4 Former Churches Find New Glory as Homes

As congregations grow and move to bigger buildings, or flocks disperse and older structures become too expensive to maintain, church properties occasionally 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 miracles on the interiors. Decommissioned churches-turned-residences are some of the most interesting spaces we've seen. Here are four from around the world, each with a link to a full Houzz Tour for more details.

1. Outside Melbourne. When husband-and-wife architects Dominic and Marie Bagnato heard that this decommissioned local Australian church was going to be turned into commercial office space, they snatched it up and converted it into a unique home instead, adding a contemporary master suite addition to the left of the historic structure.


The result is a very interesting mix of old and new; the entry space in the center of the original church is now this elegant sitting area.


The original ceiling and trusses are about a hundred years old and add warmth to the large contemporary space.


A new Gothic-inspired window adds a church reference to the new glass walls overlooking the new pool and backyard.

Learn more about this monumental feat


2. Northern Wisconsin. Architect Kurt Melander knew a diamond in the rough when he saw one, or in this case an architectural gem in a meadow. Built in 1898, this church had not been used since the 1980s, and he scooped up the dilapidated building for $25,000.


A new roof, structural repairs, replacement siding and adding plumbing and electric were some of the major items on the list for saving and converting the beautiful building.


Part of the renovation takes advantage of the light from an oculus; this area is now a painting studio.


A major new element is this large fireplace, which stands up to the scale of the room and created a place for tucking a staircase up to the loft and a kitchen behind it.

See the rest of this amazing conversion


3. Laggan, Australia. Decommissioned in 1943, this charming stone church in a eucalyptus grove underwent an initial conversion that was a lot less glamorous; it was used as a sheep's barn for over 50 years. When architect Michael Sandberg feasted his eyes on it, he saw the light. Now the building serves as his dreamy weekend getaway.


The pointed-arch doors and windows and the hardwood floors are original features that stand out in the new minimalist contemporary interior.


A mezzanine makes for a cozy bedroom.


The original stone walls remain in this bathroom, which has a new woodstove for chilly months in the country.

Learn more about this awe-inspiring transformation


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 converted the 1,300-square-foot schoolhouse behind the church into her home, used the church for gallery space and then sold it all to her friend Rachelle Spero.


The schoolhouse is a fresh, cozy and functional space that is great for displaying art.


Upstairs, sloped ceilings create an enviable guest room.


Spero stayed true to the church's original structure, saving the stained glass windows and the light fixtures. She got rid of the mold and added insulation. The space now serves as a stunning gallery for artwork. You can check out the inside of the church yourself during her annual art show, held each November and called Crafted, which features work by the craftspeople of the Hudson Valley.

Learn more about this prodigious renovation

Have you turned an unconventional property into a house? We'd love to hear about it in the Comments.

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