14 extraordinary home conversions you won't believe
Can you guess what these unique homes used to be?

Water tower, Warwickshire, UK

Located in the village of Burton Green in Warwickshire in the UK, this enormous 14,000-square-foot water tower was built in the 1930s. Spread over six floors, the unusual structure, which stands at 246 feet high, is now the perfect family property.
Water tower, Warwickshire, UK

The six-bedroom country home still has some of the original features from its industrial past, including the central spiral staircase and exposed concrete walls up to three feet thick. The ground and first floors house a games room, kitchen and open-plan living room, while the bedrooms are spread across the second and third levels.
Water tower, Warwickshire, UK

There's nothing dingy about the sleeping accommodation, which features contemporary panelling, swathes of windows and stylish pendant lights. If you fancy a breath of fresh air you can head up to the roof garden on the sixth floor and enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.
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Carriage house, New York, USA

This small 19th-century carriage house sits in Greenwich Village, New York City, and was once home to the acclaimed American artist and Pop Art pioneer Jim Dine. The painter purchased the house in 1997 when it was a garage and plumbing supply shop. In the following years, he converted the commercial structure into a stunning family home before selling the property on in 2013.
Carriage house, New York, USA

Inside, the modern house has just over 3,800 square feet of living space as well as an 850-square-foot roof deck, a feature that's particularly desirable in space-starved New York City. On the first floor sits the main open-plan living space that flows seamlessly into the dining room and kitchen. The ground floor features a library, powder room, media area and a guest bedroom.
Carriage house, New York, USA

The second floor contains a further living room and the light-filled master bedroom, which comes complete with two bathrooms and a dressing room. Dotted around the home are statement art pieces from Dine's ceramics collection, while skylights ensure the compact carriage house feels bright and spacious.
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Courthouse, Essex, UK

Located in Maldon, Essex, this Grade II-listed building dates back to 1858. Once a courthouse, it served as both a magistrates court and a county court until its closure in 1992. Following extensive renovations, it's now a spacious family home with plenty of character and original features – check out the stone coat of arms perched on top of the parapet.
Courthouse, Essex, UK

The generous home boasts four bedrooms, a reception hall, four living rooms and a large stylish kitchen. The rooms on the ground floor are arranged around the former courtroom, which has been converted into an enormous open-plan living space. The impressive room has 19-foot-high ceilings and features a mezzanine and a library wall.
Courthouse, Essex, UK

Many of the original courtrooms have been transformed into living spaces, including the robing room, which is now a luxurious bedroom. Internal remodelling has created a number of new rooms too, including the formal dining room. There's also plenty of outdoor space to enjoy thanks to the enclosed courtyard and roof garden.
Train station, New York, USA

This charming two-bedroom home started off life as a train station. Built in the mid-20th century, the Black Diamond Express, the flagship passenger train of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, once passed through the station. The former platform now serves as a veranda, while the house is dotted with reminders of the building's history.
Train station, New York, USA

The snug two-storey home is currently configured to include a gallery, a shop and a small mezzanine level. The rustic-style building features an open-plan layout with a library wall, modern kitchen and a three-car garage.
Train station, New York, USA

The structure has plenty of original features including the ticket counter, interior archways, freight room doors and even a loading dock. Steeped in history, we can't help but be charmed by this characterful home – just look at that incredible vaulted ceiling!
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Schoolhouse, Leiden, The Netherlands

Dating back to 1925, this characterful building in Leiden in the Netherlands was most recently used as a nursery school. The 7,470-square-foot building has since been transformed by Dutch architects Atelier Space into a contemporary home packed with modern amenities.
Schoolhouse, Leiden, The Netherlands

What used to be the school gym has now been converted into an airy open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, which features 13-foot-high ceilings with skylights. Elsewhere in the property, the spacious former classroom has been divided up into three luxurious bedrooms.
Schoolhouse, Leiden, The Netherlands

The conversion is packed with modern upgrades, including a cinema room, underfloor heating and solar panels on the roof. A guest apartment has also been created on the first floor with its own facilities, while in the garden, a covered seating area with plaster benches offers a zen spot to relax.
Car repair shop, Georgia, USA

Until 1999, this car repair shop in Atlanta was left to rack and ruin. Dating back to 1947, the unappealing workshop had been abandoned for seven years after the roof collpased. That is until BLDGS Architects got their hands on it.
Car repair shop, Georgia, USA

Car repair shop, Georgia, USA

Inside, the property has clean white walls and smooth concrete flooring. There are also brand new skylights which illuminate the rear of the building, which had no natural light before the conversion.
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Grain silo, Arizona, USA

Architect Christoph Kaiser transformed this corrugated steel silo, which was built in1955, into a modern, spherical masterpiece. Located in downtown Phoenix, Kaiser personally funded the project to demonstrate how new life could be breathed into old urban and agricultural structures. Using inexpensive and salvaged materials, he created a sleek and sophisticated home for modern living.
Grain silo, Arizona, USA

