A divine transformation in regional NSW has seen a 1875 Catholic Church revamped from a derelict stone relic into a luxurious modern retreat.
Located in Wallabadah, 50km south of Tamworth, former St Anne’s Catholic Church at 35 Coach Street is listed for sale following a restoration that includes original elements from stain glass windows to its bell tower.
Vendors Elizabeth and Tom Fischer first spotted the abandoned church while driving to the annual bull sales in Nundle, an event they attend every year.
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The 1875 Catholic Church has been transformed inside into a modern retreat
The Fischer’s found the property in decades of neglect, as a powerless, waterless building filled with pews, cracked walls and worn carpet.
Regardless of the work at hand, they purchased the residence at auction in 2017 after it had sat empty since 2014 and began the process of bringing it back to life.
The restoration revealed layers of history from a 1932 newspaper tucked beneath the floorboards and extensive plaster damage that required painstaking repair.
A blessed water font near the entrance has also been cleverly repurposed as a drinking fountain.
The church itself had been rebuilt once before following a devastating fire in 1902, with locals contributing labour and stained glass windows that illuminate its interior today.
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Inside a king size loft bedroom overlooks the nave
Original elements include decorative mouldings, ceiling rafters,
The pair completed the renovation in 2022 with original elements meticulously retained from stained glass windows, pressed metal ceiling, decorative mouldings, ceiling rafters, front and entry door.
“It was a dream to transform a truly beautiful piece of historic architecture into a modern, elegant and comfortable residence while preserving the fabric of the building,” Ms Fischer said.
The result is a soaring open plan home featuring a king size loft bedroom overlooking the nave, a spacious living area, and an original bell tower minus the bell, that locals once rang every New Year’s Eve.
In the heart of the living space you will find a baby grand piano fitting for Mr Fischer, a pianist who first encountered the church en route to a performance.
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Stain glass windows can be seen throughout the residence
Original elements also include the entry doors
One of the most striking details is the residence’s restoration is its main bathroom, originally the vestry, it now sits complete with the original vestry door still in place.
Ms Fischer said the property would suit a couple or anyone seeking a peaceful escape from city life.
As this chapter closes, she’s already searching for her next project, this time a fire station to restore.
The property is listed via Ray White Rural Scone selling principal Hamish Firth with a price guide of $690,000 to $720,000.
Mr Firth described the home as a “rare blend of historic character and exquisite comfort”.
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom property sits on 4,000 sqm with the opportunity to be used as a private residence, air bnb or both.
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