Churches renovated into homes
17 Churches Creatively Converted Into Modern Homes
Located in England, this converted church is available for rent on AirBnB and can accommodate up to 7 guests. (Image via Evolution Home)
Whether it's vaulted arches or stained glass windows, the unique features of church architecture make for awe-inspiring spaces. But what happens when these majestic buildings fall out of use? In the hands of some clever homes owners, these churches are being restored and converted into incredible, modern homes.
Converted church homes are springing up around the globe, with designers and architects showing their creativity to rework the spaces. In fact, firms like the Netherlands-based Zecc Architects have made a name for themselves through their abilities to give these churches a complete makeover.
And while interior styles differ—from ultra modern to cozy rustic—each converted home plays off the unique features the churches offer. Get ready for a case of homeowner's envy with our tour of 17 houses of worship turned into spacious homes.
The redesign of this English church took into account the context and character of the existing building.
(Image via Evolution Home)
In Chicago, this former church was gutted before being fitted with a clean, modern interior.
(Image via Linc Thelen)
(Image via Linc Thelen) READ MORE: Giant Stained Glass Window Church is Converted into a Modern Family Home
The clean, white interior of this renovated church in Brisbane accentuates its architectural features.
(Image via Interiorholic)
(Image via Interiorholic)
Built in the 1930s, this Rotterdam church had been out of use since the 1960s before its stunning remodel.
(Image via Interiorholic)
(Image via Interiorholic)
The church's stained glass makes the perfect feature wall in the bedroom.
(Image via Country Living)
(Image via Country Living)
The top two floors of Westbourne Grove Church in England were transformed into a sleek, white loft.
(Image via DOS Architects)
(Image via DOS Architects)
The incredible windows of this church in London become a main feature of the penthouse.
(Image via Gianna Camilotti)
(Image via Gianna Camilotti)
With this conversion, located in the Netherlands, architects take open concept to a new level.
(Image via lksvdd)
(Image via lksvdd)
Homeowners of this Philadelphia former Methodist church were inspired to include Gothic touches in the interior.
(Image via Conrad Brenner / Phillymag)
(Image via Conrad Brenner / Phillymag)
Built in 1873, this stately home still contains many original features, such as the church bell.
(Image via Country Living)
New blends with old in this transformation of an 1850s church into a three-bedroom home.
(Image via Interiorholic)
(Image via Interiorholic)
In Australia, this home embraces its unique features, like stained glass windows that filter in colored light.
(Image via Interiorholic)
(Image via Interiorholic)
(Image via Interiorholic)
This Massachusetts church was converted into a home by a minister and his wife in the 1980s.
(Image via Paul Clancy)
(Image via Paul Clancy)
This former Lutheran church housed a Freemasons Lodge before its renovation in 2005.
(Image via Country Living)
(Image via Country Living)
This Chicago church-turned-artist's loft uses sliding doors to break up the space.
(Image via Inhabitat)
(Image via Inhabitat)
Dutch firm Zecc Architects are leaders in the field. Their projects, The Church of Living and St. Jakobuskerk
set the standard for church conversion homes.(Image via Zecc Architects)
(Image via Zecc Architects)
(Image via Zecc Architects)
(Image via Zecc Architects)
(Image via Zecc Architects)
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Churches That Were Turned Into Beautiful Homes
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A cozy, remodeled kitchen in a former church. All Saints House- Across the world, people are buying old churches and turning them into modern homes.
- A couple in Maryland renovated a $320,000 church, but they kept most of its original architecture.
- A converted Gothic church in London is on the market for $8 million.
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The living space includes a living room, a large kitchen, and 26-foot high ceilings.
The living space.
Brian Ellis Sales Team The open-concept space has most of the building's original architecture, while the kitchen has granite countertops and a 13-foot island.
The master bedroom is in the church's former sanctuary space.
The master bedroom. Brian Ellis Sales TeamThe master bedroom also has two closets for storage.
A winding staircase leads to a second-floor loft.
The loft. Brian Ellis Sales TeamThe loft acts as an office or an added room for future buyers.
