Homeowner rips up her floorboards after hearing and discovers a buried 1970s ‘conversation pit’

Ever wondered what’s lurking underneath your floorboards?

Well, Lara Killebrew Derderian, who is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, had a sneaking suspicion there was something awry with her living room floor so she decided to investigate further. 

In a series of video clips posted to TikTok and Instagram, which have been watched collectively more than 10 million times, Lara reveals how she got a team of helpers in so she could investigate the matter further. 

At one point, one of the men says he can hear the floor under the carpet creaking, before musing ‘probably there is a treasure right here… gold!’

Lara Derderian from New Mexico had a feeling there was treasure under her floor. In a series of videos posted online, she is seen excavating the flooring in her living room

In a series of video clips posted to TikTok and Instagram, Lara reveals how she got a team of helpers in so she could investigate the matter further

At one point, one of the men says he can hear the floor under the carpet creaking, before musing ‘probably there is a treasure right here… gold!’

As they tap their feet on the floor the men can hear that is is hollow, and one ponders if there could be a ‘crawl space.’ 

As they start removing the flooring and the wooden foundations underneath, the plot thickens as the excavation team find a layer of rubble and an old tree stump.

The overlaid caption quips: ‘Lava pit?’ 

In follow up clips, the team are seen clearing away the debris to reveal a sunken seating area.

Lara explains that they discovered a 1970s ‘conversation pit.’  

According to interior design site, The Spruce, ‘the conversation pit was likely inspired by design features found in Japanese homes as well as British inglenooks… a small enclosed space positioned around the fireplace, with the purpose of providing a gathering spot.

‘The first conversation pits of the modern era are credited to Bruce Goff in 1927. However, it wasn’t until 1952 that Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard designed the famous conversation pit in the Miller House.’

The conversation pit experienced its heyday from the 1950s to the 1970s and in recent times it has seen a revival.

After discovering the unique feature in her home of three years, Lara said she decided to restore it to its former glory. 

In one of her videos friends and family can be seen enjoying the seating space with a fire in full blaze and drinks to hand. 

As they start removing the flooring and the wooden foundations underneath, the plot thickens as the excavation team find a layer of rubble and an old tree stump

Lara explains that they discovered a 1970s ‘conversation pit.’ According to interior design site, The Spruce , the conversation pit was ‘inspired by design features found in Japanese homes’

‘After much debate, we have decided to recreate this intimate space and restore our home to its original state,’ Lara said

Detailing her story in a caption she wrote: ‘We were told our floors were all laid on a concrete slab. Creaks told us otherwise! 

‘There were other unexplained oddities in the room as well. 

‘The fireplace was too close to the ground. There was an adobe hump against the wall with no apparent purpose. And there was no practical way to orient the furniture in the room.

‘After uncovering the wooden platform and removing it… we unearthed our hidden treasure. A 1970’s conversation pit!

‘After much debate, we have decided to recreate this intimate space and restore our home to its original state.

‘I hope you’ll follow us on this journey back to the 70’s!’

Many viewers gave the conversation pit concept a thumbs up. 

One commenter said: ‘The conversation pit need to be put back in houses they are so cool and timeless.’

While another added: ‘Rented a cabin last summer and it had a 70’s conversation pit with fireplace, best part of the cabin!’