Sarah Andrews and her 1880s church that is for sale. Picture: Supplied
Design guru Sarah Andrews had been looking for the perfect church for a long time when she found Waratah’s St James Church.
Ms Andrews said it had always been a dream to “have one of my own”.
“Most often, they are just too big to be practical or affordable as a usable space, or otherwise, far too small or in really bad shape,” she said.
“St James Church was offered to me off-market by a seller who knew I’d always adored it.
“As well as being perfect in every way, it’s right on the Cradle Mountain Tourist route, where surprisingly extremely little exists for holiday-makers in terms of visitor experiences or luxury accommodation.
“Cradle Mountain is Tasmania’s most visited tourist attraction, and to my knowledge, one of the most popular spots for elopements, weddings and honeymoons.
“It’s perfect to be the first to shape something really special for this audience.
“Complete with its magnificent 100-year-old blackwood hedge and private gated park, it really is the little white church of my dreams.”
MORE: Sandy Bay stunner is on another level
Dusseldorp and Winspear list stunningly rebuilt Federation home
St James Church at No.17 Smith St, Waratah.
St James Church at No.17 Smith St, Waratah.
Ms Andrews, a spatial scientist with a design background, offers a unique approach to interiors.
Her international recognition began with Captain’s Rest, which led to the creation of globally acclaimed schools The Hosting Masterclass and Principles of Styling & Storytelling, educating thousands.
She has also authored books and hosts a popular podcast, with her work achieving cult status and worldwide recognition.
Built in 1880, St James is a graceful Gothic church that was deconsecrated in 2013 and is heritage-listed.
Inside, coloured light filters through stained glass windows and falls across warm Baltic pine walls and soaring timber ceilings.
The original proportions of the church remain intact, creating an expansive open interior.
MORE: Sold: New local owner for luxe Tassie hotel
Comedian Rachel Berger’s Tas escape: what the bush taught her
St James Church at No.17 Smith St, Waratah.
St James Church at No.17 Smith St, Waratah.
While Ms Andrews has made the tough decision to list her church for sale, she revealed that her dream for it had been turning the church into a private library that people could stay in — a curated bookish otherworld sitting warmly as the snow falls outside.
“I’ve visited some incredible former churches worldwide, and it’s true, they are completely magnetic,” she said.
“Of course as homes and luxury stays, but I’ve visited indoor skate parks, restaurants, artist spaces, libraries, distilleries and traditional makers turning churches into their own and giving them new life.
“All the planning has been completed and approved to turn St James Church into a residence or a boutique stay, however, the local council and residents have been incredibly supportive of new business should anyone dream of something more innovative that captures tourist flow.”
MORE: North Star: The suburbs leading Hobart’s home price push
Shrink and save: Smaller homes unlock huge payday
St James Church at No.17 Smith St, Waratah.
St James Church at No.17 Smith St, Waratah.
It is undeniable that church buildings, for religious and non-religious people, capture the imagination — but why?
“There’s a concept I love around Thin Spaces,” Ms Andrews said.
“It originates in Celtic traditions, and it’s an idea given to places or moments where the boundary between Heaven and earth, or the spiritual and the earthly feels permeable, close, or thin.
“There’s a sense of awe and wonder when you walk into them.
“A profound peace as the world outside slips away and you feel closer to something truly divine.
“I feel it every time I visit this beautiful gothic church and it’s a mystery in a puzzle as to why.
“Perhaps it’s her beautiful proportions and hand-shaped materials, or maybe it’s the good, and beauty and love that the walls have witnessed over the years, which have compounded into some kind of magic.”
MORE: Salty Air redefines luxury at Seven Mile Beach
Sold: Ram Island finds its new shepherd
St James Church at No.17 Smith St, Waratah.
No.17 Smith St, Waratah is for sale with Georgie Rayner from Abercrombys Tasmania. It is priced at “Offers over $295,000”.
English (US) · 