The church is now on the market for $954,798 ($1.2 million CAD).
The bathroom includes a chandelier from 1940 and vintage sinks from the 1970s.
Brian Ellis Sales Team "I've seen [renovations] done with other churches and schoolhouses, and sometimes it's not done very well," realtor Brian Ellis told Edmonds. "Here, it's done immaculately — it's a work of art."
The church's former altar is now Jacoby and Currey's living room.
The former altar. Courtesy of Molly CurreyConstruction on the church began in 1888 and was completed two years later.
The Episcopalians built the church with very little ornamentation. Jacoby calls it a "utilitarian" build, but the Catholics bought it in the 1930s and renovated it. The couple then put their own touches on the space to make it a home.
The pews of the church were taken out of the building, and now, the home has an open concept floorplan.
The living space. Courtesy of Lloyd PursallThe couple often uses this space to host musical events as a way to give back to their community.
"What [does] a space like this mean in the 21st century where religion isn't nearly as central to our lives as it used to be?" Jacoby said. "The church ran services seven days a week in its heyday, and the neighbors went to church here, so we look for ways to share the space."
The kitchen is to the right of the living space.
The kitchen. Courtesy of Petra Ford for Paper and Pate PhotographyAbove the kitchen is a loft that has two extra bedrooms.
In all, the 6,000-square-foot home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
This church, which was built in Castleton, Vermont, in 1893, has been converted into a modern home.
The church in Vermont. Westview DigitalThe house was listed last year for $375,000 by Sue Bishop of Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty.
The former altar now acts as a grand entranceway into the home.
The former altar. Westview DigitalThe home still holds some of its original architecture, like the 23-foot altar ceilings and stained-glass windows.
The kitchen is large and lets in a lot of light.
The kitchen. Westview Digital There's a second kitchen in the house, which has cabinets made of recycled wood from the church's former pews. Additionally, there's also a separate dining room off the kitchen.
A grand staircase made entirely of wood leads to the second floor.
The grand staircase.
Westview Digital On the second floor, you'll find most of the home's five bedrooms and three full bathrooms.
The master suite is a split level and has access to the bell tower.
The master bedroom. Westview DigitalThe bell tower has been converted into a dressing room.
A couple in Maryland bought a church for $320,000 and turned it into a family home.
The All Saints' Church. Courtesy of All Saints HouseAll Saints' Church was built 120 years ago and functioned as a place of worship until the '50s. It was deconsecrated two decades later and then sold to a few different owners, including one who turned it into a home.
Anastasiia and Gunther bought it in 2017 for $320,000 with the intention of renovating it.
Throughout the renovation project, which is ongoing, the couple has made it their mission to preserve much of the original architecture.
The kitchen of the house. Courtesy of All Saints House"We try to keep everything as original as possible, as the owners prior to us did," Anastasiia told Business Insider.
"We don't want to change anything that would damage the architectural integrity of the building."
The great hall is arguably the best room in the house.
The great hall. Courtesy of All Saints HouseThe ceilings in the great hall reach 25 feet.
One of the biggest challenges for the couple was finding furniture big enough to fit the 2,500-square-foot home.
The great hall. Courtesy of All Saints House The couple had to buy new furniture because their old belongings were too small. They had to purchase a 12-foot couch to fill the great hall.
The master bedroom is a loft that overlooks the large great hall.
The master bedroom.
Courtesy of All Saints House Overall, the house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
A church built in the 19th century in Exeter, Connecticut, was turned into a luxury home.
The church. Peter J.
DePatie/Pete's Precision Photo, LLC The church, which was built in 1849, underwent a renovation between 1985 and 1996 and was turned into a livable home. The converted church was recently on the market for $1.3 million.
The interior has large, open spaces that are great for entertaining and everyday life.
The living space has been remodeled. Peter J.
DePatie/Pete's Precision Photo, LLC The walls are painted white and the floors are a light shade to match.
The 8,543-square-foot house has three bedrooms.
A living space. Peter J. DePatie/Pete's Precision Photo, LLCThe home features stone, marble, and wood textures.
