Have you ever imagined living in a home that was once a horse barn or perhaps an old cider mill? How about the timeless structure of an antique church, cathedral ceilings and all? According to The Wall Street Journal, the appeal of converting buildings with a former different use into homes is catching on in the world of real estate.
Here are 5 one-of-a-kind residences, each with their own distinct, former purpose, that have now been transformed for one reason and one reason only—to serve as wonderful, warm places to call home.
Located in the Village of Bronxville, NY, 21 Crows Nest still maintains much of its original horse barn style. Built in 1902 by Edward Tilton, an architect of Ellis Island, this now completely reconstructed residence includes five spacious bedrooms, six full and two half baths, as well as an open-plan kitchen and family room. Features that make the architecture of barns favorable for home conversions, such as 12-foot ceilings, original brick floors and overall spacious atmospheres, complete this meticulously crafted residence. In a recent article on barn conversions, The Wall Street Journal further explains this appeal, highlighting the rustic, yet luxurious interior and exterior transformations that occur. Nowadays, barns of all kinds scattered throughout the country present ideal opportunities for any future homeowner looking to construct a spacious residence with timeless beauty, history and rustic charm.
Out in the pristine, country surroundings of Falls Village, CT, 63 Undermountain Road still retains much of its unique barn-style qualities and architecture as well. The structure was constructed in 1850 to serve as a barn, only to be later converted into an antique, red home complete with large living areas and an open-floor plan, offering ample space for additional features and customization. The Wall Street Journal claims that rare styles and qualities such as these are increasingly growing in demand, encouraging many owners of abandoned barns to give them away to those seeking their residential potential. This method is beneficial for all individuals involved, providing a way to avoid losing barns to neglect and a convenient way to find authentic structures for anyone interested in barn-home conversions.
Originally a local cider mill, this chalet-style home situated on 22 Quaker Ridge Road in New Rochelle, NY, now offers its residents the perfect mixture of contemporary design and historic tradition. Its interior details, including wood-beamed cathedral ceilings, three fireplaces, hardwood floors, inviting turret sitting area and more, have the ability to bring you right back in time to when it was constructed in 1927—steaming cup of hot cider in hand.
The unparalleled coastal lifestyle offered at 00 Foxboro Road is quite magnificent. Originally serving as a windmill in the 1960s, this transformed, 4-story, New England Shaker-style residence, resting on nearly 2 acres of shorefront land in Essex, CT, now contains three bedrooms, a full bath, wet bar, living room, wraparound deck and more. The best part?—it still has functioning blades!
How would you like to reside in the tranquility of a former house of worship? According to The Wall Street Journal, the sale of churches and other religious properties to residential developers is increasing due to the newly found popularity of home conversions. Talented designers and architects are using their skills to creatively integrate the quaint beauty of these historic buildings with the features and styles needed for fully functional homes. 207 Egremont Plain Road, located in North Egremont, MA, still remains in its unconverted church form, boasting cathedral ceilings, gracious stained glass windows, a full kitchen, a meeting room and two restrooms. Staying true to many of its original 1877 details, the property even includes a working church bell—just the right opportunity for yet another historic home conversion.
