According to some people, old churches are the number one building type being converted into homes by families desiring to save historic structures and live in something a little different. That statement surprised me a little as I thought old barns would always head up the list, but perhaps theyve been passed or possibly the realtor just made the statement to make the church/home conversion he had listed more attractive although its difficult to believe a realtor might exaggerate the truth to sell a home.

Many years ago, before I ever considered a career in construction, I recall leafing through a magazine and coming upon an article about an old barn that had been converted into a New England home. The barn conversion exemplified everything I thought a home should be back in those days and my beliefs havent changed that much all these years later. I can still remember the rustic wood siding, the standing seam metal roof, and the heavy rough hewn beams that crossed the home above the main living area as if the magazine was in front of me right now.

Evidently my taste in homes isnt all that rare as quite a few people take the plunge and turn old barns into their homes. A 200 year old barn/home conversion in Maine isnt exactly like the pictures I recall from my magazine, but its pretty darn close  the before and after photos are amazing. If your tastes arent as rustic as mine, you might find a conversion in the Netherlands a little more attractive. Actually in this conversion the barn was taken down and replaced by new construction that joined the old farmhouse and its surrounding sheds and outbuildings. Its a little too modern for me I prefer my barn/home conversions to retain a little more of the character and charm of the old barn. What do you think?

Water tower living

You might be wondering if water tower living is right for you and if thats the case, rent a Huntington Beach, California tower for a week and see what you think. The tower was originally built in 1830, the views are said to be spectacular, and it offers the ultimate in private sunbathing.

If you could see yourself living in a converted water tower and want to pursue it further, my only advice would be to make sure theres room in your budget for an elevator or be ready to get into the best cardiovascular shape of your life.