The Most Unusual Property Conversions

Development finance makes dreams happen. It gives you the possibility to transform a building into anything you like – well, planning permission permitted. But can you see the potential through a building’s dated décor or structural instabilities?

Take a look at some of these unusual property conversions for some inspiration. A little imagination can go a long way.

The Water Tower, Hertfordshire

The Water Tower (image: Ph/PH via express)

Water towers have seen a surge in popularity in recent years and they often appear on British property development shows. They’re popular for their large vertical space, which often leads to stunning countryside views.

This Grade II listed one in Hertfordshire, however, is more on the petite side. This water tower has been converted into a colourful and practical, open plan family home, maintaining all the original architecture on the outside while converting the interior for modern living.

Messing Maypole Hill, Tiptree, Colchester

Messing Maypole (image: Robert Edwards under CC BY-SA 2.0)

Once known as Messing Maypole Mill, this is now a stylish 5 storey family home with 4 bedrooms and outbuildings. The developer has kept the original workings and they now feature proudly in the reception rooms, taking pride of place.

Fort Picklecombe, Maker, Cornwall

Fort Picklecombe (image: Reading Tom under CC BY 2.0)

Everyone wants to feel safe when at home, and what could be more protected than a former coastal fort? Once lined with canons to protect the UK from a French invasion, Fort Picklecombe has now been converted into a number of studio apartments with stunning sea views.

Golden Hill Fort, Freshwater, Isle of Wight

Golden Hill Fort (image: Google Earth)

For a fort a little further inland take a look at Golden Hill Fort on the Isle of Wight. Golden Hill was built in 1863 and has seen a massive refurbishment in recent years. It now contains a number of small apartments, perfect for anyone who is looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Frame Foods Factory, Tiffany Heights, Southfields

Frame Foods (image: In Search of Space)

They say don’t bring work home with you, but the residents of this old factory literally live in a place of work. This unusual green and white tiled building was once a baby food manufacturer built around 1900. It is now a listed building that has been converted into flats.

Lendal Tower, York

Lendal Tower (image:  jhsteel under CC BY-SA 3.0)

This million pound mansion is an ancient riverside monument that dates back to a historic 1299. Through the years it has been a defence tower, military bunker and used as a pumping station, but it is now a rather pricey yet beautiful home.

This 4 storey building has a master and guest suite, as well as the usual living spaces and a practical roof terrace. You’ll have some very unusual traffic passing by here.

Tavistock Railway Station, Quant Park, Tavistock

Tavistock Railway (image: Nigel Cox under CC BY-SA 2.0)

Living in this property could be a dream for any train spotter, And this historic property is an iconic part of the Tavistock community.

This station has recently been on sale for a whopping £1.25million, but for that you not only get a large spacious home, but three 5* holiday cottages for guests and a 2 bedroom annexe. You get a lot for your money.

Penmaenpool Toll Bridge, Dolgellau

Penmaenal Toll (image: Mike Dodman under CC BY-SA 2.0)

This tranquil spot has serious views so you can understand why the owners decided to convert this old grade II listed toll booth and keepers’ cottage on Mawddach Estuary into a unique home. Plus it provides a nifty shortcut across the water!

Although it may be small and compact we think this converted home is the perfect scenic getaway spot.

Are you feeling inspired for your next conversion project? Then speak to our qualified development finance brokerstoday and you could be creating your very own unusual property very soon.