Contemporary classics: 8 historic homes with surprisingly modern interiors
Work Architecture Company
Characterful homes with state-of-the-art style
Period properties have a unique character, history and charm that a lot of new builds lack but they don’t have to be stuck in the past. These historic homes with modern interiors prove that when it comes to your own home, the only limit is your imagination.
19th-century converted vicarage, Cornwall, UK
It might look like something out of a Gothic novel but this vicarage from the 1880s has been transformed into a luxury contemporary home. Set on five acres of land in the southern Cornish countryside, this Grade II-listed property comprises a detached house and three self-contained cottages, all of which retain their original Victorian structures.
19th-century converted vicarage, Cornwall, UK
Antique elements including timber beams, floor tiles and fireplaces which have been exposed and restored. These Victorian features have been teamed with contemporary Scandinavian-inspired furnishings to create a minimalist space that nods to the home's historic roots.
19th-century converted vicarage, Cornwall, UK
The kitchen is the only new addition to the property. Created by inserting a timber frame that supports a glass roof in what was once a cobbled courtyard, it's connected to the main house through an original side entrance.
19th-century converted vicarage, Cornwall, UK
The main house contains six bedrooms, two of which feature ensuite bathrooms. Exposed stonework and wood beam supports sit side by side with the addition of modern minimalist tiles, showers and sinks.
19th-century converted vicarage, Cornwall, UK
Though originally built in stone, each of the self-contained cottages features birch ply cladding that mimics the design of a Scandinavian cabin with its minimalist design. An open-plan living space/kitchen is ideal for guests and holiday lettings. The property is on the market for $2.3 million (£1.7m). For further images head over to The Modern House.
16th-century holiday home, Girona, Spain
This historic house in Girona dates back to the 16th century. The four-storey building was recently restored to combine elements of traditional Catalan architecture with modern interior design. The house has been split into three separate apartments which are currently rented out as holiday homes.
16th-century holiday home, Girona, Spain
The fusion between the medieval structure and its contemporary interior was created by combining original stonework with minimalist furnishings in neutral colours. Exposing the wood beam supports in the living room has elevated the ceiling height, while large sheets of glass panelling ensure the open space is filled with natural daylight.
16th-century holiday home, Girona, Spain
Parts of the fourth floor have been covered into a terrace, allowing guests to experience views of the old city from many of the rooms. Simple furniture, linen curtains and white bedding in the master bedroom enhances the neutral colour palette and clean aesthetic.
16th-century holiday home, Girona, Spain
Hidden behind the property’s thick medieval walls is yet another contemporary addition, a green outdoor space that contains a purified-rainwater plunge pool.
17th-century mansion, Prague, Czech Republic
This majestic 17th-century mansion is a wonderfully preserved example of the Czech Baroque style. The seven-bedroom, six-bathroom stately home consists of a central rotunda and side wings, spread over three floors. Situated in the heart of Prague it would make an extravagant family home, although it also has the potential for use as a foreign embassy or business headquarters.
17th-century mansion, Prague, Czech Republic
Not much of the original Baroque interior survives and the property has been modernised to include a lift and underground parking. Primarily open-plan in layout, the ground floor offers dining rooms and kitchens in the east wing with a spacious reception, bar and media room in the west wing. The first-floor houses bedrooms, while an additional floor contains guest facilities.
17th-century mansion, Prague, Czech Republic
Modern luxury amenities include an orangery-style conservatory that has the potential to be converted into an indoor swimming pool and spa. The property is being sold through Sotheby’s Realty, with the price on application.
19th-century city home, Bruges, Belgium
This exceptional Flemish home is situated in the historic centre of Bruges and designed in the style known as 'Renaissance Revival'. The 19th-century estate consists of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house with additional outbuildings.
19th-century city home, Bruges, Belgium
Open-plan rooms with double-height ceilings and tall windows create a spacious interior that’s filled with natural light. Though completely revamped, designers retained the building’s original 19th-century vaulted ceilings in a number of rooms.
19th-century city home, Bruges, Belgium
The master bedroom contains an open-plan sleeping area and bathroom that features a restored domed ceiling. Modern amenities include a built-in media unit and shower facilities.
