Abandoned spaces for sale that could be amazing homes

These empty buildings have dream home potential

Resort Realty / LoopNet

Getting your foot on the property ladder can be difficult, especially if you're looking for a home that's a little bit unique. However, if you think outside the box, you might just bag yourself an incredible house that's unlike anything else on the market. Given some TLC, these empty, non-residential buildings from around the world could be converted into truly spectacular homes. Let's take a look...

Gun tower, Pembrokeshire, UK: £70,000 ($87k)

Zoopla

Located just off the southwest coast of Wales in the UK, this former gun tower could offer one lucky buyer the ultimate impenetrable pad. Connected to the mainland via an elevated walkway, the historic fortress benefits from stunning views of the surrounding harbour.

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Gun tower, Pembrokeshire, UK: £70,000 ($87k)

Zoopla

Built in 1851 in Pembroke Dock, the gun tower originally defended The Royal Dockyard from seaborne enemy forces. The structure was decommissioned in 1882, though it was brought back from retirement to serve as a military fortress in World War I and II. Inside, the space is sparse and in need of an overhaul, however, with a little work, those characterful windows and period brickwork could make a great addition to a home.

Gun tower, Pembrokeshire, UK: £70,000 ($87k)

Zoopla

In the mid-1990s, the tower was refurbished by South Pembrokeshire District Council and reopened as The Gun Tower Museum – a venture that closed in 2017. This heritage space may be missing the home comforts, but with a guide price of £70,000 ($87k), it could offer a sizeable payback in the long run for one lucky buyer.

Gun tower, Pembrokeshire, UK: £70,000 ($87k)

Zoopla

A relic from days gone by, the roof still has the original guns used to defend the fortress. The property has electricity and mains water, however, with no drainage, you'll have to invest in a compost toilet and refrain from swimming around the base of the structure. While it's not the most straightforward of conversion opportunities, with a little determination, this tower could become a one-of-a-kind historic home.

Listed church, Stirling, UK: £150,000 ($189k)

Ivica Drusany / Shutterstock

If you're hunting for a home in Stirling, Scotland, you may want to consider purchasing something entirely unique. This former church lies in the village of Doune and is Category B-listed. The pretty structure was built in 1822 and has a rich history in the area, plus with a starting price of £150,000 ($189k), it's also a real bargain!

Listed church, Stirling, UK: £150,000 ($189k)

Halliday Homes Property and Estate Agents

For your cash you'll gain a rather lovely interior, where plenty of period features are left to shine. Built from Ashlar stone, the historic church boasts a three-bay tower with an original working clock and bells. Somehow we don't think you'll need an alarm clock here...

Listed church, Stirling, UK: £150,000 ($189k)

Halliday Homes Property and Estate Agents

The building's most exquisite space, the main church hall has been well preserved and with a little work, it could be a wow-factor open-plan living space. Original fixtures are plentiful here, including an organ, large stained glass windows and ornate cornicing. The hall's period balcony is also in great condition and would make a rather quirky internal feature.

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Listed church, Stirling, UK: £150,000 ($189k)

Halliday Homes Property and Estate Agents

From the large foyer, two sweeping stone staircases lead to the upper floors, where a range of elegant vestry rooms can be found. We love that dramatic Gothic arched window – just imagine waking up to the light streaming through the ornate glass in the morning! For sale with Halliday Property, this magnificent property would make a rather unusual family home.

Charming chapel, New York, USA: £152,000 ($189k)

Murphy Realty Group / LoopNet

Churches don't get more beautiful than this. Nestled in Maldon, a small hamlet on the banks of the Hudson River, this stunning white structure, on the market for a mere £152,000 ($189k), is ripe for conversion. Stretching 4,406 square feet, there's a lot of room to play with, plus a whole host of incredible period details that would make for a pretty special residential property.

Charming chapel, New York, USA: £152,000 ($189k)

Murphy Realty Group / LoopNet

Decked out in a refreshing palette of pastel green and white, the main congregation room is seriously spectacular – just imagine an array spacious family living areas beneath those double-height ceilings and tall arched windows. We'd love to see that incredible organ preserved too and perhaps worked into a quirky scheme that pays homage to the building's past.

