A seemingly unremarkable house hiding its own jail has hit the market – leaving viewers understandably rattled by what's been described as "extremely alarming".
The Missouri property, dating back to 1875, originally featured two bedrooms alongside an impressive interior complete with wooden flooring and marble touches.
When it was for sale back in 2020 it was listed at approximately £265,000, but it's what lies beyond a kitchen doorway which has sent this peculiar listing into viral territory.
Positioned beside white cabinetry and stone countertops sits an imposing grey metal door, jarringly out of sync with the home's aesthetic, which opens onto a series of prison cells capable of housing nine individuals.
Inside one cell are two metal bunk beds, a rudimentary toilet and what looks like a detention space enclosed by metal bars and a cell door, whilst additional cells appear configured for solitary confinement.
External shots of the home reveal metal bars fitted across numerous windows and doorways, offering the sole clue to what lurks within this otherwise ordinary-looking dwelling.
The House of Brokers listing aptly billed the sale as an 'extremely unique opportunity', with the description adding: "Extensive renovation in 2005, captures modern high end finishes with traditional architecture and character.
"AND THE BEST PART - connected to the home is a 2500 sqft legitimate jail with 9 cells, booking room and 1/2 bath. The cell door lock throws appear to be operational. Full basement under the home with lighting throughout. Possibilities are amazing with this property."
However, it's these very 'possibilities' that have left social media users feeling deeply uneasy, with some joking that the listing might as well read "psychopaths only".
The property description does offer some context, explaining that the building formerly served as the Howard County Sheriff's House and Jail.
@SairaKH shared the listing on Twitter with the caption: "This gorgeous house with AN ENTIRE PRISON in it can be yours for only $350,000.
"Have a peaceful thanksgiving upstairs knowing that your prisoners are safely and quietly confined downstairs."
One cell was jokingly dubbed "a special room for misbehaving children", whilst another quip suggested: "Hate your daughter's boyfriend? Disappear him in your basement while she sleeps in this gorgeous sunlit room.
"Why go through a messy and expensive divorce when your house is equipped with one of these babies?".
The post has amassed over 13,000 likes, with one user writing: "You can just sell your trafficking dungeon house on the open market now, cool cool cool."
Someone else responded: "Whoever buys this house should absolutely be monitored by the authorities."
A third person joked: "Best mother-in-law suite ever."
A fourth individual added: "Glad they say it's a 'legitimate jail'. Would not want to lock my enemies up in a makeshift or illegitimate jail."
However, some were more focused on the value for money, commenting: "Can't get past how much house you get for 350k to comprehend the full prison that's part of it."
