Top-secret bunkers transformed into beautiful homes

Super-secure structures that went from drab to fab

These former military spaces and fortified bomb shelters have been given a new lease of life. Transformed into unique residences, we've rounded up the most ambitious home conversion projects ranging from stylish city retreats to sprawling subterranean mansions featuring swimming pools, saunas and private vaults for your prized possessions.

Read on to explore the coolest bunker homes from around the world...

The Transmitter Bunker, Dorset, UK

Once condemned by architects as ‘oppressive’ and ‘windowless’, this abandoned Second World War bunker is now a cosy holiday home with beautiful coastal views. The earth-sheltered property features a floor-to-ceiling glazed façade that floods the revamped concrete structure with natural light and its once-dank interiors are now expertly appointed with plush furnishings.

The Transmitter Bunker, Dorset, UK

The Grade II-listed bunker is nestled in the countryside of Dorset in the southwest of England and was once part of the RAF Ringstead radar station, one of a number of similar structures in the surrounding area.

Today, however, the site has been reimagined as a charming two-bedroom home, complete with a kitchen, living room, dining area and bathroom.

The Transmitter Bunker, Dorset, UK

Architect Johnny Plant told the BBC that when the property was first discovered it was "a derelict bunker, pretty much buried, very damp and very dark”. It took an extensive amount of labour to bring the abandoned shell up to modern standards. “We've stripped it all back, waterproofed it and insulated it”, Plant explained.

The Transmitter Bunker, Dorset, UK

It was important to Plant to maintain the integrity and “essence” of the structure throughout the renovation. "We had to create this opening to look out to the bay but, rather than putting a standard set of doors in, we thought we'd create this blast opening into the wall which plays into the story of it being a bunker”, he told the BBC.

The Transmitter Bunker, Dorset, UK

Equipped with amenities including a Smart TV and a wood-burning stove, the cosy Airbnb bunker is the ideal rural retreat.

At the front of the property, there's an enclosed patio that's sheltered from the wind by the bunker's thick stone walls. The scenic spot benefits from fabulous views across the rolling fields and out towards the ocean.

1970s underground retreat, Nevada, USA

Located in an affluent neighbourhood of Las Vegas, Nevada, a seemingly normal home hides a big secret. In addition to a large ground-level residence, the plot conceals a surprise second home hidden.

Located some 26 feet (7.9m) below ground is this surreal subterranean space, which was built in 1978 for Avon Cosmetics executive Girard B. Henderson in response to mounting Cold War tensions.

1970s underground retreat, Nevada, USA

The 5,000-square-foot (464sqm) home can be accessed via an elevator and internal staircase and the sale includes both the subterranean structure and the street-level property, offering five bedrooms and six bathrooms in total.

The brilliant bunker comes with every luxury amenity necessary to see out a global disaster, including a swimming pool, fake grass and even mood lighting rigged up to simulate daylight, dusk, night and dawn.

1970s underground retreat, Nevada, USA

The home's incredible vintage interior includes a bar kitted out with neon signs and mid-century modern stools, a candyfloss-pink kitchen, a dining room with a silk wallpaper ceiling and bathrooms decorated with ornamental columns.

Pictured here is the view from the kitchen window – a painted scene of a rustic, pioneer landscape conjures up the illusion of the American wilderness.

1970s underground retreat, Nevada, USA

But the garden might just win the award for most unusual space. It features a guest house, a spa, waterfalls, fake trees, walls of murals, a dancefloor complete with a disco ball and even a painted cityscape with twinkling lights so that you’ll never miss the real world. How incredible is that?

1970s underground retreat, Nevada, USA

Currently, the property is owned by the Stasis Foundation, a nonprofit that conducts and promotes scientific research into cryogenics. The Foundation reportedly bought the property back in 2014 for just under £933,000 ($1.2m).

The company has tried to offload the unusual underground house multiple times over the years. It was last listed for £4.6 million ($5.9m) in February 2023, before it was taken off the market in early 2024. Prior to this, it was listed for a staggering £14 million ($18m) in 2019, as reported by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.