Some of the church's original details have been preserved.
The renovated church. Peter J. DePatie/Pete's Precision Photo, LLCAlthough the house includes modern appliances, some of the church's original architecture remains.
The lower part of the steeple has been turned into a rooftop patio.
The steeple is now a patio. Peter J. DePatie/Pete's Precision Photo, LLC From the converted steeple, you can see the Connecticut River.
A Gothic church in London has been converted into an urban mansion.
Gothic church.
Courtesy of The Modern House The 6,000-square-foot mansion is for sale for $8 million.
The large great room has the church's original arches.
The living space. Courtesy of The Modern HosueThe great hall has a kitchen, a dining room, a living room, and a grand piano.
There's a spiral staircase that leads to the bedrooms upstairs.
The stairs. Courtesy of The Modern HomeThe staircase also highlights the home's original stained-glass windows.
The modern bedroom sits on the second floor of the converted church.
The bedroom.
Courtesy of The Modern Home In all, the house has four bedrooms.
The home even has an enclosed garden courtyard.
The courtyard. Courtesy of The Modern HomeThe great hall also opens up onto the small, but private courtyard.
This San Franciscan church is a century old and has been turned into a luxury townhouse.
The Light House. Courtesy of Christopher PikeThe church, known as The Light House, was built in 1915 and later became a church for Christian Scientists. Right before it was going to be demolished, a seismic engineer bought it and renovated the building in 2011.
The building is now separated into three different condos, each costing $6.5 million.
The entranceway to the condo. Courtesy of Christopher PikeThe original wood walls of the building have remained throughout the renovation process.
In one of the condos, there are wide open spaces paired with modern appliances.
One of the condos in the building. Courtesy of Christopher Pike This condo is 5,525 square feet, and it has three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Most of the building's original architecture has been preserved as well.
One of the condos in the building.
Courtesy of Christopher Pike Throughout the condos, you will find original brickwork and industrial beams.
However, it requires a "very special buyer," according to the realtor.
A foyer in the house. Courtesy of Christopher PikeMcGuire Real Estate leasing agent Jeanne Zimmermann told Business Insider in 2019, "Conversion properties are very popular to a niche market.
"
Read next
Home Design RenovationMore...
6 churches converted into residential apartments
From Masterweb
23.07.2019 03:41
In my understanding, churches are clearly associated with the temple of God. But many people, especially those far from religion, see them as nothing more than historical buildings. Living in a converted chapel? Why not! Look at the example of several places of worship, how you can convert the temple into residential apartments.
Agree, there is something eerie, mystical, but at the same time romantic in this idea.
London, UK
From the outside, a small church in London does not stand out. It organically fits into the architecture of the quarter. Near such you will pass by and you will not notice. But if you go inside, the guest is immersed in the refined atmosphere of modern design. Wooden ceiling structures contrast favorably with the dazzling whiteness of the rooms. Have we gone to heaven?
Utrecht, The Netherlands
White dominates the interior of a converted church in the Dutch city of Utrecht. The 2nd floor is played in an interesting way: a bright spot in the design is the organ, the pipes of which seem to ascend to the sky. Unlike the London temple, local designers have retained stained-glass windows on the windows. Although they let in little light, they fill the space with magic.
Harlo, The Netherlands
This seemingly simple building is actually full of interesting nuances.
For example, a bright red staircase leading to the 2nd floor. It seems to remind you that there is only one step between heaven and hell. The interior space is divided into zones: brown (wooden), gray, white, red. This is due to the fact that 4 architects participated in the refurbishment project.
Brisbane, Australia
A colorful fusion of modernity and antiquity is observed in the former temple of the Australian city of Brisbane. Originally it was the Church of the Transfiguration, built back in 1924 year. After the reconstruction, its facade remained almost unchanged, but was supplemented by a two-story extension. After praying, you can immediately plunge into the pool - very convenient and practical.
Melbourne, Australia
It seems to be one country, but how differently designers approach interior and facade decoration. We no longer see the harsh beauty of unplastered brick walls. If you do not know that this is a former church, then you can mistake it for an eclectic cottage.
