From our previous property profiles you know that we are huge proponents of adaptive-reuse over here at Find Everything Historic. Old-with-new is our renovation mantra: take an historic structure with tons of period character in whatever shape and rock it out with a new design that makes it appealing to today’s buyers but at the same time respects architectural context and history. Sometimes, with the new historic property listings on our site, we see this careful balance of old-with-new hit so far out of the park that we just had to round up the best-of-the-best for you this Friday.
So here you go: Our most unique historic property conversions that have completely re-envisioned historic, outdated structures, rocked their interiors to modern day standards, and in the process continued to prove that building new is not always necessary. All of this week’s properties are currently for sale except for one special conversion that is now a boutique inn.
Historic Casa California
Historic Casa California is a rare southern California 1920’s stone hunting lodge located in Malibu’s Cowboy Playground. This historic compound is amazing with 20 acres, an orchard, barn, a corral and a historic property marker. The property is also graced with waterfall views of Ballard Mountain and offers a singular inholding in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area. The main lodge still possesses many of its original details including original Malibu tile, beamed ceilings and iron details throughout. Each room opens up to the gorgeous patio that has a fountain, a pond and a stone fireplace for great indoor/outdoor living and entertaining. The property also boasts a bunkhouse style guesthouse, a three care garage and caretaker apartment. As if that were not enough the property also has a stunning pool, hot tub, sauna and extended outdoor entertaining space and a separate pool house. This historic conversion is gorgeous on the inside and out and whoever gets to live here next is lucky indeed!
The Inn At Cuckolds Lighthouse
The Inn at Cuckholds Lighthouse is a masterfully-restored 1892 historic lighthouse on an island off the coast of Southport, Maine that is now a luxury boutique inn. This conversion took all of ten years and over twenty different government agencies to work with to get this recent restoration and renovation complete, which is a story onto itself that we will cover in the near future. This luxurious inn now offers two beautifully appointed suites with 360 degree views of breathtaking open ocean. For the ultimate experience with privacy the entire inn and by extension island, can be bought out completely for you and your guests. Enjoy the luxury, the history and the waves crashing up against the rocks as you decompress at this one of a kind getaway that will be sure to get you relaxed and create lasting memories for you and loved ones.
Moses Pyne Estate
Originally the greenhouses of the historic Moses Pyne Estate, which is now the New Jersey Governor’s mansion known as Drumthwacket and dates back to 1880. This conversion and addition have stayed true to the property’s Quaker roots from a design perspective while also adding more space and modern conveniences like a to-die-for master suite and bath that we wrote about in a recent Dreamy Master Suites post touting the design. This is a rare opportunity to buy a fantastic property that blends old with new seamlessly on land that was formerly owned by William Penn. This property offers over an acre and a half of beautifully landscaped grounds and is in walking distance to fabulous locally owned retailers, restaurants, boutiques and all of the other conveniences that adorable downtown Princeton, New Jersey has to offer.
Ridgefield Saw Mill
This historic 1716 saw mill on 1.81 acres was the key element to the 18th and 19th century complex that once thrived in Ridgefield, Connecticut. This property has undergone an extraordinary architectural-designed renovation that respects and retains many of the original working mill details that are three hundred years old into the current layout and design. The man-made mill pond cascades down almost twenty-five feet to create a rushing stream which passes by the private stone terrace and the lower level of the home giving this space a unique feel of being one with nature. The spectacular, two-story circular window designed by architect Kenneth Lange is a unique architectural detail that adds to the vintage character of original exposed beams, rich hardwood floors, and welcoming, working, wood-burning fireplaces that create the perfect combination of Connecticut and industrial history with understated modern luxury.
Alta Loma Fire House
Own a piece of southern California history. Built by the local community in 1938 as a social hall and firehouse, this historic property has been lovingly re-imagined into a spectacular residence and art studio by the current owners. The lower level offers three separate living spaces currently used as an artists’ studio and a wonderful open kitchen with gorgeous cabinetry and granite countertops. Upstairs what once was the social hall has been transformed into an amazing living space with the help of architect Roberto Pacheco designed to retain the integrity of the open community center space while creating the intimacy necessary for family living. An island with bedroom, office and bath were created using Japanese shoji doors with stretched laminate silk insets. Open beamed ceilings, original knotty pine panels, hardwood floors, beautiful floor to ceiling wood/glass doors open to the spacious balcony that complete the upper residence.