Converted Soviet shelter, Vilnius, Lithuania

Soviet bomb shelters aren't known to be the most stylish of spaces. Starkly utilitarian in their design, they may not be the first contender for a home conversion. However, this extraordinary Airbnb in Vilnius, Lithuania's historic capital, showcases the potential of these forgotten Cold War hideouts.

The residence's origins are still apparent from the entryway, which features a fortified outer door and an inner airlock-style metal door that leads into the living areas.

Converted Soviet shelter, Vilnius, Lithuania

Streamlined and sleek, the three-bedroom home features a contemporary kitchen-diner with modern black cabinetry, a pine splashback and a table with built-in banquette seating.

The residence is void of windows, yet it feels remarkably light and airy thanks to the crisp white walls and extensive lighting. Rows of pendant lights hang from the ceiling, while sconces illuminate the walls and LED strips outline the banquette and upper kitchen units.

Converted Soviet shelter, Vilnius, Lithuania

In marked contrast to the shelter's formerly spartan design, the home includes a games zone complete with a pool table and table football.

Yet despite the updated interior, traces of the structure's Cold War legacy linger. If you look closely at the far wall of the games room, you might be able to make out a square metal airlock door that's been integrated into the scheme.

Converted Soviet shelter, Vilnius, Lithuania

Of course, visitors to this unique rental home can expect substantially more luxurious lodgings than those who originally sought sanctuary here back in the Cold War. Today, the converted shelter features a mini spa where guests can relax and unwind, fitted out with a sauna, Jacuzzi and showers.

Converted Soviet shelter, Vilnius, Lithuania

There are three bedrooms in total including the master suite with its own bathroom and a snug nook that can sleep one person. In a seeming nod to the style of sleeping quarters that the shelter's historic residents may have had, there's also a quirky bunk room featuring two double bed-sized bunk beds that can sleep a total of eight people.

Observatory House, Somerset, UK

Shrouded by trees in a picturesque spot in Somerset in the south of England, this brick and timber-clad structure wasn't always a bustling family home. However, the property's fascinating history may not be immediately clear at first glance.

Built in 1963, the building was formerly a Royal Observer Corps (ROC) headquarters and bunker – the ROC was a civilian defence organisation that monitored hostile aircraft in the UK's skies from 1925 to 1995. During the Cold War, they were tasked with manning bunkers across the country in case of nuclear attack.

Observatory House, Somerset, UK

Known as Observation House, the base was among 29 stations across the nation. Constructed to weather the worst, the property features three-foot-thick (1m) walls. Back in its heyday, the building would've housed decontamination rooms, a canteen, dorm rooms and three weeks' supply of rations.

The end of the Cold War signalled the closing of a chapter for the station and it was abandoned shortly after it was decommissioned in 2001. While the building was left to languish for years, it was given a second lease of life in 2009 when it was renovated and converted into a home.

Observatory House, Somerset, UK

Brought up to date for modern living, the fortified four-storey residence encompasses 8,000 square feet (743sqm) of contemporary living space.

In 2017, Observatory House changed hands and became the home of the Asare-Joy family. With plenty of space to stretch out across the upper floors, the Asare-Joys rent out an apartment on the ground floor via Airbnb. Meanwhile, the subterranean lower storey still houses the former station's generators and equipment and remains largely unchanged.

Observatory House, Somerset, UK

When the Asare-Joys purchased the house for just under £700,000 ($901k), it included five bedrooms, three living rooms and a large gym, though it's likely the family has made some changes to the floor plan since.

A comfortable, luxurious residence, its fascinating past was what first drew the Asare-Joys to the property, yet there are no lingering traces of the structure's utilitarian past across the modernised interiors on the upper three floors.

Observatory House, Somerset, UK

As it turns out, the home's storied history goes back further than the Cold War. Prior to the construction of the base, the site was reportedly home to a prefab building that housed an ROC centre during the Second World War. Volunteers stationed there were responsible for spotting incoming German planes that had infiltrated Britain's airspace. How's that for a home with history?

