In late 2020, Tyler and his wife bought a house built in the 1830s in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, through an auction. They were drawn to the old trees, a stream, and the surrounding forest, despite knowing the property was in a dilapidated state. Tyler described the house's condition upon their takeover: "The main floor lacked flooring, the grand staircase was collapsing, and the kitchen was almost nonexistent."

After years of abandonment, the land became a haven for wildlife. Mice, rabbits, and frogs were abundant, attracting black snakes, water snakes, and various venomous snake species.

For the first six months, the family lived in a small apartment previously used by the stable keeper. Lauren was pregnant, and their first son was young, so they had to carefully observe to avoid dense grassy areas prone to snakes when going outside. Initially, the couple planned to coexist with black snakes, hoping they would help control mice and limit venomous snakes. However, Tyler repeatedly found them alongside venomous snakes near the abandoned pool and under rocks close to the house.

They decided to renovate the entire property to reduce the habitat for reptiles. The couple spent time clearing vegetation, removing debris, repairing stone walls, and sealing gaps to eliminate the snakes' primary food source: mice.

The family spent about USD 15,000 to demolish the abandoned underground pool and transform it into a garden. The pond, filtration system, and fountain were restored. They also planted mint around the structures to deter snakes.

Instead of killing them, Tyler used specialized tools to catch snakes and release them far from the house. "I was very scared, but once caught, we just returned them to nature," he said.

The stone historic home of Tyler's family. Photo: SYMMETRY CO. PHOTOGRAPHY

After over five years of renovation, the number of family encounters with snakes significantly decreased. Tyler says they now only occasionally see one on the property, unlike the daily sightings before.

Reflecting on the journey, Tyler believes the hardest part of acquiring old houses is not merely structural repair but also a multitude of unforeseen issues.

"Costs will exceed estimates, and timelines will stretch beyond plans. However, with sufficient persistence and prudent spending, you will have the opportunity to transform it into your dream home," he said.

By Nhat Minh (via People)