19th-century city home, Bruges, Belgium
Soaring ceilings were maximised to create a mezzanine media room. While currently the property currently contains just two bedrooms, there is plenty of space in the main house and outbuildings to create an additional five rooms. It’s on the market for $2.9 million (£2.1m) with Engels and Volkers.
Early 20th-century mansion, Western Cape, South Africa
Built in 1914, this Baroque Revival mansion in Western Cape, South Africa was recently given a modern makeover.
Early 20th-century mansion, Western Cape, South Africa
Though its exterior facade remains true to the grandeur of early 20th century architectural design, the interior has been completely revamped with polished wood floors, white walls and minimalist furnishings in bright colours and bold patterns. By reducing the number of walls and doors within the house, architects were able to create a magnificent open-plan space.
Early 20th-century mansion, Western Cape, South Africa
The seven-bedroom house has been extended to include a number of luxury amenities including a spacious covered terrace, guest cottage and outdoor pool. The house is currently on the market for $913,000 (£694k) with Sotheby's Realty.
Grade II listed 19th-century mansion, London, UK
This Grade II-listed 19th-century house is located in west London’s popular Notting Hill. It was built by Sir Francis Ford in the mid-1800s and is part of one of the city's most successful Victorian residential developments, the Hall Estate.
Grade II listed 19th-century mansion, London, UK
Remnants of the property’s original Italianate-style interior still exist today. Victorian decorative stucco work is combined with white walls, dark wood floors and modern furnishings inspired by Eastern interior design.
Grade II listed 19th-century mansion, London, UK
The kitchen has been completely revamped with a marble countertop island and the most sought-after modern amenities, including underfloor heating. Gallery lights create a relaxed ambience while a restored and updated fireplace is a gentle reminder of this space's Victorian origins.
Grade II listed 19th-century mansion, London, UK
Each of the property’s eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms have been updated with neutral furnishings, walk-in wardrobes and freestanding stone baths. The house contains a number new luxury amenities, including a spa/sauna, steam room and gym. It’s on the market for $33 million (£25m) with Christie's Real Estate.
Work Architecture Company
19th-century cast iron building, New York, USA
One of New York’s oldest and most iconic cast-iron structures, Obsidian, was renovated in 2015 and transformed into a contemporary residential unit on the inside.
Work Architecture Company
19th-century cast iron building, New York, USA
Tucked away and out of sight is a series of additional rooftop apartments. The owners of Obsidian House were only given permission to construct these apartments in a listed building if they were able to keep them completely invisible and hidden in plain sight.
Work Architecture Company
19th-century cast iron building, New York, USA
To create space within a number of the new apartments, the architects of Obsidian House designed them with compact kitchen/living area units. A small garden is located above each kitchen, allowing residents to experience a bit of greenery in the heart of the city.
Work Architecture Company
19th-century cast iron building, New York, USA
In addition, a roof terrace has been tucked away behind the historic building’s original pediment. The structure’s old elevator shaft has been transformed into a hot tub and there is plenty of space for outdoor entertainment.
Kennerly Architecture & Planning
Victorian home with a modern twist, San Francisco, USA
Kennerly Architecture remodelled this 4,300 square foot Victorian-style home for a family of five. The original façade was simply restored, while the back of the house and the interior has been completely transformed.
Kennerly Architecture & Planning
Victorian home with a modern twist, San Francisco, USA
Named Janus House, the glass walls bring in natural light on all floors. There are four bedrooms, including two in the attic, all with modern, Scandi-style interiors.
Kennerly Architecture & Planning
Victorian home with a modern twist, San Francisco, USA
A steel-framed deck cantilevers out from the second storey and a retractable glass wall makes the back of the house a welcome sunspot. On the main floor, the wide rooms have two entryways and no doors, allowing open-plan living for residents.
Kennerly Architecture & Planning
Victorian home with a modern twist, San Francisco, USA
The back facade brings a modern feel to the garden and private driveway as well as adding a huge amount of space to an old property. Clad in recycled plastic, it uses modern methods of construction to completely transform the space. Enjoyed reading this? Check out these incredible houses that look different from the front to the back.