10 schools that have been turned into homes
School's out, homeowners are in
Property developers have a knack for turning old buildings into stunning homes and these school conversions are no exception. With their high ceilings, period features and huge rooms, it's clear why these former places of education appeal to fans of a fixer upper. Let's take a class in imaginative renovations and explore these unique properties...
Converted Victorian school, Essex, UK
This building in the Essex town of Colchester, UK, had several former lives before it was turned into a stylish home. After years being used as a schoolhouse it was donated to the church and then finally converted into a private apartment.
Converted Victorian school, Essex, UK
Occupying the first floor of the building, the home retains many of the original architectural features. Centred around an open-plan kitchen, living and dining room, the space boasts exposed eaves, a pitched roof and a trio of high arched windows that flood the former schoolhouse with bags of light.
Converted Victorian school, Essex, UK
With three bedrooms, the home features white floorboards in the main living space and soft neutral carpets. Located away from the communal areas, one of the bedrooms boasts a mezzanine level, while another has an ensuite bathroom.
Converted Victorian school, Essex, UK
A terrace with wrought iron railings looks out over St Botolph's, a priory church. An example of early Norman architecture, the incredible ruin is an impressive sight to have from your patio!
City conversion, New York, USA
Built in 1908 as a private school, this red brick, Gothic-style building was transformed into a 13-unit residential building in 2019. With white stone trim, owl gargoyles and turrets, the unique exterior makes it an incredible fairytale home.
City conversion, New York, USA
Inside, the apartments feature soaring ceilings and tall windows, which would have been as perfect for classrooms, as much as they are for high-end living.
City conversion, New York, USA
The luxurious kitchen features marble and wood finishes as well as a centre island and breakfast bar. A small dining table sits at the other end of the space so you can cook, serve and eat with little effort!
City conversion, New York, USA
Spread over eight floors, the building also features a whole host of luxury amenities including a solarium penthouse on the top level, which was once a basketball court, a fitness centre, recreation room with a bar and resident bike storage.
Houlihan Lawrence / Zillow
Tiny schoolhouse conversion, New York, USA
This converted schoolhouse might be tiny, but doesn't sacrifice on style. Built in 1860, the 720-square-foot property is located in the quaint hamlet of Elizaville in New York, and really is the ultimate tiny home.
Houlihan Lawrence / Zillow
Tiny schoolhouse conversion, New York, USA
Inside, the one bedroom, one-bathroom home features an open-plan layout. Recently updated, it now features plenty of windows that flood it with light and a small living space that connects to the upper level via a wooden staircase. Warm wooden flooring completes the traditional style.
Houlihan Lawrence / Zillow
Tiny schoolhouse conversion, New York, USA
Beyond the open-plan living space there's a small kitchen with two-tone emerald green and white space-saving cabinets and white metro tiles for a modern but timeless look. If you love a quirky property, this one is hard to beat!
Houlihan Lawrence / Zillow
Tiny schoolhouse conversion, New York, USA
While upstairs, the attic bedroom has enough space for a double bed and even has an air-conditioning unit for those hot summer evenings. Perhaps not suitable for the taller homeowner, the slanted ceiling does add lots of adorable character to this irresistible schoolhouse.
Grade II-listed school, Hastings, UK
This Grade II-listed converted home is part of a former Victorian school located right near Hastings historic Old Town. With a red brick facade, huge arched windows and a tower, the former school has now been renovated into a stunning home.
Grade II-listed school, Hastings, UK
Inside, the conversion has managed to retain the classic charm and character throughout, including these original floor tiles in the hallway. The high ceilings have the addition of modern spotlights, while the walls have been painted in a warm cream to brighten up what could be a dark space.
Grade II-listed school, Hastings, UK
The living room is kept light and airy with white walls and oak flooring. The new design uses the original arched windows and wooden shutters to root this building in its Victorian past.
Grade II-listed school, Hastings, UK
The kitchen has been knocked through to create an open-plan cooking, eating and dining area complete with period details like the lovely stone floor tiles and cast iron radiators.
Rustic country school, Limousin, France
What would you do with this beautiful old French school building in the rural heart of the Limousin region of central France? This lovingly renovated property has managed to keep its character and charm along with lots of original features that nod to its time spent as a place of learning.
Rustic country school, Limousin, France
The stunning handmade country-style kitchen is overlooked by the mezzanine level where you can see the exposed wall constructed from local stone. The pale turquoise cabinets make a great contrast to the Portuguese slate flooring, turning what is a large cold space into a warm and cheery kitchen that's perfect for entertaining.
