Buzz
The concept of panic rooms gained widespread attention through the 2002 movie featuring Jodie Foster and Kristen Stewart. Often referred to as safe rooms, these secure spaces are designed to protect individuals during emergencies such as home invasions, assaults, or severe weather like tornadoes. Some are cleverly hidden behind bookshelves, staircases, or fireplaces, while others are integrated into a home’s foundation. Equipped with communication tools, they allow occupants to contact authorities while safely barricaded inside.
Panic rooms are a rarity in real estate. According to Trulia, only 0.00016 percent of their listings mention a panic room. These high-security spaces are a luxury, with the average price of such properties reaching $1,656,565. Due to the sensitive nature of their locations, details and images of panic rooms are often withheld until a buyer is confirmed, making them even more elusive.
Below, we’ve compiled a selection of real-life safe rooms found in private residences and currently available on the market.
1. Luxurious Retreats for the Wealthy
Courtesy of HiddenPassageWay
The most extravagant safe room doors we encountered are crafted by Creative Home Engineering. These elegant designs would perfectly complement a high-end estate in the Hamptons.
2. Access to the Firearm Safe
Courtesy of the San Francisco Chronicle
Following the events of September 11, 2001, panic rooms saw a surge in popularity, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. The example shown here includes a convenient gun rack for added security.
3. A Gateway to Narnia
This cleverly designed armoire features a hidden back panel that can be installed to disguise the entrance to a panic room. It’s reminiscent of the magical wardrobe from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
4. Prepared for Hurricanes
The DuPont company produces a Kevlar-reinforced safe room designed to endure the force of a category 5 hurricane. Utilizing advanced space-age epoxy, the structure is securely bonded to a concrete foundation, typically installed in a garage.
5. Beyond the Mirror
Courtesy of HiddenPassageWay
These doors are impenetrable, ensuring maximum security.
6. The Ultimate Fortress
Courtesy of Barnorama
This panic room appears to serve a dual purpose as a children’s play area.
7. A Discreet Wine Storage Solution
Courtesy of Trulia
The hidden safe room in this Colorado residence also functions as a wine cellar.
8. A More Concealed Wine Storage
Courtesy of Core77
Taking the underground wine cellar concept further, this design ensures the room remains undetectable. After all, intruders can’t breach what they can’t locate. Plus, you’ll have your favorite wines to keep you calm while they search elsewhere.
9. Deceive with a Bookshelf
Courtesy of Trulia
In this Texas home, a bookshelf on the landing cleverly swings open to unveil a hidden panic room.
10. Hidden Chambers for Priests
Courtesy of Aquiziam
Panic rooms have historical roots. Earlier iterations, known as priest holes, were constructed in Catholic homes across England to provide hiding spots for priests during anti-Catholic raids. This Worcestershire residence features multiple examples of these concealed spaces.