Charming chapel, New York, USA: £152,000 ($189k)

Murphy Realty Group / LoopNet

Dating all the way back to 1867, taking on a historic property is no mean feat, however, architectural jewels like this stained glass window more than make up for the extra TLC required. As well as a bell tower, there's also a large room beneath the main congregation room that could be divided up into bedrooms or further living spaces.

Charming chapel, New York, USA: £152,000 ($189k)

Murphy Realty Group / LoopNet

A veritable blank canvas, this church is begging to be taken in hand by an imaginative buyer, but with no running water, plumbing or sewage, this project probably isn't one for a first-timer. Still, we'd love to see someone experienced restore those period features to their former glory.

Frisco-Bagley Mill, Colorado, USA: £255,788 ($319k)

Kris Wiktor/ Shutterstock

Located in the beautiful American state of Colorado, the Frisco-Bagley Mill is an iconic landmark. Listed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties, the timber mining building sits at an elevation of 11,400 feet and offers magnificent views across the surrounding landscape, from the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway to Treasure Mountain. What better place to create your dream home?

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Frisco-Bagley Mill, Colorado, USA: £255,788 ($319k)

National Trust for Historic Preservation

For sale with the National Trust for Historic Preservation for £255,788 ($319k), this unique industrial building is a rare real estate opportunity and benefits from a fantastic lot size of 30.9 acres. The Frisco-Bagley site comes complete with a partially collapsed 150-ton reduction mill, a mine portal and a separate modern cabin that is also ripe for restoration!

Frisco-Bagley Mill, Colorado, USA: £255,788 ($319k)

National Trust for Historic Preservation

Built in 1912, the 200-square-foot period building is the last remaining example of a post and beam mill in region, making it entirely one-of-a-kind. Functioning off-grid, the timber cabin is solar-powered, so it's super eco-friendly too. A second building on the site currently offers storage and a composting toilet, but this could easily be converted into a modern holiday let or accommodation annexe.

Frisco-Bagley Mill, Colorado, USA: £255,788 ($319k)

National Trust for Historic Preservation

Despite being in a state of disrepair, the mill’s timber frame is said to be in surprisingly good condition. Sadly some of the building’s characterful fixtures have been removed over the years, but amazingly 33 of its 80 double-hung windows remain in-tact, as do the poured concrete pillar foundations and footings. With 7,500 feet of inside space and a grand ceiling height of 65 feet, this historic dwelling has bags of potential.

Historic former bank, Ontario, Canada: £395,000 ($495k)

Coupal Markou Commercial Real Estate

Positioned in Hanover, Ontario, this historic former bank oozes character and is one of the most attractive buildings in the area. Its period curb appeal is enhanced by an elegant red-brick facade, delicate stained glass arched windows and decorative architectural moldings. We can't think of a more idyllic building to turn into a home...

Historic bank, Ontario, Canada: £395,000 ($495k)

Coupal Markou Commercial Real Estate

Sitting on a corner plot, the building has been meticulously maintained and covers three spacious floors. Offering 3,000 square feet of interior space, the structure is currently split into a commercial restaurant space, a basement storage room and a top-floor rental apartment. But just imagine how spectacular it would be if it was transformed into one, large family home!

Historic bank, Ontario, Canada: £395,000 ($495k)

Coupal Markou Commercial Real Estate

The building's spacious interior provides plenty of room for restoration. Whether you divide the property up into numerous apartments or create a single residential unit, almost every space will benefit from gorgeous period detailing, including decorative ceilings and large painted glass windows.

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Historic bank, Ontario, Canada: £395,000 ($495k)

Coupal Markou Commercial Real Estate

For sale with Coupal Markou Commercial Real Estate for just £395,000 ($495k), this historic former bank offers plenty of character and internal space for a relatively modest sum of cash. Just imagine the possibilities!