But inside the raised roof will not mislead. This is how temples are built. Curiously, building 1892 years of construction, but looks quite modern.
Chicago, USA
Another remarkable transformation of a church into a family nest was completed in Chicago, Illinois. The house has 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. But the centerpiece is the 25-foot-tall (7.6 m) living room with a stylish full-wall fireplace, in which parishioners previously listened to the sermons of the servants of God. The design is dominated by colors of light, calm colors. Stained glass windows give the building a romantic mood.
Kelso, UK
One of the projects with minimal interference with the original structure is Cairns House in the vicinity of the town of Kelso. The owners decided to keep the facade as much as possible. And inside the changes are not so dramatic. Thanks to this, it was possible to withstand the large interior spaces characteristic of churches. At the same time, 5 bedrooms are equipped in the utility rooms - more than enough for a family.
Forest-in-Teesdale, UK
This cozy pasture house in the north of England is hard to recognize as a former chapel. Only characteristic details speak of its past, such as arched windows with shutters and barely visible images at the entrance.
Today it is a luxurious country house Chapel on the Hill, designed for 7 people.
6 churches converted into residential apartments
In my understanding, churches are clearly associated with the temple of God. But many people, especially those far from religion, see them as nothing more than historical buildings. Living in a converted chapel? Why not! Look at the example of several places of worship, how you can convert the temple into residential apartments. Agree, there is something eerie, mystical, but at the same time romantic in this idea.
London, UK
From the outside, a small church in London does not stand out. It organically fits into the architecture of the quarter. Near such you will pass by and you will not notice.
But if you go inside, the guest is immersed in the refined atmosphere of modern design. Wooden ceiling structures contrast favorably with the dazzling whiteness of the rooms. Have we gone to heaven?
Utrecht, The Netherlands
White dominates the interior of a converted church in the Dutch city of Utrecht. The 2nd floor is played in an interesting way: a bright spot in the design is the organ, the pipes of which seem to ascend to the sky. Unlike the London temple, local designers have retained stained-glass windows on the windows. Although they let in little light, they fill the space with magic.
Harlo, The Netherlands
This seemingly simple building is actually full of interesting nuances. For example, a bright red staircase leading to the 2nd floor. It seems to remind you that there is only one step between heaven and hell. The interior space is divided into zones: brown (wooden), gray, white, red. This is due to the fact that 4 architects participated in the refurbishment project.
Brisbane, Australia
A colorful fusion of modernity and antiquity is observed in the former temple of the Australian city of Brisbane. Originally it was the Church of the Transfiguration, built back in 1924 year. After the reconstruction, its facade remained almost unchanged, but was supplemented by a two-story extension. After praying, you can immediately plunge into the pool - very convenient and practical.
Melbourne, Australia
It seems to be one country, but how differently designers approach interior and facade decoration. We no longer see the harsh beauty of unplastered brick walls. If you do not know that this is a former church, then you can mistake it for an eclectic cottage. But inside the raised roof will not mislead. This is how temples are built. Curiously, building 1892 years of construction, but looks quite modern.
Chicago, USA
Another remarkable transformation of a church into a family nest was completed in Chicago, Illinois.
The house has 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. But the centerpiece is the 25-foot-tall (7.6 m) living room with a stylish full-wall fireplace, in which parishioners previously listened to the sermons of the servants of God. The design is dominated by colors of light, calm colors. Stained glass windows give the building a romantic mood.
Kelso, UK
One of the projects with minimal interference with the original structure is Cairns House in the vicinity of the town of Kelso. The owners decided to keep the facade as much as possible. And inside the changes are not so dramatic. Thanks to this, it was possible to withstand the large interior spaces characteristic of churches. At the same time, 5 bedrooms are equipped in the utility rooms - more than enough for a family.
Forest-in-Teesdale, UK
This cozy pasture house in the north of England is hard to recognize as a former chapel. Only characteristic details speak of its past, such as arched windows with shutters and barely visible images at the entrance.