The Lincoln Bomb Shelter, Texas, USA

Hiding in plain sight, what appears to be a brick storage shed is in fact the entrance to a snug underground retreat in the downtown district of Marfa, Texas.

The former bomb shelter has been thoughtfully converted to draw in plenty of natural light – a glazed roof crowns the above-ground entrance, illuminating the subterranean space below.

The Lincoln Bomb Shelter, Texas, USA

Compact but comfortable, the shelter's footprint is relatively small at 120 square feet (11sqm), but it offers everything you'd need from a quirky Airbnb rental. The multifunctional main living area is kitted out with a comfy double bed, high-speed WiFi and a smart TV, ideal for the modern traveller.

Authentic industrial details have been preserved throughout the space, including the corrugated metal ceiling and exposed pipes and ductwork.

The Lincoln Bomb Shelter, Texas, USA

A petite kitchenette is tucked away in the corner and features a mini fridge, sink, microwave and hotplate, along with a small counter for meal preparation. Tailored to the tiny floor plan, a long wooden tabletop anchored to the wall provides a space-saving dining zone for two.

The Lincoln Bomb Shelter, Texas, USA

Other reminders of the bomb shelter's former life are still visible. While the bathroom has been updated with penny mosaic tiling across the floor, the rudimentary exposed pipework of the shower harks back to its bunker roots. Lever valves are even used to control the temperature of the water.

The Lincoln Bomb Shelter, Texas, USA

The bomb shelter is one of 14 rental units at The Lincoln, a boutique holiday complex in the hubbub of Marfa.

When guests feel like surfacing, they can make use of the communal facilities including the gardens, koi pond, bocce court, soaking tank and firepits.

Titan II nuclear missile complex, Arkansas, USA

Over the years, we've seen many abandoned nuclear missile bunkers crop up for sale across the world, but it's very rare that we stumble upon one that has been rescued. So this Titan II nuclear missile complex in the US city of Vilonia in Arkansas is somewhat of an anomaly.

Titan II nuclear missile complex, Arkansas, USA

An important part of America's history, these Cold War bunkers were created in the 1960s and were built to withstand nuclear attacks. Many of the underground stations were occupied for decades, with military personnel stationed inside around the clock. In fact, there are said to be a number of similar bunkers across Arizona, Arkansas and Kansas, but this one has been lovingly transformed from a forgotten outpost into an amazing underground home.

Titan II nuclear missile complex, Arkansas, USA

We love that whoever restored the Airbnb bunker retained much of its original design details, including the impenetrable steel front door and the amazing tunnel entrance.

The missile complex measures 3,500 square feet (325sqm), which would have been big enough to accommodate all of the personnel who worked in this covert government facility.

Titan II nuclear missile complex, Arkansas, USA

Today, lucky guests can stay inside the original underground launch control centre, which now boasts a luxury master bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, a movie theatre, a dining space and a living room.

Titan II nuclear missile complex, Arkansas, USA

The bunker's numerous floors are all connected by metal spiral staircases, while exposed steel beams and concrete elements add to its authenticity. Yet while some of the rooms retain their authentic Cold War aesthetic, others have been transformed into modern, deluxe spaces.

The bathroom, for example, has had a high-tech makeover and features a bathtub, twin vanities and showers.

The Bunker, Cornwall, UK

Aptly named, The Bunker can be found in the idyllic coastal village of Sennen in Cornwall on the UK's rugged southwest coast.

Formerly a Second World War operations bunker, this amazing conversion project proves that with a little imagination, even a submerged shelter can be transformed into a bright and beautiful home.

The Bunker, Cornwall, UK

Thanks to a thorough renovation, the bunker is now a spectacular holiday home that features a light-filled open-plan living room, a kitchen, a utility area, four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The bright, beautiful retreat is now a world away from its past life.

