When Tyler and Lauren Bouldin bought an abandoned stone house in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, they knew restoring it would be a long and unpredictable project. The 1830s property had damaged interiors beyond repair due to overgrown grounds and years of neglect. What they didn’t expect was that the land around their future family home had become a haven for snakes. The couple soon encountered repeated encounters with black snakes, water snakes, and copperheads while attempting to restore the historic property. Rather than removing wildlife entirely, he focused on changing the landscape and making the surroundings safe for both his family and the animals already living there.
Abandoned historic home from the 1830s comes with an unexpected snake habitat
The Bouldins first saw the potential in the neglected property when they bought it at auction in late 2020. The house had character that was difficult to find in new buildings with its location surrounded by old stones, mature trees, a nearby creek and protected woodland.Reportedly, but the condition of the house reflects years of abandonment. Parts of the interior required major repairs, the kitchen was missing and parts of the stairs were in disrepair. The couple knew they were taking on a major restoration project, but the condition of the surrounding land brought a different kind of challenge.As People reports, those predators included several species of snakes. For Tyler, who admits he has always been afraid of snakes, the discovery was difficult to adjust to. Their first encounter occurred almost immediately after taking ownership. A large black snake was seen climbing a sycamore tree, apparently searching for birds’ eggs. This was an indication that the property was already home to a well-established wildlife population.
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Snakes near home turn wildlife issue into safety concern
During the early months of renovation, Tyler and Lauren lived in a caretaker’s apartment inside the property’s barn while work continued on the main house. Their family situation made safety a constant consideration, especially with small children and a dog exploring the grounds.At first, they tried not to interfere with the snakes. In particular, black snakes are often considered helpful because they prey on rodents and may discourage other snake species from colonizing the same area. The couple acknowledged that some wildlife will remain part of life on the property. They continued the renovation work, keeping an eye out for snakes wherever they appeared and avoiding unnecessary confrontations.This approach became difficult when he started finding snakes in places close to home. Some were discovered near abandoned swimming pools, while others appeared around areas where the family regularly spent time. Tyler said the biggest concern is not just the presence of snakes, but the fact that different species are showing up in the same hiding places.
How a couple redesigned their property to reduce naturally occurring encounters with snakes
Instead of trying to eliminate snakes, the couple decided to focus on the conditions that were attracting them. They began clearing large sections of the property, removing piles of garbage and closing gaps around buildings where rodents could nest.The abandoned pool became one of the largest projects. The once neglected area which attracted wildlife was removed and replaced with a natural park. The pond was renovated, filtration systems were added and parts of the grounds were redesigned to make them more useful for the family.The work was slow and often took up whatever free time he had. Stone walls, gardens and wooded areas were gradually cleared, reducing the number of hiding places for snakes and their prey. They also planted peppermint around some parts of the structures, hoping this would help prevent snakes from getting too close.The goal was not to create a completely wildlife-free property. Living in a wooded area meant that an encounter was always possible. Instead, they wanted the land to be less attractive as a breeding ground for snakes while preserving the natural environment around them.
How Tyler relocated snakes safely and reduced encounters around the property
When snakes began appearing more frequently, Tyler developed a cautious method to keep them away from the house. Using special equipment, they captured some of the larger snakes and released them elsewhere, away from the main property.This process was not something he found easy. Despite becoming more comfortable with snakes over time, he still described the experience as frightening.The couple avoided harming animals whenever possible. Their focus remained on reducing encounters through landscaping and maintenance rather than taking more drastic action.Over time the changes started making a difference. The daily darshans that had once been a part of their daily routine became much less common.
How a snake-infested property became a home
More than five years after buying the abandoned house, Tyler and Lauren say the property looks very different from the one they first bought.Restoration work is still in progress, as is often the case with historic homes, but the grounds have become a place where his family can spend more time outside without the same level of worry. Snakes have not been completely extinct. The couple still occasionally sees him around the property, which they accept as part of living near Pennsylvania woodland. However, the encounters are now much less than before.For Tyler, the experience has been a reminder that older properties often come with challenges that can’t be predicted before purchase. Repairs, costs and timelines may change once the work begins, but the home’s transformation will make the years of effort worthwhile.