Rustic country school, Limousin, France
The three-bedroom, three-bathroom property offers open views from the living area over the stunning French countryside. Original oak flooring and wood-burning stove are sympathetic to the traditional French country style.
Rustic country school, Limousin, France
As well as the beautiful house there is also a stunning swimming pool surrounded by beautiful gardens - not something the pupils had in their day, we're sure.
St. Oswald’s Place, London, UK
This old schoolhouse in south-east London is a Grade II-listed building with a story to tell. Built in 1861 as a school, it has since been split into six apartments with a communal garden by renowned architect Tony Fretton.
St. Oswald’s Place, London, UK
As an old school conversion, the property boasts exceptionally high ceilings and large windows, with enough space for a mezzanine room above the living area.
St. Oswald’s Place, London, UK
The two-bedroom, two bathroom apartment also features an added studio space for creative types and a kitchen that overlooks the private courtyard.
St. Oswald’s Place, London, UK
Having been modernised the home now features an exceptional contemporary glass-roofed extension. Set back from the road in a secluded pocket backed by Vauxhall City Farm, it's the ultimate city retreat.
Historic schoolhouse, Connecticut, USA
An American classic, this stunning two-bedroom property in the town of Litchfield in Connecticut was built in 1896. What was once a school house, the historical structure retains its old bell tower, while featuring an antique barn at the back.
Historic schoolhouse, Connecticut, USA
Though the original school interior has been transformed into a modern home, there are still signs that the historic Milton schoolhouse welcomed in the pitter patter of school children in an age gone by.
Historic schoolhouse, Connecticut, USA
The restored interior features 12-foot-high ceilings and a modern open-plan layout on the lower floor that boasts a luxury kitchen with French doors that lead out to a stone balcony.
Historic schoolhouse, Connecticut, USA
With just over half an acre of land to admire autumnal views from, this simple, but sweet property makes quite the praiseworthy home.
Old school library apartment, London, UK
This historic building in east London was formerly a grand school that has now been converted into apartments. Set back from the road and surrounded by a red brick wall, the opulent building is now the ultimate luxury living space.
Old school library apartment, London, UK
As you approach the main entrances you can't help but notice the relics of this building's former life; most notably the traditional separate ‘Girls’ and ‘Boys’ doorways that are typical of old Victorian school architecture.
Old school library apartment, London, UK
Step into the communal corridor and you will instantly recognise the old classroom entrances, which have been turned into fabulous front doors for the apartments.
Old school library apartment, London, UK
Inside the one-bed apartment, which is located in the old school library, is a whole world away from a space of learning. With a contemporary minimalist feel, you would barely tell that the space once housed thousands of children’s books.
Coombs schoolhouse, California, USA
Completed in 2009, the former Coombs School in California was an empty educational space before it underwent substantial renovations in its transition from country school to Wine Country retreat.
Coombs schoolhouse, California, USA
The gated 1.4-acre property features its own personal vineyard, vegetable garden and seasonal creek. It's the perfect home for a foodie who wants to grow their own produce while drinking in the views.
Coombs schoolhouse, California, USA
It may look small but in fact, this deceptively large building has three bedrooms and 3,000 square feet of floor space. The land also comes with a separate guest house, which is sure to come in handy when the visitors start arriving to see this amazing place for themselves!
Coombs schoolhouse, California, USA
The windows and back extension provide plenty of light inside, which is only boosted by the light décor. Made up of wood, cream and hints of citrus colours, the property really feels like it is in the heart of wine country.
Victorian school conversion, London, UK
Redeveloped in the 1990s, glorious period features are at every turn in this luxury, double-height school conversion, which has been split into several apartments in Brixton, London.
Victorian school conversion, London, UK
Beautiful arched windows and hardwood flooring hint at this building's former life as a place of education. Bright and airy, this central London apartment is a rare find.
Victorian school conversion, London, UK
The epic master bedroom is decorated in a neutral palette with bespoke built-in wardrobes and two arched windows at one end of the room. It also has an ensuite bathroom complete with a jacuzzi bath; a luxurious touch matches the high-end finish of this amazing converted space.
Victorian school conversion, London, UK
In the kitchen, the curved centre island sets the theme for the rest of the property and is home to a double hob and extractor fan. The thing that really hits home is just how much space you get in a building like this. Are you ready to go back to school?