The former Presbyterian church at 143 Clyde Hill Rd, Russells Bridge, is listed with $1.05m to $1.15m price hopes.
A quaint church conversion set to feature on an upcoming episode of Catriona Rowntree’s Country House Hunters has graced the market.
The 163-year-old former Russells Bridge Presbyterian Church has been transformed into a three-bedroom residence since closing its doors to parishioners in the early 2000s.
Original timber lined walls, exposed rafters and Gothic Revival style lancet windows are still on display in the home’s lofty open-plan living area.
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The conversion also includes a sympathetic extension, dubbed the ‘west wing’ by the vendors, and a mezzanine floor with views over the former chapel below.
Current vendor Nicole Still said she was regretfully selling 143 Clyde Hill Rd, Russells Bridge, which lured her out of suburban Geelong six years ago.
She was interstate when the weatherboard church was last advertised for sale but was so smitten she encouraged her husband to inspect it without her.
The interior retains much of the original character, with a mezzanine added above the kitchen.
The kitchen has all the mod cons.
The wood heater adds to the living area’s cosy vibe.
“He actually went through and bought it without me even seeing it,” Ms Still said.
“It was fine because he knew me so well and he just said ‘oh, you’re going to love this’ and I moved in and have absolutely loved every minute here.
“I like old properties and I wanted something a bit different and I’ve always had a thing for churches.
“This one has just got such a lovely homely feeling about it. I have been to a number of churches for sale and some of them are so big that you just feel a little bit lost and they echo but this one is kind of perfect because it’s just a little country church.”
Soak up the serenity on the veranda.
The vestry has been converted in the main bedroom suite.
Channel 9 presenter Ms Rowntree recently filmed at the 2011sq m property for the current series of Country House Hunters, which features a couple searching for a new home in the Golden Plains Shire.
Ms Still said the conversion of the original vestry into a main bedroom suite and the addition of the ‘west wing’, with two further bedrooms, a second bathroom and laundry, meant the former church functioned brilliantly as a private residence.
There’s also a stand-alone building that provides another bedroom and living space, with a studio above.
Both minor bedrooms have French doors onto a porch.
Part of the appeal lies in the peaceful rural setting near the Moorabool River.
“It has just go the most beautiful veranda and we’ve just sat there every day for six years really and watched the world go by,” Ms Still said.
“There’s sheep across the road, it’s just lovely.”
First National Golden Plains listing agent Rene Pompe has set a $1.05m to $1.15m price guide for the property.
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