Weird Wednesday: Sherlock Holmes Fan Remodels Basement

Denny Dobry’s love for Sherlock Holmes not only led him to join several organized groups for fans of the mystery series, but also a basement remodel.  After reading his first Sir Arthur Conan Doyle mystery in Junior High, Dobry developed a love for the Holmes series that only got stronger with time. So when his wife requested he build a screened-in porch for her, Dobry petitioned to remodel the basement as an homage to the fictional detective. 

The remodel of the storage area of the Dobry’s basement began in 1997 with the goal of recreating Holmes’ 221B Baker St. sitting room in the space. In order to make the area look like a first-floor flat, Dobry constructed an interior wall with windows looking out to a mural of a street scene on the back wall. Every detail was accounted for in this sitting room—artifacts Dobry had collected from the stories over the years adorn the space, including a British revolver and train timetables. The overall décor reflects the period perfectly, with gaslight fixtures, framed pictures of Queen Victoria and vintage wall coverings and drapes.

While the project was officially completed in two years, Dobry still collects and adds to space frequently, proving that a true detective’s work is never done.