An old train car and a useless bridge: 5 unexpected objects transformed into cozy homes
Despite the current pace of new housing construction, the practice of renovating old buildings hasn’t disappeared. However, an old apartment or private house doesn’t always become a cozy home. Around the world, there are cases where unexpected and seemingly unsuitable properties are given a new life, providing a roof over someone’s head.
1. Public toilet
British architect Laura Clarke embarked on a rather unexpected project: converting a long-closed public toilet in London into comfortable housing. True, she had to spend over five years arguing with the authorities about whether she could properly implement her idea, but in the end, they finally gave her the go-ahead. The result is a stylish living space with a fully equipped bedroom, living room, bathroom, and kitchen, with even room left over for a terrace. It’s hard to tell at first glance what the building’s original purpose was.
2. Medieval castle
Another interesting renovation story from the UK is the fate of medieval Astley Castle. Built over 800 years ago in Warwickshire, it has served many different purposes, from a family estate to an army garrison. But until 2012, when it was given a second life, it stood empty and unused, practically in ruins. Fortunately, resourceful people were able to transform the old, dilapidated castle into a guesthouse available for rent. And there’s plenty to admire: the architects and designers managed to preserve the original stonework and seamlessly filled the voids with modern brick—a truly unique combination.
3. Water tower
To be fair, converting a water tower into living space is not a new concept and is quite popular. But this one from Sunset Beach, California, definitely stands out. After nearly 90 years in its original state, the 26.5-meter-tall tower was converted into a four-story circular mansion with all the amenities. A particular highlight is the view from there, overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean and the sands of Sunset Beach—the architects certainly made a clever move when they equipped the house with floor-to-ceiling windows.
4. Old carriage from the 1940s
Train cars have been given all sorts of second lives, but one that plied the open seas during World War II was fortunate enough to become a home for a creative married couple. This fascinating property can be seen in Fort Collins, Colorado, where locals, a husband and wife, rescued an old 1940s railroad car from the scrap heap and converted it into a home. Interestingly, they didn’t hide its authentic appearance, but rather, put it at the forefront of the design: the interior combines vintage with rustic elements, while the exterior was left with all traces of time except rust—every dent and scratch was preserved.
5. Bridge
Not all bridges have a long and eventful life, and while some prematurely collapse, others become redundant because the river beneath them dried up. This is precisely what happened beneath a small covered bridge on the outskirts of Nevada City, California. Then someone decided to transform this structure into a mansion. The result is impressive: the loft-style house has a very distinctive interior – due to the fact that it was originally a 30-meter-long covered bridge, with rooms arranged in a row, and its walls are almost symbolic. This interesting building served as a hotel for many years, but apparently no longer does: according to the editorial staff of novate.ru, the hotel website has been deleted, and it is now a unique private property.
