From Public Space To Humble Abode: The Growing Popularity Of Converted Homes

If you're a fan of the many home design programmes (think Grand Designs or George Clarke's Amazing Spaces), then you'll know that almost any space has the potential to be converted into a humble abode.

And it seems like these programmes have started something of a major trend; a trend that has seen people ditching the classic terraced property and instead opting for new, innovative ways of living. Indeed, there have been some amazing – if not slightly crazy –home conversions: from public loos to whole aeroplanes, here's a pick of our favourites:

London's loos

Toilets are perhaps one of the last places you'd imagine resting your head at night. But, many derelict public loos around the capital are being transformed into quaint, contemporary living spaces for city dwellers.

Back in 2011, architect Laura Clark told her friends and family that she planned to live in a block of London loos; to which they thought she had gone potty (pun intended). But, despite being advised against it, Laura bought the disused public convenience and transformed the building into a modern, practical home.

The public toilets were originally built in 1929 and hadn't been in use for over 20 years, which was evident from the city's rubbish that was stacked to the ceilings. Laura admits that the restoration was hard graft; but with the whole project only costing £65,000, it's an extremely cheap price to pay for living in the heart of London. Take a look at some of the photos here.

Shipping containers

Once used for hauling goods overseas, shipping containers are now being snapped up by people on the hunt for a unique abode. All shipping containers have a shelf life, and once their days at sea are over they are simply stored away. In fact, it's estimated that there are around 24 million empty containers around the world, but now they are starting to be put to good use.

The rectangular containers are cheap to buy yet extremely practical; they are made from flood and fire proof materials, so it's easy to see why people are creating homes from them. But, one container on its own may be too compact and bijoux for some, so that's why many people have taken to creating multi-container homes by stacking and attaching them together. Take a look at these fantastic shipping container homes from around the world.

Railway carriages

In stations up and down the country, old train carriages are left to rust. But, many people are realising that they can make good use of them by turning them into homes. The carriages offer ample – if not a little elongated – space to live in.

One couple from Cornwall bought a disused train for £170, which they have now converted into self-catering holiday accommodation for people staying in St Germans. You can read the story and see the pictures here.

Water tower

Proving that pretty much any space can be lived in, a water tower built back in 1877 was converted into an unconventional London home in 2008. The building stands at 99 feet tall with walls that are 5 foot thick. The home is set over eight floors connected by a central lift; with the top reception room offering 360 degree views over the capital.

The Venetian-style tower, which featured on Grand Designs, was in dire straits when it was initially bought, having to undergo extensive restoration work. You can take a look at the amazing transformation here.

Aeroplane

What do you do with a grounded plane? Turn it in to a fully-functioning living space, of course. In Costa Rica, the Hotel Costa Verde takes the form of a decommissioned 1965 Boeing aeroplane, which was rescued from rusting away in a plane graveyard in San Jose. The plane is perched on a 50-foot pedestal, offering guests an uninterrupted view of the ocean. Read the whole story on the hotel's website.

When it comes to home conversions, the above go to show than anything is possible. But, whether you live in converted containers or transformed toilets, you still need to make sure you and all your belongings are well-protected, which means taking out quality home insurance. Home insurance is guaranteed to give you peace of mind, wherever it is that you call home.