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Not every great stay involves a hotel or vacation rental. Sometimes, the most memorable nights happen inside places you’d never expect—like a decommissioned firehouse, a century-old church, or a converted school. Across the globe, these historic spaces are being reimagined into stunning stays full of charm and story. Here are 12 former churches, schools, and fire stations you can actually book for a truly unique escape.
St. Curig’s Church Wales, UK
This 19th-century church nestled in the Snowdonia mountains has been reimagined into a stunning guesthouse. Vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and even the original altar remain, but now you’ll also find cozy beds and a hot tub with views of the hills. Ideal for hikers and history buffs alike, it’s a rare blend of ancient reverence and modern comfort—without feeling overly polished or commercial.
Red Schoolhouse Inn Wisconsin, USA
This bright red, one-room schoolhouse has been lovingly turned into a rustic escape in the Wisconsin countryside. Original chalkboards and hardwood floors set the scene, but modern upgrades like a whirlpool tub and kitchenette make it truly inviting. Whether you’re booking a romantic weekend or nostalgic solo retreat, it strikes the perfect balance between simple charm and thoughtful detail.
The Firehouse Hotel Los Angeles, USA
Once a 1920s fire station, this boutique hotel in LA’s Arts District oozes industrial flair with a creative edge. Think red doors, polished concrete floors, and nods to its emergency-services past—but with curated art and craft cocktails now taking center stage. It’s walkable to galleries and trendy dining, making it ideal for travelers who love atmosphere with their accommodations.
Chapel on the Hill North Yorkshire, UK
This former Methodist chapel now sleeps up to seven guests and retains its original arched windows and wooden pews. The main worship hall is now a vast living space with modern amenities, cozy rugs, and plush furniture. Outside, rolling English countryside stretches for miles, creating a peaceful, off-the-grid retreat that feels both grounded in history and refreshingly open.
The Old Schoolhouse Provence, France
Tucked into a tiny Provençal village, this renovated schoolhouse mixes rustic beams, terracotta tiles, and a courtyard shaded by olive trees. It’s the kind of place that practically demands long lunches, slow mornings, and evening strolls through lavender fields. The blackboard may now list wine suggestions, but its roots as a place of learning still subtly shape its warm, welcoming energy.
Engine Co. No. 28 San Francisco, USA
This historic firehouse-turned-rental brings vintage charm with serious West Coast attitude. Original fire poles and brickwork set the mood, while plush furnishings, a chef’s kitchen, and rooftop views elevate the experience. Located just blocks from iconic San Francisco sights, it’s perfect for families or groups looking to experience the city from a place with true character.
St. Mary’s Space Isle of Skye, Scotland
This peaceful retreat on the windswept Isle of Skye began as a small, rural church. Today, it’s a modernist sanctuary for artists and thinkers—outfitted with minimalist furniture, a grand piano, and endless views of moody skies and rugged hills. There’s no Wi-Fi, no TV—just space to write, create, and reset. A stay here is less about tourism and more about retreat.
Little Pink Schoolhouse Ontario, Canada
Painted bubblegum pink and surrounded by pines, this one-room schoolhouse is a cheerful escape from the city. Inside, the vibe is vintage-cottage-meets-art-classroom, with playful decor, reclaimed furniture, and a wood-burning stove. It’s an ideal spot for couples or solo travelers who crave cozy seclusion with a dose of nostalgia, without totally disconnecting from the modern world.
The Converted Fire Station Melbourne, Australia
This architect-redesigned firehouse is now a sleek, multi-level urban oasis. The former truck bay has been turned into an open-plan kitchen and living room, with large steel doors opening to a private courtyard. Upstairs, stylish bedrooms and an art-filled hallway offer quiet comfort. Located in the heart of Fitzroy, it’s the perfect base for design lovers and city explorers alike.
The Old Church House County Kerry, Ireland
Originally built in the 1800s, this stone church has been lovingly restored into a spacious country home. The altar is now a reading nook, the pulpit a bookshelf. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in light, and the surrounding landscape is pure Irish postcard—green fields, grazing sheep, and rolling hills. It’s the kind of place that feels sacred, even without the sermons.
The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu Beijing, China
Steps from the Great Wall, this former village school is now a creative retreat with sustainability at its core. Locally sourced materials, solar power, and farm-to-table dining reflect its eco-conscious ethos. Rooms are airy and artistic, with views of the mountains beyond. It’s part guesthouse, part cultural project—where staying supports rural development and offers real local connection.
Firehouse Loft Brooklyn New York, USA
Tucked in a historic Brooklyn firehouse, this loft rental is all exposed brick, cast iron, and urban cool. High ceilings and vintage firehouse doors set the tone, while leather sofas, plants, and an old piano make it feel like a creative’s dream apartment. You’re minutes from Prospect Park and the best of Brooklyn’s cafes. It’s perfect for travelers who want heritage with edge.