The Bunker, Cornwall, UK

Despite being located under a mound of earth, the former bunker doesn’t feel dark or dingy. The architects behind its conversion came up with clever ways of drawing extra sunlight inside, including installing sun tunnels into the ceiling of the bunker to channel light down into the property. The sun tunnel in the bedroom even comes with its very own curtain!

The Bunker, Cornwall, UK

The converted property also benefits from all the latest technology and home comforts, including central heating, electricity, hot running water, Wi-Fi, a Bluetooth speaker system, a smart TV and plenty of appliances for cooking up a storm.

The Bunker, Cornwall, UK

There's even a games room with table tennis and a piano, as well as an interior ventilation system to keep fresh air circulating around the house.

Meanwhile, there's a lovely garden and paved terrace at the front of the property where holidaymakers can bask in the Cornish sun.

Apocalypse-proof missile silo, Kansas, USA

The brainchild of engineer and property developer Larry Hall, this innovative doomsday housing solution, known as Survival Condo, is nestled out of sight beneath the Kansas prairie.

The spacious condominium complex not only features its own cinema, swimming pool and gym, but each luxury shelter has its own LED "windows" to help you feel connected to the outside world.

Apocalypse-proof missile silo, Kansas, USA

Lying 200 feet (61m) below the ground, this blast-proof Kansas bunker was built in the early 1960s to house the Atlas series of nuclear missiles.

The site is impressively secure – the fortified front door is fashioned from armoured steel, the 9.5-foot-thick (2.9m) walls are made from hardened concrete and armed guards protect the site. This amazing photo shows the early construction stages of this mammoth conversion project.

Apocalypse-proof missile silo, Kansas, USA

12 apartments reside across seven of the 15 floors, with basic suites featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms each. After something a little more upmarket? One of the plush full-floor condo units with 1,820 square feet (169sqm) of luxury living space is currently on the market for a cool £1.9 million ($2.4m).

Apocalypse-proof missile silo, Kansas, USA

Any resident of the missile bunker needn't worry about boredom, because this place has all the amenities you could ask for. There's a huge, fully equipped fitness centre and even an indoor dog park for your pooch to play fetch! And there's more...

Apocalypse-proof missile silo, Kansas, USA

The zombie-proof complex also boasts a massive indoor swimming pool, luxurious communal kitchens, a movie theatre, a library and a rock climbing wall. There's a hydroponic vegetable farm, an aquaculture setup that can be used to breed fish, and, of course, a huge area for storing canned goods.

Built to withstand a devastating nuclear warhead detonated within a half-mile radius, this is the ultimate billionaire bunker!

Top-secret billionaire bunker, undisclosed location, Czechia

Planned for an undisclosed spot in the Czech countryside, the Oppidum is a shelter concept that combines state-of-the-art security with true luxury and top-notch facilities. Only those invited inside are given the exact location of the bunker.

The development will involve the conversion of an existing nuclear bunker on the same site, which was built between 1984 and 1994 as a joint project between the former Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia (now Czechia and Slovakia).

Top-secret billionaire bunker, undisclosed location, Czechia

The name originates from the Latin "op-pedum", meaning "enclosed space", a term used to describe fortresses that were constructed in Europe as early as the Iron Age.

The entire complex will be operated from an underground control centre, with access to communication networks both within the Oppidum and in the outside world. Described as "the largest billionaire bunker in the world", this place may just beat all others when it comes to VIP extras...

Top-secret billionaire bunker, undisclosed location, Czechia

The plans are certainly impressive. The secure bunker is slated to include one large 6,750-square-foot (627sqm) apartment and six 1,720-square-foot (160sqm) apartments, each with 13-foot-high (4m) ceilings.

Residents will be able to survive in their properties for up to 10 years through both natural and manmade disasters and even long-term power outages, thanks to formidable stocks of non-perishable food, water purification equipment, medical supplies and surgical facilities. In this bunker, you’ll even find private vaults in which to store precious jewels and artworks.

Top-secret billionaire bunker, undisclosed location, Czechia

Other planned amenities include a conference room, a movie theatre, a billiards room, a library and children's playrooms.

