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Get out your Ouija boards and crystal balls. That’s what it might take to solve the double past lives of these unique homes.
On the outside, they all have the appearance of single-family homes. But upon closer investigation, it’s pretty clear these interesting structures were originally designed for different purposes, and were home to other sorts of tenants — like school kids, congregants and even missiles! Don’t believe us? Step inside!Missile Silo Home
(below)For sale: $750,000 Want the ultimate conversation piece? How about living in a home on the that was once secure enough to hold a missile (above). Although there is a small, “decoy” home above ground, the main living areas lie 35 feet underground in a nuclear- and earthquake-proof space. Once the missile command center, the area has been transformed into a comfortable space with 4 bedrooms, kitchen, and living room. The that once held the U.S. military’s Atlas missile.
Former Firehouse
Recently sold: $875,000
Schoolhouse Rock
For sale: $2.3 million This stunning property in (above) gives little hint to its historic past as a schoolhouse and teacher’s residence. The 4,870-square-foot limestone home has been generously expanded and features an open floor plan with high ceilings and enormous glass sliding doors that lead to patios and the rectilinear pool.
Guest Caboose
For sale: $395,000 A classic bungalow in Atlanta is attractive enough on its own, but it comes with the added bonus of an unusual guest house that is a cozy as, well, a caboose! Painted and completely renovated, the caboose guest house has a kitchenette, small living area and nook-sized bedroom.
Modern Wares
Currently off the market The steel, concrete and pipes of a warehouse (above) were transformed into chic accents for this modern home on the . Built as a warehouse in the 1960s, the home has been customized into a 4,704-square-foot living space with high ceilings and large windows.
Barn-livin’
For sale: $339,000 No need to make room for farm animals in this barn. The (above) was once a Civil War-era barn and much of that character was retained in the renovation. Built in 1865, the barn was converted to a “sunlight” 3-bedroom home in 1996.
Former Storefront
For sale: $895,000 This storefront (above) was home to several different kinds of shops over the years, but it has settled into its latest incarnation as a single-family home. The attractive conversion can’t hide its past, though, which is nice given its dramatic 20-foot-ceilings, “restaurant-grade” kitchen and roof-top terrace.
Forest Ranger Station
For sale: $359,000 Not only is this cabin nearly 100 years old, it was also once a forest ranger station serving the Sawtooth Wilderness, declared by the U.S. government to have “.” The converted 3-bedroom home sits on a third of an acre and includes beach access to the Twin Lakes.
Unique Church
Pending sale: $789,000 When it was first constructed in 1907, this church served as a religious gathering place for decades – that is, until a couple of artists bought it and decided to transform the into a home that showcases their art and whimsical collections. The details include a tricycle wall, a giant swing in the former sanctuary and a baptismal font-turned-bathroom. (See more about the ).
Factory Flair
For sale: $649,000 Many East Coasters have taken advantage of the brick and stone warehouses left over from an industrial age long gone, turning them into luxury condos and apartments. This (above) is located in a former furniture factory and warehouse. The 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo has 12-foot high ceilings, recessed lighting and an updated kitchen with gas range and granite countertops. Related:
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