Maybe my brain isn't working right this morning, but an AC vent would bring air in, but to vent it properly, you need to get air out, so unless for some reason it's getting very hot in there (which direction does the window face?), I'd be more interested in a vent than AC. You could add a vent to the outside through the wall? Or get a window with a vent? (I know they make them somehow to adequately vent 'tight' homes...the vents run across the top or something. I knew all about them once and now can't remember the details, sorry.)

As far as organizing the pantry, can you draw a floor plan of it? You wouldn't have to use it all for food. Other ideas: cookbooks, dog food, extra rolls of paper towels and toilet paper, table linens, canning supplies, a small desk area? Games/toys for grandchildren? It sounds wonderful to me. ;-)

right--air return--yes, that is what I should have asked about...

there is window -- don't know if there is screen on it but think it is a slider vs fixed glass one--
I did not check for the electrical outlets either but I am hoping there is at least one in there--I would have put in two at different locations--
took some photos of the pantry when we were there and got them back today (had to use disposible camera and flash was not that great)
it is not as big as my imagination--probably more like 4 ft across but that is still good size...
we do not have to hurry to move in--have not sold our house--so can do some planning
just went to Linens N Things for the going out of business sale and bought stuff that usually is not on sale--like drawer liners...got some stackable shelving to help organize cans...

it is just 10% off but there were lots of people in there..they did not know when it was dropping to 20-30
would like to get some stuff for the bathrooms when the prices drop...

I don't think an outside vent is what you want. Outside air can be very hot and humid, or cold, depending on your area. If you could connect the pantry airflow to the house airflow somehow that would be better I think. I'd look more into replacing some of the panels on the door with some kind of grill work or putting in a transom window or vent over the door somehow. It could then be dressed with fabric which would block the view but still allow airflow from the temperature regulated house system. Maybe you need to just leave the door open while you are not moved in and see if that helps the musty odor.

Originally when our home was built, the laundry room was on the first level in a larger sized room, 9x8. One of the previous owners subsequestly the laundry area upstairs so I use the original laundry room as a walk in pantry. Ikea has some great ideas and products for storage.

I think I'd either change the door out for a louvered door or install a nice decorative register vent near the bottom of the door. That should take care of the ventilation problems. Try putting out some trays of baking soda to absorb any musty odor.

will check out Ikea--there is store about 30 min away from us...

yes--will definitely air it out and would not really be good idea to open that window--we are in DFW TX area--winters are cold here and summers are hot/humid--it would not be that easy to open/close it either...

we don't have to move in right away--we are getting carpets cleaned and probably cleaning crew to do the whole house--they would not pay for professional cleaning in contract--said they had a maid and would leave it clean... will have to see but we don't have to do it as soon as we close...

would not mind getting a louver door--that door is MDF solid I think vs wood--but the top and bottom are not really that large--
don't know that a grill would look good if it is metallic/dark bronze to match the hardware-- it might be too noticible...matching the paint with other trim 3 yrs old might be problem--might be better to try for stained louver door...

I want to get an energy audit done and get estimate for installing radiant barrier in the attic spaces...maybe they can check out the venting in pantry as well...

Here is a link that might be useful: air return register in dark bronze

Something else we've done that you may want to consider. The hall that our pantry is in, is off the kitchen, but also has our entrance to the garage in the same corner. The two doors kept hitting each other. Not a good set up architecturally at all but at the same time, we didn't want just an open doorway because everyone coming in can see in that area. The alternative we came up with is cafe doors. They come in different styles and we found the exact ones we wanted on clearance at Lowes for 17.00! Haven't hung them yet, need to paint them, but figured it's an easy way to get in and out when hands are full, they open from both directions and they can block the view for people walking by without the hassel of a full door. An added plus is they're also different and not something you see in every house. We like thinking outside of the box so it's perfect for us.

Regarding organization, I have a walk in pantry approx. 7X8 with 9 foot ceilings. I have recently renovated it to make it more beautiful and functional. We use it also as an office. I will post pictures when it is complete. I ran the cabinets to the ceiling, added appliance garages and put in several long drawers for platters and serving pieces. Ihave hidden away my microwave, coffee maker and mixer. For inspiration I spent many months locating pictures. I have posted the pictures written about Butlers pantry's in a pretty comprehensive post on my blog. I have included the link below if you are interested.

Regarding the smell. I think once you clean (inside of cabinets, floors and walls) with 1/2 ammonia and 1/2 water mixture and air it out the smell should disappear. I have moved nine times and have renovated and cleaned my share of smelly rooms and this always works like a charm. Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Butlers Pantry

I looked at your link willowdecor--those pantries are awesome but fairly intimidating--this house is not that formal and we really don't do the kind of entertaining you need to take advantage of all that storage...

pantry will stay with the built-in shelving for a while--the other wall is bare though--I might have room to put in small sewing table--would keep the clutter out of the living areas or carpeted bedrooms...

Not sure if you have a "Container Store" but they do
great closets, pantries, etc. to your specifications.
The big box stores also carry similar set ups but without the design help, as far as I know.

Wow the link from willowdecor is really something...those butlers pantries
looked like full kitchens I've seen!

Good luck
vic