Haha, totally feel you on the decorative plate issue. I once thought I'd be clever and hide a spare key behind one of those cute garden gnomes by the porch. Seemed like a genius idea until the night I locked myself out in pouring rain, tripped over said gnome, and ended up face-first in muddy flowerbeds. 🙄 Not exactly my finest moment...
But on the flip side, leaving keys too accessible always makes me a bit nervous security-wise. Ever thought about one of those keypad locks instead? They're not as charming as vintage keyholes, but at least no hidden keys or decorative plates to wrestle with at midnight. Or are keypads too modern-looking for your taste?
I get the keypad appeal, but honestly, they look a bit out of place on older homes like mine. Tried one briefly...ended up feeling like I was punching in my ATM code just to get inside. Went back to hiding keys—just picked better spots (no more flowerpots).
"ended up feeling like I was punching in my ATM code just to get inside."
Haha, totally get this. We tried the keypad thing too, thinking it'd simplify life. But honestly, it just didn't vibe with our little 1920s bungalow. Felt like sticking a smartwatch on a vintage grandfather clock—it kinda clashed with the whole aesthetic we had going on.
We eventually ditched it and went for something a bit more creative. Found this quirky antique mailbox at a flea market and mounted it near the side gate (it blends right in). Now we stash a spare key in there, hidden behind some junk mail envelopes—nobody ever thinks to check. Plus, it's become a fun conversation piece when friends come over.
Sometimes the old-school ways just feel better, you know?
Haha, I feel you on the keypad thing. We installed one at a rental property thinking it'd be convenient for tenants, but it turned into a headache—batteries dying, codes forgotten, and one tenant even managed to lock himself out by entering the wrong code too many times. Ended up going back to good old-fashioned keys. Sometimes simpler really is better...especially when you're dealing with older homes or properties with character.
Totally get it, keypads can be finicky. Had similar issues myself—ended up switching to a mechanical push-button lock (no batteries needed). Tenants liked it better, no forgotten codes or battery drama. Still simple, but a bit more convenient than traditional keys. Might be worth a shot if you ever reconsider...
