HGTV's Zillow Gone Wild Gets Even More Strange With A Fallout Shelter Home
Ever found yourself scrolling through Zillow just for the fun of it? You're not alone. We all love getting lost in the weird and wonderful world of real estate oddities. A hidden bedroom? Been there. An entirely-themed unicorn bathroom? Seen that. But HGTV's Zillow Gone Wild has upped the ante with a truly extreme find that's bound to catch your eye.
Brace yourselves for the modern fallout shelter. Nestled in York, Alabama, this 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis-era silo turned home is the ultimate prepper's paradise. The Cold War era was a time of heightened tension, and missile silos were scattered throughout Montana, North Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska as a means to retaliate in the face of potential nuclear attacks.
Owner Andrew snagged this unusual property for $550,000 from a private seller and spent several months making it livable, investing an additional $150,000-$175,000 in renovations. The result? A super-private man cave that's surprisingly cozy.
What are missile silos and how do they function?
Missile silos are more than just deep holes in the ground; they are feats of engineering designed to withstand nuclear fallout. Typically constructed of reinforced concrete and steel, these structures are built to endure immense pressure and extreme temperatures. The underground chambers are connected through a series of tunnels and rooms, each serving a specific purpose, and air circulation systems are critical in these constructions, ensuring a constant supply of fresh air, even when the outside world is uninhabitable.
As to this particular missile silo, picture this: you're descending underground into what seems like another universe. The first thing that greets you is not one, but five blast doors. Each is designed to seal shut in the event of a nuclear blast, ensuring the safety of those inside. It's both eerie and fascinating, like walking onto the set of a post-apocalyptic movie. You can almost hear the dramatic background music playing as you take it all in. And then you hit the living quarters themselves, which have been modernized for the convenience of whoever is living there.
What does this missile silo look like inside?
Once inside, you'll find a living room setup that could make anyone feel at home — if your idea of home includes being prepared for the end of the world. A couch sits in front of a massive screen, perfect for binge-watching zombie and apocalypse movies. And if you're wondering about the acoustics, it's incredibly quiet down there. Besides the insulation added to help with the home's acoustics, there is also tons of dirt that not only blocks out sound but also makes the space cooler than the surface.
Walking further into the bunker, you'll discover a fully functional kitchen, complete with a fridge, cooktop, and microwave. You can whip up anything from a simple sandwich to a gourmet meal—assuming you've stocked up on supplies, of course. Adjacent to the kitchen is a bathroom that's as modern as any you'd find above ground. The thought of brushing your teeth while knowing you're safely tucked away from any potential surface disaster adds a strangely comforting layer of surrealism.
And, of course, the question on everyone's mind – yes, you can still reach the silo itself. Although the missile is no longer present, the site where it once lay is a striking feature of the tour. However, the 59-degree Fahrenheit water at the bottom of the massive cavern where the missile once stood may make you think twice before taking a dip.