In a masterclass conversion, a Benton, Illinois, high school has been transformed into a grade-A mansion. The former Grant School has 10 beds, 4.5 bathrooms and 18,500 square feet of space, according to its realtor.com listing.
The estate comes with a two-acre lot and several original features, including the principal’s office and 100-year-old crown molding ceilings. The listing comes at a modest asking price of $199,900, which measures out to a relatively cheap $11 per square foot.
“A walk down memory lane with your childhood for many, as you view this historical icon of Benton!” the online listing said. “Grant School is on the Market and now available for the endless possibilities as far as your imagination can take you... The outside includes large amounts of parking, yard space, playground area, and Mr. A’s ORIGINAL very first hand-painted map. There are so many pieces of unique history in the halls and walls it is truly amazing.”
The property is technically zoned for commercial use, but an exception has been made for residential living.
As far as conversion home projects go, this one has thrown the internet for a loop.
“That place looks haunted already,” one commenter said. “This is how horror films are created.”
“It needs to be completely gutted, but that could actually be a pretty fun project,” another said.
It’s a listing that has seemingly horrified and excited viewers in equal parts. All the same, the 100-year-old high school turned massive home is on the market and ready to be renovated.
If it were up to internet commenter Tom, he would “buy just to break all the rules.”
Listing by Callie M Brown and H2 Realty Group
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