Have You Ever Dreamed of Living in a Sanctuary Space?
At the far end of the home buyer spectrum, there are those who relish the prospect of owning something different, really different.
As a team who specialise in the alternative, we’d be pretty confident that church and chapel conversions are up there as some of the most unique homes you could possibly live in, especially when, in some rare cases, your garden features are gravestones and the neighbours are buried!
£695,000 FH | Three Bedrooms | Two Receptions | 1569 Sq Ft | See full details here.
The Appeal of Church Conversions
If you’ve ever gazed at a quaint, ivy-clad church and thought, “I wonder what it’d be like to live there,” you’re not alone. Church conversions have become increasingly popular, offering unique and characterful homes. But is it all it’s cracked up to be? Let’s discuss…….
- Character and Charm: There’s something undeniably romantic about living in a building steeped in history. High ceilings, stained glass windows, and original features create a truly unique atmosphere.
- Space: Many churches offer spacious interiors, perfect for entertaining or simply spreading out. If you’re a fan of open plan living, the prospect of having an entire floor dedicated to one huge room can be very appealing.
- Volume: Some of the most dramatic homes we’ve ever sold or rented are church and chapel conversions. This stems from the sheer volume of the interiors. It’s not just lateral space that impresses, imagine gazing up at the apex of your ceiling from the ground floor with all those original beams whilst the colour light streams through huge stained glass windows.
- Unique Features: From repurposed pews to converted altars, church conversions often boast one-of-a-kind features you won’t find in a typical house.
Not Just a Home
You might be keen to learn that whilst these voluminous spaces make excellent homes, they’re also incredibly versatile artists studios. Light, huge ceilings, vast open floor areas & tranquillity work seamlessly as a creative sanctuary.
This studio in South Zeal, Devon, recently sold by Unique Property Company demonstrates how a chapel opens up opportunities to work from. The previous owner specialised in photographing large installations, whilst the new owner is painting huge canvases.
The Wesleyan Chapel | Sold | Devon | See the historic details here.
The Challenges of Church Living
Maintenance: Historic buildings require a lot of TLC. Be prepared for unexpected repairs and maintenance costs. Many of them will be Grade II listed. It’s worth familiarising yourself with the pros & cons of ownership of such a building. One of the best places to start is The Listed Property Owners Club, a really handy resource to help you start understanding the complexity of listed building ownership.
Limited Natural Light: Some churches have limited natural light due to their design. Consider adding skylights or removing walls to brighten up the space but be sure you have any consent required before you embark on any major works.
Unusual Layouts: Church conversions can have unusual layouts, which may not suit everyone’s taste. That said, it’s very possible to make significant interior changes if you’re looking for a more family friendly accommodation. There are some excellent architects out there who specialise in sensitive upgrades to historic homes. Fabrica Architecture has a long association with injection of new life into old buildings. The principles of the company are close to finishing a former Victorian church hall that’s set to become an eco-friendly family home. Peter Morris is another hugely influential figure. His style captures the essence of open plan living making features of dramatic voids and ecclesiastic features.
Living in a Former House of God: A Personal Story
In 2018, Geraldine & Rob became the custodians of a Wesleyan Church conversion in Shalford, just outside Guildford in Surrey. We asked them to reflect on what makes living in their home so special.
“It was always our dream to live in a converted Church but we never imagined we could find such a beautiful one so close to London. We especially love the blend of historical features, the seamless integration of original vestibule panels and doors being perfectly balanced with modern conveniences of underfloor heating & central vacuum system. There is an incredible sense of calmness that descends upon entering the Church. Closing the door feels as if you are shutting off the manic chaos of life and entering a personal sanctuary of calm and serenity where you can truly relax, entertain friends, or throw a fabulous party, however the mood takes you. The constantly changing warm hues of light through the beautiful stained glass windows in every room feels endlessly uplifting.
We feel honoured to live in a place built & crafted for the celebration of life.”
With a move abroad now pending, their home is up for sale. See below.
For Sale | Kings Road | Shalford | Surrey
£1,595,000 FH | Four Bedrooms | 2551 Sq Ft | See the full details here.
Is a Church Conversion Right for You?
We do hope so.
If you’re considering a church or chapel conversion, be prepared for a unique and rewarding experience. Just remember to weigh the pros and cons carefully and be prepared for a few surprises along the way. After all, living in a former house of God is anything but ordinary.
Looking for that next unique home?
Being one of the UK’s most knowledgeable estate agents in the church & chapel conversion scene, you might like to get in touch if you’re looking for a unique home: https://uniquepropertycompany.co.uk/buyer-registration
And, if you’re considering selling, why not speak to us and find out how our experience & approach has helped hundreds of unique home owners over the last 25 years here: https://uniquepropertycompany.co.uk/sell/
