Calling all foodies and HGTV enthusiasts! If you've ever dreamt of remodeling a retro diner, we've got the perfect listing just for you!
Earlier this month, Cheap Old Houses, the popular show on HGTV and discovery+, listed "a castle-shaped 1930s-era portable metal diner" that's located in Douglass, Kansas — and which was once home to a Wichita burger stand — that has been hidden on a rural property in Butler County for decades. The building flaunts a white exterior and cracked tile interiors, both on the walls and the floors. It is currently on sale for free if it's moved to a separate location and restored.
Per an Instagram posting, the building was constructed by Ablah Hotel Supply, a former supply company based in Old Town Wichita, Kansas, sometime between 1934 and 1935. The company was founded by two first-generation Lebanese Americans — brothers Harvey and Frank Ablah — and "served as a hotspot that provided supplies like chairs and fry stations for numerous restaurants," according to history site and guide Clio.
"Additionally, this company came up with the classic American 'Valentine Diner,' a small, boxed metal diner design," the site added. "These diners could be easily moved with trucks, had curbside services, and contained a small counter with stools inside for customers."
Historical diner experts claimed the building was most likely either the former Little Palace Lunch No. 1 or the Continental Grill No. 2 — two of many small box diners based in East Douglass.
"This is the only definite Ablah Hotel Supply castle-shaped diner survivor and is in remarkable shape," the post continued. "It's an important building both from an architectural and a roadside Americana standpoint."
The building itself is steel framed with rivets and approximately 20' x 20'. It was originally moved to its current location via crane. Although the building is free, significant expenses are necessary to move and renovate it.
The Instagram post also includes additional contact information for those who are interested in acquiring, moving, and restoring the building.
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Cheap Old Houses was created by Elizabeth and Ethan Finkelstein, who tour old homes across the United States that are available for under $150,000. Initially an Instagram account, Cheap Old Houses later became a 10-episode series airing on HGTV and streaming on discovery+ on Aug. 9, 2021.
"The series is inspired by the Finkelstein's uber popular Instagram feed, which racks up millions of views with images of surprising property bargains that are architecturally intact and available for under $150,000," per the account's website. "In each episode, cameras will follow the couple as they tour low-priced older houses across America and ultimately choose which ones to feature on their famous site."
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