Take a look inside these unusual homes and creative conversions

Some of Britain’s most striking buildings and historic landmarks have been transformed into incredible homes of all shapes and sizes. From windmills and watermills, to castles and chapels, these historic gems are often turned into one-of-a-kind properties.

Whether you’d like a character property, or a piece of history in your living room, take a peek inside some of the unusual properties we’re loving right now.

Could you be charmed by a clever conversion?

A Jacobean barn conversion in Essex

This Grade II-listed barn conversion might look familiar, following its starring role in George Clarke’s Channel 4 series ‘The Restoration Man’. The show featured the transformation of this once dilapidated barn into an open-plan home of epic proportions, with beautifully restored vaulted ceilings and a spectacular mezzanine living area.

A Baronial-style castle on the Solway Coast

This mega palace close to Dumfries looks a bit like something out of a Disney film. It was built in the distinctive Scottish Baronial style in the late 18^th century, and is a true architectural gem.

In recent years, the castle has undergone major refurbishments and is currently being used as a family residence. A very large family residence, mind you – we’re talking about a space with 40 rooms and 30 fireplaces! As an added bonus, you get absolutely breath-taking views of the Solway Coast, and access to a private beach via footpath.

A castellated cottage in Bury

This two-bedroom cottage set in the village of Holcombe was originally part of the historic Hey House estate, and overlooks open farmland and Peel Tower in the distance. The unique property has been extended to add an open-plan living space and kitchen. In the original wing of the cottage there’s a reception room with a lovely stone fireplace and original arched doors.

A converted chapel in Somerset

This Gothic-style church in Chilcompton Village has been transformed into a bright and contemporary home with original leaded arched windows and flagstone floors. There’s also another two-bedroom cottage converted from a garage that sits to the side of the property, separated by the former church graveyard.

A former watermill in Romsey

This historic village landmark in Lockerley is actually two separate properties on the edge of the River Dunn. Lockerly Mill is a Grade-II listed Georgian three-bedroom house, which was converted from a working watermill in the Seventies, and the original mill gear is on display in the machine room. Mill Farm House is currently arranged as self-contained flats adjoining the main house.

A converted windmill in Preston

Pilling Windmill (also known as ‘The Old Mill’ and ‘Damside Mill’) was first constructed in 1808. By 1975, the mill was renovated for residential use, with living space set across five levels, and a sail room at the top. Standing at over 73ft-high, the towering home has a wrap-around balcony offering spectacular views of the Lake District and the Pennines.

A maisonette within a castle on the cliff tops at Kingsgate

Grade II-listed Kingsgate Castle was built in 1763 as a (very grand) stable block, and now this incredible landmark has been turned into private residential homes. The location is incredible, and offers panoramic views of Kingsgate Bay, with a sandy beach and sea caves just a short walk away.

An Oast-style house

This four-bedroom Oast-style house sits on two thirds of an acre of land, comes with several outbuildings, and offers sweeping views of the Kent countryside. Inside, the proportions are pretty incredible, with a mezzanine gallery floor overlooking an open-plan living room area with a vaulted ceiling. There’s also an office area on the ground floor of the ‘kiln’ section.

READ MORE: Five incredible windmill homes for sale