There’s something romantic about entering into a residence that’s been around more than a century, sharing secrets of the past through crooked floors and dusty niches. For Robin and Thad Krasnesky, this isn’t romance it’s their everyday life. In 2021, they bought a 9,000-square-foot Victorian mansion in Leavenworth, Kansas, constructed in 1885 by lumber magnate A.J. Angell. What they envisioned as their dream home became a living treasure hunt, uncovering artifacts and tales that make them part of history in ways beyond their wildest dreams. Being a self-proclaimed old house enthusiast, I can only begin to imagine the excitement of such discovery. Let us explore the Krasneskys’ remarkable adventure and the treasures they have discovered within their historic manor.
A Romance with a Historical Treasure
It starts in 2011 when Thad, a then-active-duty military man, and his wife Robin relocated to Leavenworth, Kansas, with plans for a temporary stay. The charm of the town and the close-knit community, however, captivated them, and they decided to settle down. Their drives along Leavenworth took them frequently to Broadway, a street lined with beautiful, historic houses that vibrated with tales. There was one mansion that captured their hearts a grand, beautiful building that Robin couldn’t get enough of. “We’d drive by and ask, ‘What’s inside? ‘” Thad remembers, his voice laced with the same wonder I experience when I drive by an old house.
That mansion, they discovered later, was the Angell House, a 19th-century showcase of ambition and skill. Years down the road, after Thad retired from the military to begin a financial advisory company, fate stepped in. A friend let Robin in on a post on the “For The Love Of Old Houses” Facebook page. There it was their pride and joy Angell mansion, priced at $750,000. The pair leapt at the opportunity, albeit not without a rollercoaster of feelings. Thad, the ever-pragmatic financial planner, laughs as he confesses, “I tell clients to steer clear of emotional spending, but I was smitten.” A bidding war pushed them to put in several overbids above their limit. “Common sense flew out the window,” he jokes.
On December 20, 2021, their persistence paid off, and they owned a 140-year-old treasure chest.
The First Glimpse of Hidden Treasures
Moving into a house that had been vacant for four years was like stepping into a time capsule. Dust coated every surface, and the air held a quiet anticipation. For Thad and Robin, the real adventure began when they started exploring their new home. One afternoon, while dusting the library’s 14-foot-high bookshelves, Thad climbed a ladder and spotted something unexpected. Buried in the filth were a gold pocket watch, a case of 1930s riding ribbons, and a Civil War presentation cane inscribed with the regiments of a Union officer.
“It was as if the house was waiting to reveal its secrets,” says Thad, a feeling familiar to anyone who has ever fantasized about discovering hidden treasure.
The cane, above all, seemed to be a connection to the past. Thad located the descendants of the officer and returned the artifacts, an act that seemed like paying homage to the great house’s past. I cannot help but respect this it is not so much about discovering treasures as about giving dignity to the stories they tell. These early finds set the precedent for what turned out to be an endless quest, with the mansion slowly unveiling its secrets one dusty corner at a time.
A House Full of Surprises
The Krasneskys quickly learned that their home was more than a residence it was a labyrinth of hidden wonders. One day, frustrated by a temperamental HVAC system and noisy raccoons in the attic, Thad found himself in a mood. “You start talking to the raccoons when you’re dealing with a 140-year-old house,” he jokes, a relatable quirk for anyone tackling home repairs. As he walked across the attic, he stepped on a creaky floorboard he’d seen before but never examined. His curiosity overwhelmed him.
“I couldn’t repair the HVAC, but I could see what was under that board,” he thought. What he discovered was out of a fairy tale: two jars filled with silver coins, shining beneath the insulation. “That moment made the entire house worthwhile,” says Thad, his enthusiasm contagious. Later, on a Thanksgiving visit, his children’s nosiness prompted another discovery. Pointing to a nearby floorboard, one of them asked, “What about this one?” Thad removed the flooring and found a paper bag containing copper coins from the 1890s.
Family Adventure & Curiosity
Every find felt like the house was teasing them, telling them to continue exploring. A Family Adventure Fueled by Curiosity The Krasneskys’ kids were soon willing players in the treasure hunt, making family reunions into history quests. Over a Christmas meal, Rachel, their daughter, was scrolling through a video they had uploaded to their Facebook page, “Krasnesky Manor for Wayward Cats.” She stopped the frame and indicated a flash in the attic. “That’s a ring,” she was adamant. Thad doubted it, but her certainty was firm. The family left their dinner, went up to the attic, and discovered a turquoise and silver ring in the very spot she’d seen it.
As they were leaving, Thad saw a bit of gold jewelry on the ground.
“Like the house is playing hide-and-seek,” he amazes.
Community & Social Sharing
This is the kind of moment one remembers about childhood treasure hunts, when each discovery was a triumph. The Krasneskys’ house makes child’s imagination a way of life. With 9,000 square feet and seven acres of property, the potential is limitless. “There’s likely 30 more things out there,” Thad says, describing why they haven’t opened all the boxes or raised every floorboard. It’s not a house it’s an adventure for a lifetime. Creating a Community with Wonder What is so remarkable about the Krasneskys’ tale is the way they’ve been sharing it with everyone. Robin began the “Krasnesky Manor for Wayward Cats” Facebook site to inform friends without sending them spam. The site, which was named after their seven rescue cats, would go from 50 friends to more than 14,000 fans in a matter of weeks. “There are people we don’t even know that are interested in our lives,” marvels Thad.
Supporters have come from Texas and even arranged an 88th birthday trip for a supporter’s mother.
During their summer vacation in England, the Krasneskys encountered individuals who followed their site a surreal reminder of their house’s international reach.
This community is not about treasures; it’s about people. For Thad and Robin, who relocated frequently during his time of military service, the manor has become a social foothold. “The house is part of the community, and now we are, too,” Thad says. Their vulnerability discussing both the excitement of finds and the mayhem of raccoons makes their tale universal and compelling.
A Living Legacy
The Krasnesky Manor is not only a house; it’s a living museum, where history comes alive. Each and every artifact, from coins to trinkets, has a story behind it of the individuals who inhabited the building before them. Thad and Robin view themselves as guardians, keeping the Angell House alive for generations to come. They’ve even begun concealing their own treasures papers, coins, and messages for others to discover in the future, keeping the journey alive. As a history buff, I am fascinated by their tale. It’s not merely about the things but how they bring us together and to the past. The Krasneskys have converted a 140-year-old mansion into a collective experience, welcoming thousands to admire its secrets. With hundreds of corners still to discover, the manor ensures more surprises, attesting that occasionally the most considerable treasures are the tales we unravel as a group.