The interior reflects the elegant curves of the silo's structure, which is spread over two floors and 340 square feet of living space. The tiny home's stripped-back decor features rich walnut, rounded silhouettes and plenty of natural light.
Grain silo, Arizona, USA

A space-saving spiral staircase leads to the mezzanine bedroom, which features a double bed and plenty of storage space. This loft space frames views out over the Phoenix skyline, while the layout of the interior means the home is completely private and doesn't overlook any neighbouring properties.
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Waterville bank, Washington, USA

Built in 1910, this grand building opened as a bank in 1911 until its closure in 1981. It was then developed into an art studio and has now been converted into a stylish home. However, the exterior has barely changed over time, with the original brick and ornate parapet still on show.
Waterville bank, Washington, USA

Located in the town's central business district, the 2,758-square-foot former bank has kept many of its original features including the soaring ceilings, tall windows and door frames.
Waterville bank, Washington, USA

As well as two bedrooms, several reception rooms and a kitchen, the conversion features a regal office where you can play bank manager, as well as the original vault mechanisms which make an unusual interior focal point.
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Airbase control tower, Essex, UK

Once a World War II air traffic control centre, this tower was turned into a contemporary four-bedroom home back in 2002. Located in Hadstock, Essex, the unique property has panoramic views over the Little Walden Airfield and the surrounding rolling countryside.
Airbase control tower, Essex, UK

The main reception room on the first floor is open-plan and features a stunning bespoke kitchen with rosewood base units and Corian work surfaces. Leading off from the dining room, a balcony wraps around the front and side of the property, where a metal staircase leads up to the rooftop.
Airbase control tower, Essex, UK

The tower's master bedroom benefits from quality birch wood flooring, a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite shower room. Outside, there's a large garden with plenty of space for a family to enjoy, plus a handy outbuilding for storage.
Tin Church, Kent, UK

Designer Nick Kenny transformed this historic 19th-century corrugated iron church in Kent in the UK into a spectacular family home. Locally known as the Tin Church, its green facade, white detailing and ornate windows create a charming first impression.
Tin Church, Kent, UK

Tin Church, Kent, UK

A spiral staircase that leads from the sitting room to the mezzanine, which is flooded with light from the arched windows. The unusual property went on the market in June 2016 for £325,000 ($404k), but only under the condition that it was purchased outright – some work was required as the historic wooden building hadn't been fireproofed.
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Firehouse, Chicago, USA

This stunning firehouse features an eclectic mix of refurbished original features and high-end modern décor. Located in Lincoln Square, a neighbourhood in North Chicago, the classic building has kept its striking red doors and impressive arched entrance.
Firehouse, Chicago, USA

The modern conversion has seen the old station's horse room converted into a large living room with an amazing patterned ceiling and underfloor heating fitted below the concrete floor. The ground floor is also home to a high-end kitchen and a powder room that matches the front door with its bright red red walls.
Firehouse, Chicago, USA

The first floor features a vast living and dining room with bi-folding doors that lead out to the garden, while the master bedroom has an adjoining office, large bathroom and two walk-in wardrobes. Talk about living in the lap of luxury!
Public toilets, London, UK

In 2012, architect Laura Clark decided to turn these disused public toilets in Crystal Palace, London, into a brand new apartment. The discreet entrance is located down a stairway on a main public street, with the underground layout posing a unique challenge when it came to designing a bright and welcoming home.
Public toilets, London, UK

With a little creative thinking, she pulled it off – and all for a mere £65,000 ($91k). Once upon a time, the cosy living room was the men's bathroom stalls, while the home's newly designed bathroom was the former attendant's office.
Public toilets, London, UK

Laura utilised as many of the structure's original features as possible – old glass tiles have been repurposed as skylights to brighten up the red kitchen, which was once home to the urinal area. With stylish open storage and sleek industrial-style finishes, the property now has bags of charm and modern appeal.
Naval station, South Carolina, USA

Naval station, South Carolina, USA

Naval station, South Carolina, USA

Historic fortress, Suffolk, UK

Historic fortress, Suffolk, UK

The conversion project was overseen by architects Piercy & Company and is now available to rent from £2,195 ($2,730) per week as a holiday home. The house is spread over three floors, featuring a striking modern interior which contrasts with the relatively untouched historic facade. Light and bright, the fort features skylights which channel light through the thick walls.
Historic fortress, Suffolk, UK

Three bedrooms sit on the ground floor, while the living room is found on the first level and is fitted out with a cosy wood-burning fire. A spiral staircase leads up to the rooftop where you can glimpse 360-degree views of the rugged Suffolk coastline. Who'd have guessed that an old fort could be transformed into a dream home!
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