Movie theatre, New York, USA: £403,000 ($500k)

Resort Realty / LoopNet

A slice of 1930s nostalgia, this former movie theatre in the quaint village of Monticello, New York, is in need of some care and attention. Nevertheless, it's difficult not to fall hard for its stunning Art Deco facade. For someone searching for a passion project, this exquisite structure, listed at £403,000 ($500k), could make an incredible retro residence.

Movie theatre, New York, USA: £403,000 ($500k)

Resort Realty / LoopNet

Built in 1930, this cool space would've been bustling back in the day, with crowds queuing up to see the likes of Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn and Clark Gable. Adorned in white subway bricks, we'd love to see that iconic sign and marquee incorporated into a stylish new residential home.

Movie theatre, New York, USA: £403,000 ($500k)

Resort Realty / LoopNet

Inside, it's clear that the building has lain vacant for a while. However, if you overlook the dustsheets, this structure offers a lot of space to play with, encompassing an enormous 10,000 square feet. The current layout would have to be redesigned, but with dramatic 30-foot-high ceilings, whatever you choose to do with the place, it's bound to make a pretty incredible property.

Movie theatre, New York, USA: £403,000 ($500k)

Resort Realty / LoopNet

Stunning period details still remain – just look at the engraving on those chairs! Rather than gutting the space and throwing everything to scrap, features like this could be salvaged and repurposed as quirky armchairs, incorporating the structure's past life into a new family home.

Pawnshop, California, USA: £684,000 ($849k)

Re/Max / LoopNet

With a grand, imposing facade, this old pawnshop in California's San Joaquin County could be the ideal purchase for an ambitious buyer. Built in 1881, the property is positioned at the heart of the small town of Lockeford – a charming tight-knit community on Highway 88.

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Pawnshop, California, USA: £684,000 ($849k)

Re/Max / LoopNet

Inside, the building is a treasure trove, packed with historic memorabilia and quirky items that have been traded in throughout the years. However, if you look past the fascinating stock, it's clear to see that the bare bones of the building are pretty amazing too. Steel rafters and columns frame an impressive double-height living space that oozes industrial charm.

Pawnshop, California, USA: £684,000 ($849k)

Re/Max / LoopNet

Offering 14,000 square feet of space across three vast storeys for £684,000 ($849k), there's no shortage of room for a large family to stretch out. A big bonus, the building comes with central heating and air conditioning, plus a new roof was recently installed so you're unlikely to run into any major renovation costs.

Pawnshop, California, USA: £684,000 ($849k)

Re/Max / LoopNet

On the second floor, there's a small kitchen that's perfectly useable until the residential conversion takes place, while on the lower ground level, you'll find a cool spacious basement that could be repurposed as a generous wine cellar. If we were you, we'd try and get a few pieces of retro decor thrown into the sale too!

Wild West saloon, Montana, USA: £766,000 ($950k)

Berkshire Hathaway / LoopNet

This next property offers buyers a charming trip way back in time – think tumbleweed, cowboy boots and the American frontier. The Blue Moon Saloon is a historic hub in the town of Cameron, Montana, with its rustic clapboard facade dating back to 1903. A piece of the pioneer life could be yours for a guide price of £766,000 ($950k).

Wild West saloon, Montana, USA: £766,000 ($950k)

Berkshire Hathaway / LoopNet

There's 6,646 square feet on offer in this historic institution, including a bar, restaurant and store. The building even claims to have the largest dance floor in Madison County! With a little creative vision, these dated yet characterful spaces could become a charming residential property.

Wild West saloon, Montana, USA: £766,000 ($950k)

Berkshire Hathaway / LoopNet

Located on Highway 287, it's not hard to see why this unique spot used to be such a hit with locals. Featuring wooden beams and salvaged wood cladding, this quaint space could become the ultimate family games room with a little elbow grease.

Wild West saloon, Montana, USA: £766,000 ($950k)

Berkshire Hathaway / LoopNet

If all that wasn't enough, the lot also includes six wooden cabins set within a campground. Recently renovated in 2016, they could offer the perfect private spot for guests to stay or you could even rent them out for a bit of extra income. Only an hour from Yellowstone National Park, the property has enjoyed a healthy stream of tourists in the past.

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