Discovering a truly unique property might seem like a challenge, but if you’re open to unconventional ideas, you might stumble upon a renovation project full of promise. These industrial spaces, brimming with historical charm and distinctive traits, offer endless possibilities for crafting your ideal living space. Whether it’s an Art Deco garage in Washington, USA, or a captivating historic warehouse in London, these commercial spaces exude coolness and could be transformed into stunning residences.
Empty industrial space, Illinois, USA: £76,500 ($100k)
Located in Bloomington, Illinois, this charming redbrick building harks back to 1900 and boasts an impressive 14,000 square feet of space, complete with a full basement. Despite its size, the property comes with a surprisingly affordable price tag of just £76,500 ($100k), making it a real steal.
Listed by Coldwell Banker Commercial, this property offers endless possibilities for development. Whether you’re envisioning multiple residences within its spacious layout or dreaming of creating a single, magnificent family home, the choice is yours. Previously serving as a warehouse, the sturdy brickwork, which has stood the test of 120 years, still appears to be in excellent condition.
Inside, the three-story interior is bright and airy, boasting impressive 10-foot-high ceilings, original wood floors, sturdy steel support columns, and exposed brick walls that add character and charm. Flooded with natural light from numerous windows, the upper levels present the perfect canvas for creating stunning, open-plan living spaces.
Rural watermill, Lower Normandy, France: £105,000 ($137k)
If you’re on the lookout for a charming property at an unbeatable price, this picturesque watermill in Gavray, France, might just fit the bill. Nestled along the banks of a tranquil river, this historic gem boasts a striking brick exterior. Currently listed on French Property Links for £105,000 ($137k), this authentic industrial treasure offers exceptional value for money.
Spanning four stories, the period mill provides a generous 9,000 square feet of space. Alongside the main building, the sale includes a cozy adjoining house, ripe for renovation, as well as a delightful garden – perfect for enjoying riverside cocktails or dining al fresco during the sunny months.
Inside, the former mill comprises nine spacious rooms, including a basement, attic, and garage. Each level retains its period charm, featuring exposed timber beams and wooden support posts. Large windows frame captivating views of the river, allowing natural light to flood the interior. With its solid structure and abundant character, this quaint period property presents an ideal canvas for creating a warm and inviting home.
Old hardware store, Maine, USA: £172,000 ($225k)
Dating back to 1892, the John Scales Building, a striking brick edifice, has a rich history as a hardware and steel supplier. Despite its industrial roots, the facade boasts a wealth of architectural treasures, from intricate brickwork to elegant arched sash windows.
Situated in the picturesque town of Guildford, Maine, the property enjoys a prime waterfront location, offering serene views of the Piscataquis River. Now available for the attractive price of £172,000 ($225k), this building holds the potential to become a remarkable family residence. With a spacious 9,400 square feet of living space spread across three stories, it’s truly a steal.
Inside, the interior is a clean slate, presenting wide, open spaces ready to be transformed into airy living quarters. Preserving the building’s industrial charm would be a fantastic approach – those exposed brick walls and wooden beams could serve as captivating features in a contemporary, open-plan home.
Auto repair garage, Washington, USA: £326,000 ($425k)
If you’re in the market for a unique property with plenty of potential, look no further than this charming auto repair garage tucked away in Spokane’s Sprague Union District. Dating back to 1907, this former car workshop boasts a retro facade with an eye-catching Art Deco-style roofline that adds to its quirky charm. But it’s what lies inside that truly sparks the imagination…
With a spacious interior spanning 4,462 square feet and lofty 16-foot-high ceilings, this garage is brimming with character and period details. The standout feature is undoubtedly the dramatic timber vaulted ceiling, complemented by rustic redbrick walls, ample windows, and a raw concrete floor that adds to its industrial allure. Just picture the possibilities!
Originally constructed in 1907, the garage also comes with a sizable parking area to the rear, offering potential for expansion. If you’re smitten with this rare and distinctive property, it could be yours for the asking price of £326,000 ($425k) through 4Degrees on LoopNet.
The Old Malt House, Wiltshire, UK: £350,000 ($457k)
Situated in the charming town of Westbury, Wiltshire, England, The Old Malt House holds the prestigious Grade II listing and exudes timeless charm. Though it’s in need of some TLC, this building boasts a picturesque facade crafted from beautiful natural stone, topped with a double-pitched tile roof, and adorned with quaint windows. Despite its current state, its character shines through.
Originally serving as an industrial hub for processing cereal grain into malt, this property offers a substantial 22,344 square feet of space spread across four floors. From the basement with its eight-foot-high ceiling to the lower ground floor featuring a striking central brick archway, and the ground floor adorned with rustic brick columns spanning its length, each level tells a story of its industrial past.
The first floor, airy and expansive, boasts enviable timber ceiling beams and a ceiling height of seven feet. Currently listed for sale by Cooper and Tanner at just £350,000 ($457k), The Old Malt House presents an incredible opportunity to unlock its potential at a surprisingly affordable price.
Industrial warehouse, Pennsylvania, USA: £918,000 ($1.2m)
Overflowing with charm and curb appeal, this majestic property may seem like a dream residence at first glance, but it’s actually a former industrial warehouse nestled in East Petersburg, Pennsylvania. Currently listed for sale by Sable Commercial Realty at £918,000 ($1.2m), this commercial storage facility offers exceptional value for money.
