9635]

Your little room for your grandchildren is just adorable.we will need pics when they start playing in there.

[@sharilamey]

My Grandparents’ house has several “crawl spaces”. The kids took stuff in. My grandpa didn’t really want us in there. But, we enjoyed it.

[@rebekahkimsey9593]

What an incredible kids space! They will have forever happy memories of granny and grandad’s special hide~away made just for them. Well done🙏🏼❤️

[@angiedryden2777]

What a wonderful space for your grandbabies!! They will have the most magical time in their little room under the stairs. Great job!! ❤

[@chrissyfrancis8952]

I’m SOOO glad you’re saving those floors!! They’re a REAL treasure that someone like me would pay $1000s to have!! The different sized boards make it even cooler! Character that only an old house with lots of years of love through the generations builds. So happy!

[@HillTopRooted]

How wonderful! My granddaughter, who is 4, would be over the entire moon! 🥰💜

[@valeriejohnston6574]

Adorable! I’m going to remember this idea for the future. Right now we just have the attic full of old toys and books. Our kids don’t want to part with anything either and I’m okay with that. You guys did such a great job! Just think, as they get older how that space will evolve, until they can’t fit through the door. Can’t wait to see what outdoor projects you have in the plans. A playground perhaps?

[@shodson314]

I would have hubby move that lightbulb up out of reach!!!!!

[@dawn2949]

Rachel is so cute imagining what the grandkids will do! Wow, you did a great job in there. Cozy & playful. Just wonderful.

[@debihuntsman9314]

Oh my goodness, that little hideout could not be more magical!! I know my grandkids would love something like that. I love it!! ❤❤

[@bluegirl777]

You two are the coolest grandparents on the block!! They will love that space!! :)

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Oh, Rachel, you’re so much fun! I loved seeing your excitement over your little secret hideout for your grandbabies. They’re going to love it! You did such a great job! You’re the best grandma ever! My daughter and her husband recently bought an older home with a space like this and her 6 year old immediately claimed it for her special hideout.

[@valinajames209]

Being a grandparent is one of life's best gifts. You did a fabulous job making a fun place for your little people!

[@dorothycrowder8577]

The grandchildren are going to love the hide-a-way. What a wonderful idea!!

[@lindaharrison780]

You are a special Grandmother I know the kids will love it. .

[@sharleent1561]

Absolutely love the play room, no adults allowed. I think your grandkids are going to love it. So glad you have good news on the floors, and they can be repaired!

[@donnasmith5697]

Great job! It’s adorable. Those grands will love it too!

[@debraflowers7644]

Your little secret room will definitely be a treat for your grandchildren! So sweet! Excited to see your floors when they are finished. I was hoping you would refinish the originals. Absolutely perfect for your farmhouse!

[@cindygere]

Your so cute, Rachel. Those grand babies are going to love it! So special. 🙏♥️🙏♥️

[@themonkeymama]

Genius!! Growing up I had a space like this under the stairs, but no one ever made it into a special space like you did. I just brought down my old pillows, blankets, books, flashlight and some music. I was my secret space and I loved it! Your grands will LOVE LOVE LOVE this! So special! ❤

[@ERGA2016]

Tears of Joy. Past memories flowing.

[@lynncobert8305]

Labor of LOVE for Grands of your, exciting!!!!

[@susan-almosta_farm8823]

The secret play room is so adorable!!! Oh how I wish I had stairs to do the same or any secret small space, but I don't. We are blessed with 14 grands and let me tell you, they are GRAND!!! They range in age from 3 mos to 15 1/2 years and they are the best in the world! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mscarcliff1]

That's awesome!!! Love it too!!!! Take pictures when the grandkids go inside for the first time!

[@cbdeniro]

That childrens closet Hide-Out is adorable! No, no not just adorable - it's awesomely adorable! Good Luck with your floors, I live in an old frame cottage that started out as a two room house about 80+ years ago. Graduatley more rooms were added, now it's a 6 room 2 bathroom home - but it's still a very small cottage and only has three closets! And very uneven floors. So uneven that I sometimes get dizzy walking from room to room - But the unlevel floors, crooked walls and not one window that matches the size of the next adds unbelievable charm. I'm so happy that I live in this gem.

[@normagagliardi7669]

I am 90 and I want to come and play! I love it!!!!

[@mammafawn]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! BUT, The Sockets and light are definitely a burn hazzard-hot to the touch or anything flammable against it...and an Electricution hazzard-finger in the socket, or other things.... How about a flat plug to cover both outlets (one side with an extension that you can staple up the wall?) Maybe a spray pai ted cool old looking hanging chandelier or something from the ceiling or something??? Have Fun guys!!!

[@1870s]

Don't worry about socket and light bulb, a socket cover is coming and there will be a hanging light fixture away from kiddos.

[@wendybertie2326]

Hello Rachel and Todd. Love the room for your grandchildren. You and Todd did an awesome job of making wasted space into a usable space/ room that I'm sure your grandchildren will love. Have a good day. God Bless you Rachel and Todd and your family. From a viewer in Toronto Ontario Canada

[@yewellineking7722]

Love Love Love your "Secret Hideout"! Being a grandparent can be so much fun. You just need to let your inner child come out. Rachael, I can feel your excitement. I am the exact same way. You should set up a camera in the hideout and capture their excitement for the first time visiting the hideout!

