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converted firehouse
House Tours

An Old Firehouse Converted Into a Home

A couple finds an unconventional place to live—with space for working at home, and in a historic neighborhood.

house filled with antiques
House Tours

An Old Schoolhouse Converted Into a Home

Ultimate salvaging: a schoolhouse becomes a home.

From columns and cornices to a wide variety of hardware, architectural salvage is diverse. While high-end dealers are making salvage shopping more convenient, nonprofit stores, whose proceeds typically benefit local preservation efforts, often have the best prices. Photo: Paul Rocheleau
Architectural Salvage Projects

How to Shop for Architectural Salvage

The opportunities for acquiring architectural salvage have never been better.

The former schoolroom soars 30' and is lit by a pair of Pugin chandeliers. Left intact is the carved wooden partition that separated students from the schoolmistresses' quarters. The furniture is a comfortable mix.
House Tours

A Gothic Schoolhouse Becomes a Home

A long-time collector of Gothic invites us to his home, a converted schoolhouse done in Arts & Crafts taste.

In the kitchen, simple white-painted cabinets were installed around the barn’s posts and beams.
House Tours

Converting a Stone Barn into a House

This 4,000-square-foot barn is part of a historic three-building complex that includes an 1816 stone house and an 1851 schoolhouse.

Oak flooring gives the space a rustic feel. A butcher block surface on the island offers the perfect workspace.
Old-House Kitchens

Spacious Kitchen in a Converted Barn

A luxurious kitchen area was designed from what was once just a collection of appliances in an open space.

restored Greek Revival building
Greek Revival Houses

Converting a Grange Hall into a Home

A handsome building in desperate need of rescue provides an open-plan interior.

ABOVE: Penelope Creeley’s family transformed this fire station into their home; the tower at the rear of the building, once used to drain fire hoses, became her kids’ favorite hangout.
Interiors & Decor

How to Convert Unique Buildings into Houses

Adapting non-residential spaces like fire stations, barns, and churches into family-friendly homes can be challenging. These 7 lessons from those who have done it can benefit any old-house owner.