Dating back to 1920, this detached property boasts an expansive interior spanning over 25,000 square feet. Additionally, the sale includes an adjoining parcel of land providing parking space for up to 11 cars, offering ample room for potential expansion. Alongside the main warehouse area, the property features furnished offices that could easily be converted into cozy bedrooms.
Situated in a commercial neighborhood, any plans for residential conversion would necessitate approval from the local zoning hearing board. However, navigating through the paperwork would undoubtedly be worthwhile in the end. Imagine the possibilities of transforming this space into a stunning home, with its magnificent double-height ceilings and captivating period details, including exposed ceiling beams, timber supports, and raw brick walls. Truly, the potential to make this remarkable space your own is boundless.
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Urban factory, Victoria, Australia: £997,000 ($1.3m)
If you’re on the lookout for a unique conversion opportunity in Melbourne, Australia, look no further than this listing in the vibrant Richmond neighborhood, fondly known as Little Saigon. Positioned conveniently for commuters, this expansive urban factory offers a blend of city living and suburban charm.
From its rustic brick exterior adorned with authentic windows and original roller doors to its spacious interior spanning over 3,000 square feet, this building holds immense potential. With soaring ceilings, rugged timber beams, and raw concrete floors, it’s ripe for restoration. Skylights bathe the space in natural light, though additional windows would be necessary for a residential transformation.
Available through Cushman & Wakefield for a guide price of AUD$1.9 million (equivalent to £997,000 or $1.3m), this former factory presents an exciting opportunity for those with creative vision and a willingness to roll up their sleeves. Boasting a generous plot size and offering on-street parking along with front and rear access, this property promises to be a truly special space awaiting its transformation.
Iconic warehouse, Michigan, USA: £1.1 million ($1.4m)
This warehouse building in Detroit, Michigan, is truly a gem of real estate. Beyond its industrial charm, it boasts a stunning graffiti mural, a creation by the renowned local artist Pat Perry, adding an invaluable artistic touch to the property.
Built in 1912, this iconic warehouse spans an impressive 22,000 square feet across four levels. Positioned in the promising neighborhood of Islandview, it presents an exceptional opportunity for savvy investors. Featuring a wealth of period details such as hardwood floors, stamped tin ceilings, and bespoke woodwork, the building exudes character and potential.
Offered for sale by Max Broock Realtors at £1.1 million ($1.4m), this standout property underwent upgrades in 2017, including a new roof and improved freight elevators, ensuring it’s primed for development. Additionally, there’s the possibility of acquiring an adjoining lot, further expanding the development potential. With endless possibilities for transformation, this warehouse offers a rare opportunity to create something truly remarkable.
Brick warehouse, New York, USA: £1.8 million ($2.4m)
Listed on LoopNet for £1.8 million ($2.4m), this 1950s industrial warehouse building is a prized find nestled in the Bronx neighborhood of New York City, making it a highly coveted piece of real estate. Boasting a characterful brick exterior and original windows, the interior presents a blank canvas ripe for reimagination.
Encompassing an impressive 12,000 square feet spread across two floors, this property offers ample space at a competitive price point for its sought-after location in The Big Apple. Adding to its appeal, the building is conveniently situated within walking distance of several MTA subway stations and the commuter rail network, with John F. Kennedy International Airport reachable in under 30 minutes.
While the period property boasts a spacious and open-plan layout, the limited number of windows may give the interior a somewhat dim appearance. However, with the addition of more glazing, the space has the potential to become bright and airy, accentuated by its striking industrial features. With a touch of creativity, this space holds endless possibilities for transformation.
Waldo Works, London, UK: £2 million ($2.6m)
Located in London’s Kensal Green area, Waldo Road is undergoing a remarkable transformation from an industrial hub to a residential haven. Among the few remaining industrial spaces on the street, Waldo Works stands as a prime example, waiting to be revitalized.
Featuring an appealing stone facade, the property exudes potential at first glance. Inside, the expansive interior spans an impressive 1,720 square feet, offering a blank canvas for creative development. While plans for three residential apartments have been approved, we believe this space holds the promise of an exceptional single-family home as well.
Enhanced by a striking vaulted ceiling, the former industrial space showcases charming period features, including brick walls, steel framework, and natural concrete floors. Positioned just moments away from the coveted neighborhood of Notting Hill, Waldo Works presents an enticing opportunity. Currently listed for sale by Willmotts at £2 million ($2.6m), this property invites visionaries to seize its potential and transform it into something truly extraordinary.
Dragon’s Den warehouse, London, UK: £3.3 million ($4.3m)
Sharp-eyed readers will surely recognize this historic warehouse in Stoke Newington, London, as the former set of Dragon’s Den, the renowned UK TV show where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to secure investment. Currently listed for sale with Fyfe McDade at £3.3 million ($4.3m), this building dates back to 1890 and originally served as a furniture depository. For over two decades, it has played host to numerous films, TV shows, and photoshoots, lending its distinctive charm to each production.
Retaining its original allure, this Victorian property beckons to be transformed into a remarkable residence. The interior boasts generous proportions, abundant natural light, and an open-plan layout, with a wealth of exquisite original features still proudly on display. From timber sash windows and wooden ceiling beams to cast-iron pillars and radiators, every detail exudes timeless elegance, accentuated by exposed brickwork.
With over 6,000 square feet of living space to explore, highlighted by lofty ceilings and expansive glazing, the possibilities are endless. A heritage spiral staircase, steel shutters, and herringbone parquet flooring add a touch of drama, while the second floor features an exposed pitched timber roof – an ideal setting for a breathtaking master bedroom. Rarely do conversion opportunities of this caliber present themselves!
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