Real estate: Six churches to answer your property prayers

News Corp Australia Network

For anyone seeking a sign from above to kickstart their tree change adventure, then buying a former place of worship could be the guiding light they’re after.

Congregations around the world have been offloading lesser frequented churches for years but as time passes it has become harder to find those hallowed renovator’s delights that are still considered to be immaculately blank canvases.

Across the country there are currently several churches (and former faithful spaces) listed with varying price tags and differing states of renovation so there is something for everyone – from the wannabe AirBnb believer to the DIY devotee.

Teralba NSW

The former St David’s Church and adjoining hall has been reimagined as a yoga studio, although the versatile property could become any number new businesses. Zoned B1, the property isn’t currently set up to be a home, but could potentially be a family residence or even a unique short term holiday spot with council approval.

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In the hall there are toilet facilities and a kitchen, while the church retains all of its former glory including leadlight windows and original timber flooring. Surrounded by picturesque gardens, the period property is listed with a $850,000 price guide and sits on a 1011sq m block 21kms south west of Newcastle’s CBD and near the shores of Lake Macquarie.

Yarck, Victoria

Right now these two freestanding converted churches are experiencing an afterlife as The Churches of Yarck on AirBnb with “superhost” status. Listed with a price tag of $695,000 the divine pair sit on 2024sq m of land near the quaint village of Yarck approximately two hours from Melbourne and at the the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Fully renovated and on the market fully furnished, the side-by-side churches are earning around $170 a night each.

Euroka NSW

Built in the 1930s, the landmark Methodist Church just outside of Kempsey was decommissioned in 1992 and then transformed into a unique home with plenty of spirit. It still has all the charm of yesteryear with high decorative ceilings and ivy-covered external walls as well as cobblestone paths and a grand old Camphor Laurel tree in the yard.

The new footprint has three bedrooms including a main with an ensuite, plus two bathrooms and multiple indoor/outdoor living areas. The 1408sq m property, which has a buyer’s guide of $700,000 to $750,000, also includes a heavenly backyard swimming pool.

Balldale NSW

On the market for the first time since its divine invention in 1911, the Balldale Presbyterian Church is seeking its next custodian. This historic property on 2023sq m has a unique facade unlike traditional churches so offers adventurous DIY buyers a chance to reinvent the wheel. Fully serviced and powered, the grand main room of the structure has several grand windows, original timber floors and high ceilings. It sits just around the corner from the newly renovated Balldale Pub and is 50kms west of Albury and is set to go under the hammer on Saturday October 9.

Trevallyn, Tasmania

Once known as St Oswalds Church and Wesleyan Chapel, this (almost blank canvas) with historic bones dating back 127 years has plenty of potential. With views over Trevallyn and the Tamar River to Launceston, this heritage listed church and hall designed by renowned Tasmanian architect Alexander Northstill reflects Victorian architectural traditions with a steeply gabled roofline, vaulted timber ceilings, detailed headlight windows and an elegant vestryListed for sale by expressions of interest which will close on October 22, the church has no official price guide.

Underbool, Victoria

Just shy of 100 years old, this cute country church on 1234sq m could be the answer to your tree change prayers with an affordable price guide of $230,000 to $250,000. The former Methodist Church, which is approximately 150kms south of Mildura has been reborn as a modern four-bedroom family home with plenty of its original charm.

In addition to polished floorboards, original leadlight windows, and high ceilings there is air conditioning, multiple livings rooms, a modern kitchen and covered outdoor entertaining area.

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