There is a fine line between preserving history and rewriting it—particularly when it comes to renovated properties. But there are some that manage to walk that line beautifully, preserving architectural heritage while secreting away modern, unique homes within that existing structure.
Converted commercial buildings are perhaps the finest example of this special blend of old and new. From the outside, they look much the same as they did when they were functioning as churches, firehouses, schools, or even banks. Yet hidden away behind those original façades, homebuyers can find exceptionally renovated homes that oftentimes feature unique nods to the building’s former life.
Take, for example a Gothic church in New York that has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind five-bedroom home that blends wide, open living spaces and modern amenities with original stonework and stained-glass windows.
Or perhaps your tastes are better suited to a historic water mill in Virginia that was originally built in the 1870s but has since been turned into an elegant dwelling, complete with its original wheel.
Whatever your passion, we have found five homes from New York to Montanathat have been repurposed into structures that still offer a peek at their former lives.
1. Converted Gothic Revival-style church
Price: $500,000
This affordably priced, 22,374-square-foot former church is seeking a divine intervention to convert it from its current state of worship to a heavenly abode.
Built in 1888, the 1.45-acre property listed on the National Register of Historic Places comes with an “income producing rectory” that features four one-bedroom rentals. Much of the historic church’s structure remains intact, including stained-glass windows, pews in place, cathedral ceilings, a Garret House pipe organ, and a spacious basement that could be used as an event center.
There is also parking for up to 40 vehicles. According to the listing, the property is “eligible for both state and federal tax credits up to 50%.”
Jason Sokody of Howard Hanna WNY Inc. is the listing agent.
2. Transformed limestone bank
Price: $4,995,000
It’s a former bank converted into a luxurious 30-foot-wide townhouse with the added bonus of also offering condo amenities, including a fitness center and entertainment room.
Located in the Park Slope neighborhood, the three-bedroom residence boasts a multi-level interior offering nearly 4,000 square feet of space with a custom skylight designed to illuminate the space. Highlights include “dramatic ceiling heights,” European windows, and white oak floors.
A gourmet chef’s kitchen has Taj Mahal marble countertops, custom cabinetry, and a waterfall island. The lavish primary suite features dual vanities, radiant floors, and a glass-enclosed shower.
A rooftop terrace offering sweeping skyline views is designed for entertaining and relaxing. “Highly coveted private parking” is also available, according to the listing.
Corcoran Chelsea/Flatiron is the listing agent.
Bank conversion in Brooklyn, NY. REALTOR.COM3. Water mill conversion
6602 Middlebrook Rd, Raphine, VA
Price: $498,000
Here’s the chance to own the former Moffatt’s Creek Mill that has been converted into a three-bedroom residence with the original mill wheel still located in the lower level.
Built in the 1870s and reconstructed in 1929, the property, which is known as Smiley Mill, is “brimming with endless potential.” It sits on 3.48 wooded acres overlooking a creek and waterfall with trout fishing available.
The Shenandoah Valley structure was named after Thomas Smiley, owner of the Roller Mills that was later named Lucas Mill. The sleeping quarters, including a primary bedroom with a private terrace, can be found on the lower level with a main floor opening up to a creekfront deck.
The property originally hit the market for $668,000 in September 2025 before recently returning with a massive $170,000 price chop.
Myra R. Beams of Real Broker LLC is the listing agent.
Mill conversion in Raphine, VA. REALTOR.COM4. Former fire station built for FDNY Engine Company No. 55
185 Lafayette St, Manhattan, NY
Price: $8,995,000
This red-hot Napoleon LeBrun-designed townhouse in SoHo was originally built as a firehouse in 1887 and still features a facade with “stylized flame accents.” The structure was later used as “sleeping quarters for Deputy Fire Chief Thomas R. Langford,” according to the listing.
Historic highlights throughout the one-bedroom residence include beamed ceilings, wide-plank oak floors, and 10-foot windows on the lower level. Modernizations now offer a turquoise lacquered spiral staircase, a luxurious kitchen with high-end appliances, and a windowed steam shower in the primary-floor bedroom. The rooftop terrace features a private lounge and cabana.
A ground level with built-in bookshelves and concrete floors is currently being used as a studio with double bay doors but could be transformed into a commercial space or used for entertaining.
Nick Gavin of Compass is the listing agent.
Converted fire station in Manhattan, NY. REALTOR.COM5. Transformed schoolhouse
435 Oregon Shortline Rd, Dell, MT
Price: $225,000
Built in 1903, this affordably priced transformed schoolhouse sits on 1.95 acres offering “endless potential” in a town with just 17 residents. With no covenants but excellent mountain access, the property would be ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with fishing and hunting minutes away.
The one-room school house later operated as the Old Schoolhouse Cafe and was recently converted into a one-bedroom residence. The interior still features preserved hardwood floors, chalkboard-lined walls, original built-in bookshelves, a schoolhouse piano, a bell tower, and school bell. Outside, a private well, two septic tanks, a livestock lean-to, chicken coop, and outbuildings can be found.
The property is being sold as is “simply due to its age.”
Ellyn Cahill of REAL Broker is the listing agent.
Converted schoolhouse in Dell, MT REALTOR.COM
Realtor.com
BY KELLIE SPEED
