A couple were shocked to discover a historical well hidden under their floorboards – and have now preserved the artefact to honour its past.
When Janice Santini and her husband, Christopher, purchased an inn dating back to the 1850s with plans to renovate the space into a work practice, they didn’t expect to uncover a secret passage.
The couple, aged 46 and 44, were shocked to discover a handmade stone-lined well that spanned 20 ft below the property after ripping up the old wooden flooring.
In a bid to preserve the historical artefact, the gallery curator and chiropractor decided to place a piece of glass over the top to create “The Well of Forgiveness” for people to visit and vent their troubles.
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Janice shared the discovery on Instagram, which has racked up over 13.9 million views and nearly 500,000 likes.
“As soon as [I] peered into the depths of the well, I knew I had discovered something special worth preserving,” she told What’s The Jam.
“Now, it adds a sense of wonder and is a conversation piece within the gallery.
“Any gallery goers and visitors that have learned about the well [are usually] excited to visit.”
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In the clip, she walks toward the glass-covered well, before peering over the top.
As she angles the camera downward, a blue light illuminates from the bottom.
Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions, with many people left in awe of the historical discovery.
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“How awesome to have and preserve that piece of history,” one person said.
Someone else commented: “Tears. So glad you honoured it.”
“Well well well that awesome,” another user added.
One person said: “This is a gorgeous way to preserve, protect, and showcase the history of this well. Well done,” followed by a fire emoji.
“Love this idea,” Rachel added.
Jancie, from Maine, US, said: “[I wanted to] respect the home’s historical connection to the American Underground Railroad.
“The name was chosen after learning the history of a room under the historical inn that is just a few feet away from the well.
“After completing renovations, we made a plan to honour the history of the well.”
Janice designed the glass cover to hold up to 600 lbs, which cost $3,500 (USD) (£2,700).
In a bid to preserve the stone, they had to re-mortar and insulate the area, before adding an LED submersible pond light to the bottom.
Now, it’s almost complete, with only additional lighting and a wooden frame left to add.
She added: “May this well be lit with love and continue to bring calming energy.”
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