Converted properties: Changing spaces

St Levan, Penzance. There's something a bit Telly-Tubby about this second world war bunker transformed into a four-bedroom "house" in Penzance. It's a hideout that would suit camera-avoiding celebs with £425,000 to spare. There are no windows to be papped through, and light permeates the bunker via sci-fi sun tubes. If you crave fresh air, climb on to the grass-covered roof, from which you'll have views over the Land's End coastline.
Stratton Creber, 01736 360070
Photograph: Stratton Creber

Mayfield, East Sussex. If you thought barn conversions were all cosy and cutesy, think again. This one is huge, with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two reception rooms and a kitchen diner. Clad in weatherboard, the original structure dates back to 1850. From the massive glass entrance, you can look across a rural setting. Included in the £1.25m price, you also get two smaller cottages and a two-bedroom lodge.
Freeman Forman, 01435 873803
Photograph: Freeman Forman

Wandsworth, London. Who knew school could be this cool? Once part of a school house, this is now a hip London loft apartment. The hardwood floors would be enough to seduce anyone looking for a lavish party pad. At £1.15m, you get three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an absolutely huge reception room with an open-plan kitchen.
Unique Property Company, 0870 900 4050
Photograph: Unique Property Company

Battersea, London. What was once a library in south London is now an achingly cool loft apartment. At £850,000, this two-bedroom flat is seriously top-end. The double heighted reception room is windowed on one side from floor to ceiling, flooding it with light. Wander through the back and you'll find a wet room next to a stylish kitchen; head up the designer staircase to the master suite – complete with Jacuzzi bath – and relive a little of its bookish charm in the mezzanine study.
Douglas & Gordon, 0207 720 8077D
Photograph: Douglas & Gordon

Eynesbury, St Neots. There's not a blackboard in sight at this converted primary school, which has been beautifully restored into a four-bed family home. Easily the star of this £550,000 house is the 22-foot kitchen, with its huge stained glass arch windows and exposed brickwork, leading into an open-plan lounge. Upstairs, there's a galleried sitting room overlooking the living area below, and bedrooms with vaulted ceilings and beams.
Taylors, 01234 325081
Photograph: Taylors

Holland Park, London. This £3.45m conversion is magically unconventional and full of quirky details. Once a church organ factory, it is now a three-storey, sprawling four-bedroom home. One of the three reception rooms takes up the entire third floor. The interiors might not be to everyone's taste: a mismatched blend of old and new that's a little over the top, but if you're looking for something original, you can't go far wrong.
Unique Property Company, 0870 900 4050
Photograph: Unique Property Company

Harlow, Essex. This charming £795,000 honey-stone former chapel avoids the heavy Gothic interiors of most church conversions. Inside, it's whitewashed and airy with a contemporary feel. There's underfloor heating beneath the flag tiled floors and every leaded arch window is lit from above with spotlights. What was once the minstrel gallery is now a fabulous hexagonal landing, with arched windows all around – look down, and you'll see straight into the dining room; look up and you'll be gazing into the impressive tower. Three of the four bedrooms have vaulted ceilings. Heavenly.
Hetheringtons, 01992 815314
Photograph: Hetheringtons