Herald Weekly

Travel

7 Converted Homes That Will Give You HGTV Vibes

| Ingrid Gorospe
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Most people will first book a place to stay in when planning a vacation. Once they have done that, they’ll create an itinerary of activities, ensuring every minute of the vacation is well spent. Sound familiar? These days, however, you can kill two birds with one stone. Check-out these transformed properties that you can rent.

Retrofitted Airplane in Costa Rica

Typically, one would ride an airplane to get to a destination. But stay in one during the entire vacation? That is exactly what you get in this unusual choice. Situated by the sea and rainforest, you get breathtaking views regardless of where you decide to look. This remarkable converted airplane comes with wingtip decks, a comfortable and dreamy Cockpit Cottage, not to mention sloths and monkeys just outside the windows. It is a place you will likely have trouble leaving, thanks to its unique charm.

Renovated Theater in Lee, MA

Once upon a time, this theater saw the likes of some rather special personalities as its patrons: Nikola Tesla, President McKinley, and Lord Kelvin were all former visitors of this historic structure. These days, anyone can rent the large 7,700 square foot playhouse. It has since been renovated to contain fine art within its confines, a couple of well-equipped kitchens, seven sleep ready rooms, a yoga studio, and tennis courts for the sports inclined. Need we also mention stupendous lakefront access? Yes!

Transformed Windmill in Greece

Presenting perhaps the most lavish windmill in existence. Located in Imerovigli, Greece, one can rent this converted windmill that offers unmatched 360-degree views of the neighboring vineyards, a pool with magnificent ocean sightlines, and delightful interiors with a homey touch that will immediately put you in state of unparalleled comfort and luxury.

Converted Winery in Sicily, Italy

For the wine-inclined, this place is as close to paradise as you will get. Located in romantic and famous Sicily, this converted winery farmhouse features modern touches, while still providing hints and accents of its history.  For instance, the original wine press remains present in the living area. For those wanting to explore, a casual stroll will easily lead you to restaurants and shops that are replete with Italian charm.

Renovated barn in Maple, WI

Situated beside Lake Superior in Wisconsin, this renovated barn can comfortably accommodate up to 20 people. It also has access to an isolated beach, in addition to 320 acres of forest, complete with hiking trails. You can even pick wild strawberries and raspberries as you walk along. One can also indulge in games right by the home’s cozy and warm stone fireplace.

Transformed Firehouse in New Orleans, LA

A converted firehouse is not likely a place that you would want to stay in. Not when you see this one in New Orleans. Formerly housing Engine 24 of the local Fire Department, the famous French Quarter is just a stone’s throw away, which is perfect. This rental has two private living areas, a courtyard featuring a fountain, and ample space for up to 14 people to bunk.

Converted Caboose in Clyde, NC

This is one train with a destination called pure fun. Based on a1960s-era train caboose, this unique vacation space situated in North Carolina provides all you will need for a great commune with nature. Rise in the morning to splendid sunrise views over the Smoky Mountains, take hikes in majestic surroundings, or roast what you fancy in the fire pit. There even is a herd of buffalo right outside the doorstep. Dog lovers will also like the fact that canines are welcome in this rustic retreat.

 The Wisdom Segment

  • I Sometime before his inauguration in 1929, Herbert Hoover bought around 164 acres worth of land in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to use as a presidential retreat, naming it Rapidan Camp. After failing to win his re-election in 1932, he donated it to the government, hoping his successors will use them well. However, Rapidan instead became part of Shenandoah National Park in the mid-1930s.
  • II The Little White House in Key West, Florida, was famous for holding presidential meetings while the U.S. president spends some winters there. It began in 1946, where Harry S. Truman was recommended by his doctor to spend his vacation in a warm place. It eventually became a public museum in 1987 on New Years Day.
  • III In 1950, prior to his presidency, Dwight Eisenhower bought a farm spanning 189 acres in Pennsylvania, right next to the Gettysburg Battlefield. Starting from 1953, as soon as he was inaugurated as the 34th U.S. president, he has used the farm as his go-to retreat until his death in 1969. Two years before his death, Eisenhower donated the place to the National Park Service.
  • IV Prior to becoming a National Historic Park in 1980, Lyndon Johnson, the 36th U.S. President, acquired this place from a relative in 1951, back when it was rundown. Ever since he became president, the ranch prospered and even raised high-quality cattle. Johnson back then would always drive his guests around in a Lincoln convertible.
  • V Richard Nixon had an affinity for waterfront estates, as shown in the purchase he made in Key Biscayne, Florida. was a ranch-style home that was bought in the same year he started his presidency. Dubbed the Winter White House, it included a floating helipad and a private beach, both were which were paid for by the government.
  • VI Before Camp David became the go-to U.S. presidential retreat, it was originally called Hi-Catoctin, a camp for federal government agents and their families. However, it was renamed to Shangri-La in 1942 by Franklin Roosevelt and converted into a presidential retreat. It was only given its current name when Eisenhower became president, naming it in honor of both his father and grandson.

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