[@luannemccallister9642]

It's just adorable, and they will love it. I'm concerned about the lightbulb and outlet so low.

[@lisabeaulieu2621]

Rachel, you are too cute. My mom had a nook like this for my kids, and this brought back great memories.The Magician's Nephew is a favorite book to teach. Your space will be perfect for read alouds when the kids are older. Don't forget the apples and ginger beer.

[@vlrissolo]

WOW! This is exquisite! What a wonderful idea. Something that is not electronic that gets the children's minds and imaginations running wild. A little cubby just for them! I know when I was a kid we used to build forts with blankets and even that was a special place. I think you've done a beautiful job. I can't wait to hear and hopefully see what happens when the children get in there. You guys should pat yourself on the back!

[@carolynfulton4060]

I LOVE THE PLAYROOM! YOUR GRANDKIDS WILL ENJOY IT SO MUCH! GOOD JOB GRANNY AND GRANDPA!

[@a.francis6801]

Well done!!!! I LOVE the grandkid hideout and I bet you will be hard pressed to get them out of this space. The memories made in that beautiful space will last for generations!

[@TanyaWeezy]

My daughter is autistic and she would love a room like that! So neat and a great idea! Love it

[@lindacollier3321]

How precious is that space!?! I love that! I’m sure your grandchildren will love it too…well done!

[@frenchhenvt2418]

It is perfection!!!!!!!!! Love the twinkle lights and curtain! The High ceiling is great

[@rochelleallgyer122]

I’m totally with you. No grandkids yet, but my oldest got married in Oct and I’m already turning his room into a nursery 🥰

[@epsitucky0920]

Great job Granny and Grandpa!!! What great memories to be made!!!

[@traceyrobertson5850]

Love the old fisher price toys! My parents kept mine and my kids played with them! Such a treat for your grand kids

[@colleenbryant3614]

Rachel, you did a fabulous job, your grand babies will love it.

[@ritabaker3113]

And I absolutely love the little grand baby cove❤️❤️🙏🙏

[@lonnimichael2814]

This is so fun. I want a place like that too. Best Grandparents ever.

[@LizH-fs3ky]

We moved to Canada from the US 4 years ago. I was surprised to learn that we have Once Upon a Child here in Canada as well, at least in the Toronto area. I went in there for the first time a couple months ago and was pleasantly surprised at the quality and even the price for the first 10 books, brand new, in the Hardy Boys series. It’s fun to look for great deals there. Who wants to pay full price!

[@heatherj3385]

The secret playroom is adorable!! Todd, if you can't find Rachel one day...follow the giggles to the playroom!

[@Diane-sx8mf]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this charming cozy little space. I’d love to come hide in it and read and nap. How special this is. Great job again guys!!!!

[@kelliwebb2870]

Awesome space for grandbabies! And hope the floor is done in time for Christmas.

[@kridder1018]

I am in love! And inspired. My daughter is 20. She had an elite playroom as a little. But my niece's are 2 & 5. Since we have the spave, they have their own bedroom here and stay for weekends every other month. In their room is a walk in closet that would make the best playhouse. Now I am seriously considering it, all based on this inspiration! You will have some very properly spoiled grandbabies. I always say its a grandparents right to spoil. Thank you both for the inspiration and beautiful video!

[@janemay8721]

It is magical! So cute . Lots of stuff to play with. Your grandchildren are going to love it ! Adorable! Well done guys..take care

[@christinebodkins1655]

That is amazing!!! Y’all did a great job!!! I hope to find a secret space one day when I have grandkids ❤

[@margarethairsine8648]

I love love love the play hideout for the grand kids! I bet they will talk about the cool hideout at Granny's house as fond memories when they are adults!

[@annemorris8434]

OMG! That space is a place I would like to play in! Gosh, it’s just adorable!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@katherinehepperle4630]

I painted the front of my fridge and freezer with chalkboard paint. It's a lot of fun and great for leaving notes.

[@bijvicky]

This video made me cry, I feel it, love is put in it, so special. Big hugs from the Netherlands.

[@k10ishere]

I get my kids clothes from once upon a child! :) Especially the baby. They grow so quick.

[@janicecraig2364]

We have a secret room under our stairs. We call it Harry Potters cupboard. The door blends in with panelling and kids love it. I currently use it as my overflow pantry. This will be fun to watch!

[@jeanniegreer7]

Maybe paint or find scenery wallpaper that you can put on the steps so they can see them laying down or sitting. Maybe reading books laying on blankets or a fuzzy rug.

[@buckeyethor]

I love it! It will also be a great space if any of the kids get overwhelmed sensory wise during large family gatherings.

[@chrislepere42]

I LOVE this space. How about one of those metal baskets over the light bulb and outlet so nobody gets burnt or shocked.? Good job guys!!!

[@1870s]

Don't worry about socket and light bulb, a socket cover is coming and there will be a hanging light fixture away from kiddos.

[@judydrouhard2651]

It turned out so so cute. I mentioned that we did the same thing under our stairway. Our grandkids spent hours playing there. 🥰

[@willow8094]

Fun space and project for the little ones . The floors will be fabulous when done and fit the farmhouse perfectly.

[@courtneyfarr3953]

This is the cutest! Best Granny and Grandpa ever! They'll remember it their whole lives.