Since congregations grow and move to larger structures, or flocks disperse and mature structures become too expensive to keep, church properties sometimes wind up on the market. Home buyers and designers see residential potential in these historic structures and work to preserve the historic exteriors while performing wonders on the insides. Decommissioned churches-turned-residences are a few of the most interesting spaces we’ve seen. Listed below are four from around the world, each with a hyperlink to a complete Tour for additional information.
Bagnato Architects
1. Outside Melbourne. Whenhusband-and-wife architects Dominic and Marie Bagnato heard this decommissioned local Australian church was likely to be turned into commercial office space, they snatched it up and transformed it to a unique home instead, adding a contemporary master suite addition to the left of the historic structure.
Bagnato Architects
The outcome is a very intriguing mixture of new and old; the entrance space in the center of the church is now this elegant sitting area.
Bagnato Architects
The ceiling and trusses are approximately a hundred years old and add warmth to the big contemporary space.
Bagnato Architects
A fresh Gothic-inspired window provides a church reference to the new glass walls overlooking the new pool and backyard.
Know more about this enormous feat
Before Photo
Melander Architects, Inc..
2. Northern Wisconsin. Architect Kurt Melander knew a diamond in the rough when he saw one, or in this instance an architectural jewel at a meadow. Built in 1898, this church hadn’t been used since the 1980s, and he scooped up the dilapidated building for $25,000.
Melander Architects, Inc..
A new roof, structural repairs, replacement siding and adding plumbing and electrical were some of the significant things on the list for saving and converting the gorgeous construction.
Melander Architects, Inc..
Part of the renovation takes advantage of this light from an oculus; this area is now a painting studio.
Melander Architects, Inc..
A significant new element is this large terrace, which stands up to the scale of this room and created a place for tucking up a staircase into the attic and a kitchen behind it.
See the rest of the Wonderful conversion
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
3. Laggan, Australia. Decommissioned in 1943, this charming stone church at a eucalyptus grove underwent an initial transformation which has been a good deal cuter; it was used as a sheep’s barn for over 50 years. When architect Michael Sandberg feasted his eyes on it, he saw that the light. The building serves as his eponymous weekend getaway.
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
The pointed-arch doors and windows along with the hardwood floors are original characteristics that stand out from the new minimalist contemporary interior.
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
A mezzanine makes for a cozy bedroom.
Sandberg Schoffel Architects
The original stone walls remain in this bathroom, which includes a fresh woodstove for chilly months in the country.
Know more about this awesome transformation
Rikki Snyder
4. Cottekill, New York. Like so many other churches, this one, dating back to 1898, had been decommissioned in the 1980s. Ceramic artist Ayumi Horie transformed the 1,300-square-foot schoolhouse supporting the church to her house, used the church for gallery area and then sold it all for her buddy Rachelle Spero.
Rikki Snyder
The schoolhouse is a brand new, cozy and functional space that’s great for displaying art.
Rikki Snyder
Upstairs, an guest room that is enviable is created by sloped ceilings.
Rikki Snyder
Spero stayed true to the church’s original structure, conserving the stained glass windows and the light fixtures. She eliminates the mold and added insulation. The space today serves as a gallery for art. You can check out the interior of the church through her yearly art show, held every November and known as Crafted, which features work by the craftspeople of the Hudson Valley.
Know more about this prodigious renovation
Perhaps you have turned an unconventional property into a house? We’d love to hear it from your Remarks.