Designed for just one buyer, the bunker is the perfect place for a billionaire to house family, close friends and staff in the event of a major global catastrophe.

Top-secret billionaire bunker, undisclosed location, Czechia

The Oppidum will also offer its residents a luxurious swimming pool and wellness spa, flanked by an underground garden featuring simulated natural light.

It's not clear if work is underway on the ambitious complex or if it remains little more than a concept. The Guardian has dubbed the plans a "CGI pipe dream", though perhaps the development's status is being kept a secret. Watch this space...

Vivos underground shelters, USA

Survivalist property developer Vivos has created a global underground network of apocalypse shelters. Vivos xPoint, pictured here, is just one of many secure Vivos structures around the globe, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

The complex features a total of 575 converted military bunkers, which can house 10 to 24 residents across 2,200 square feet (204sqm).

Vivos underground shelters, USA

Vivos xPoint is strategically located within a 24-hour drive from most locations within the mainland US and over 100 miles (161km) away from the nearest military nuclear targets.

The units cost around £42,700 ($55k) each and can be fully furnished by Vivos for an additional fee, which makes these affordable bunkers well within reach for many. Vivos has a range of other survivalist complexes across North America too...

Vivos underground shelters, USA

Concealed underground in the wilds of the American Midwest in a converted Cold War-era bunker, Vivos Indiana is a vast subterranean shelter that can accommodate up to 80 people.

The impressive facility, pictured here, can accommodate its residents for up to a year with no need to venture up to the surface. Big on amenities, the shelter has a huge chef-style kitchen, a cinema, an open-plan lounge and plenty more to keep its occupants entertained indefinitely.

Vivos underground shelters, USA

Vivos Europa One is the company's 76-acre (31ha) flagship compound in Germany. It was carved from the bedrock beneath a 400-foot (122m) mountain by the Soviets during the Cold War.

The now-renovated space includes gymnasiums, theatres, bars and pools with over 228,000 square feet (21,181sqm) of living areas.

The complex is no longer accepting applications from potential residents, however, back when spaces were available, the cost for a private apartment started at €2 million (£1.7m/$2.2m).

Vivos underground shelters, USA

Thousands of people have reportedly applied to reside in Vivos's range of underground shelters and there are a number of complexes still said to be under development.

Each converted bunker site will provide access to underground water sources, sewage systems and enough food and medical supplies to last the apparent impending apocalypse.

Converted Cold War cave, Arkansas, USA

While it might not be on the market, you can still experience a slice of underground living in this former nuclear bunker, which was skillfully converted into a one-of-a-kind rental. Beckham Creek Cave Lodge sits naturally within the Ozark mountains in Arkansas near the Buffalo National River and features all the high-end luxuries of a hotel.

Converted Cold War cave, Arkansas, USA

The dwelling was originally carved out of a deep cavern in 1989 by businessman John Hays, who wanted to create his own bomb shelter.

Set within 260 acres (105ha), it has since been transformed into a luxury holiday home following a million-dollar renovation, which involved adding geothermal heating and channelling a water supply from the natural spring beneath the cave.

Converted Cold War cave, Arkansas, USA

While the 6,000-square-foot (557sqm) property sits 35 feet (11m) below the ground, it doesn't go without a large flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi throughout. The cave is also home to four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen and a natural rock formation waterfall in the living room.

Once used as a wedding location, it’s easy to see why this could be the perfect romantic getaway.

Converted Cold War cave, Arkansas, USA

If the stunning stalactite ceilings aren’t enough to take your breath away, the pad also has a private cinema room and various lofts and balconies. To pass the long evenings, there's a firepit outside for entertaining in the cooler months.

Converted Cold War cave, Arkansas, USA

In 2018, the property was listed for sale for just under £2.2 million ($2.8m), and while it's no longer on the market, it's available to rent out.

However, after finding popularity on the Netflix series The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals, you may find yourself sitting on a waiting list to stay in this cavernous dream house.