Unconventional Homes

Living in a converted windmill might sound incredibly romantic, but doing so presents a unique set of challenges. One of the main issues is the circular layout of the rooms, which makes buying standard furniture almost impossible; everything has to be custom-made at considerable expense. Despite this, the uninterrupted views across the surrounding countryside from the top floor are truly spectacular. Heating such an old structure during the winter months can be extremely costly, as the thick stone walls take a long time to warm up. However, for those who appreciate historical architecture, preserving such a unique local landmark makes all the hard work worthwhile, even if it means sacrificing some modern conveniences.

When an abandoned lighthouse went up for sale on the rocky coastline, many thought it was a terrible investment due to its remote location. The property can only be accessed by a narrow dirt path, making the delivery of groceries and post a weekly struggle. However, the isolation provides a perfect refuge for its residents, who value the guaranteed peace and quiet it offers away from city life. Renovating the structure involved battling severe weather conditions, and on several occasions, work was delayed for weeks because of fierce storms. Today, the thick glass windows afford breathtaking views of the crashing waves, providing constant inspiration to the artists who now call it home.

Swapping a traditional house for a life on a narrowboat appeals to those seeking a slower pace of life. Being able to constantly change your surroundings by cruising along the canal network is a major attraction, allowing residents to wake up in a different village every week. The biggest compromise, undoubtedly, is the severe lack of storage space, which forces owners to severely limit their personal possessions and adopt a minimalist lifestyle. Furthermore, maintaining the vessel requires regular and sometimes unpleasant physical labour, such as emptying the sanitary tanks and repainting the hull each year. Nevertheless, there is a strong sense of community among the people who live on the waterways, always ready to assist their neighbours.

Constructed entirely using recycled materials, the residential treehouse is suspended fifteen metres above the forest floor. It was built specifically to have zero impact on the surrounding woodland, utilizing solar panels for electricity and a sophisticated rainwater harvesting system. While the daily climb up the steep wooden staircase requires a good level of fitness, the resulting privacy is unmatched. Living in such close proximity to nature means waking up to the sound of birdsong, though it also means occasionally sharing the balcony with curious wildlife. The structure sways gently during high winds, something that took the owners months to get used to, but it has now become a soothing feature of their unusual dwelling.