When people think about real estate investing, the same ideas usually come up. A house in the suburbs. A beachfront vacation home. An apartment in New York City. Those choices make sense. They’re familiar. They feel safe.
But real estate doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Your lifestyle matters. So does how you actually live day-to-day. Some investments work better when they match how you want to spend your time. That’s where unconventional properties come in. Looking for a real estate investment that matches your hobbies? Here are seven unconventional options you might like.
Mixed-Use Properties in Trendy Neighborhoods
Mixed-use properties combine living spaces with retail or office areas. The upstairs is your home. Then, you rent out the ground floor. You could also lease both for a consistent cash flow. The architecture varies, from modern lofts to historic brick buildings.
These properties let you maximize rental property value. You attract residents and businesses at the same time. A lively neighborhood adds appeal. Think coffee shops on the corner. Street art outside your window. Easy walkable access to amenities. They’re terrific for young professionals looking for a dynamic urban lifestyle. They’re even better for investors looking for steady income.
Glamping Sites for Adventure
Glamping sites mix luxury and wilderness. Think tall tents with beds. It oozes with ease. That’s thanks to private bathrooms and electricity. Wooden decks make it even cozier. Fire pits with plush seating, too. It’s perfect for camping lovers who still want comfort.
You can find tons of these sites in upstate New York. Pitch elevated tents with mountain views in the Catskills. The Adirondacks in autumn provide vibrant foliage and crisp air. Each location can be rented seasonally. Or, you can use them for personal escapes. These sites combine the great outdoors with easy luxury.
Converted Barns in Rural Towns
Converted barns are essentially old farm buildings turned into homes. They keep the farm’s high ceilings. They also typically have details like exposed wooden beams. Large windows bring in natural light. Open layouts make the space feel airy. Many keep rustic elements like wood floors and sliding barn doors.
These properties are perfect for those who want country living with charm. You can use them as a primary home. Maybe a weekend retreat when you want to escape the city. Some owners rent them out for weddings. In these ranch-inspired properties, life slows down. But comfort and modern amenities are still there.
Park Model Homes for Nature Lovers
Love escaping to nature, but don’t want to sacrifice comfort? A park model home might be for you. They’re compact and therefore easy to maintain. They often have full kitchens and comfy beds. You could even set up a homey living area for lounging. These homes feel like a cozy cabin on wheels. The best part? You can place them in the woods or by a lake.
You can have one near you upstate, nestled in the woods. You wake up to morning mist in the mountains. If you want an adventurous cross-country adventure each time you visit, consider park model homes for sale in Idaho. Imagine a small, cozy getaway set against the Rockies. Trails and rivers are just steps away. It’s a home away from home.
Boathouses for Coastal Living
Boathouses aren’t just for storing boats. They also offer a coastal lifestyle. Imagine water always at your doorstep. Sunlight glints off the surface. The air smells like the sea. Inside, spruce up the place with nautical decor. Think rope accents and navy stripes.
Investing in a boathouse means you always have access to the water. You can fish right from your dock. Launch a kayak or paddleboard anytime. Entertain friends with views that feel like a postcard. Rent it out for extra income. Or, keep it as your own sanctuary by the harbor.
Converted Shipping Container Homes
Shipping containers are usually used for cargo. But they can also be turned into modern, compact homes. They use recycled steel and minimize the need for new materials. That makes them eco-friendly. Design them to be sleek and industrial. You could also go the more cozy and artistic route. Either pairs well with the exterior look.
These homes are great for personal use or rentals. Urban areas offer high demand. Rural spots give peace and privacy. A container home is also more affordable than traditional builds. It’s a way to live smarter and more sustainably.
An Off-Grid Desert Retreat
A property in the desert feels like nowhere else. Solar panels power the home. Water tanks make it self-sufficient. The building blends into sandy dunes and rock formations. Ride windows frame the skies. In the morning, you can watch the sunrise from your deck. In the evenings, the sky’s full of stars. You’re away from the city. It’s a full disconnect.
Investing here gives you freedom. Hike nearby canyons. Explore endless dunes. It can be your own private escape. When you’re in the city for long periods, rent it out as a vacation getaway. It’s perfect for adventurers craving solitude.
Conclusion
The unconventional properties above show that real estate investments can be creative. You can pick something that suits how you actually live. A park model home for nature. A charming barn converted into a house. A glamping site to rent out. Each option offers something different. Something personal.
Investing this way lets you enjoy life while your property grows in value. You might discover a new community. You might create a getaway you can return to year after year. The best real estate investments are the ones you actually use. Ones you actually love.