There is a lot of property for sale right now, but which listing suits you best? OneRoof’s weekly Home Hunt series brings you the best in New Zealand real estate, from affordable starter homes to luxury mansions. We’ll highlight a range of homes from around the country that are worth your attention.
You don’t need to be religious to appreciate the character, soul and architecture of New Zealand’s churches. They can be significant markers in the country’s history, and, more often than not, they can hit the market for sale as stunning yet unusual homes.
Ordinary, run-of-the-mill homes aren’t for everyone and converted churches provide a real talking point. Many are to be found in New Zealand’s small towns or villages, and offer their owners a peaceful escape from the rat race as well as a one-of-a-kind premises.
It must be said that church conversions are no mean feat and often require deep pockets, relentless council communications and a serious amount of time and passion, but the results can be amazing.
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This list of churches for sale around the country includes projects ripe for the picking, as well as those where the hard work has been done.
12A Colonsay Street, Lawrence, Clutha | Price $459,000-plus
St Patrick’s Church is a landmark in Lawrence and was designed by renowned architect Frank Petre, who was also responsible for Christchurch Cathedral. It was opened in 1892 and is a beautiful example of New Zealand’s ecclesiastical heritage, with all the bells and whistles you’d expect.
The Heritage Category 2 building is so well preserved, it feels like mass could commence at any moment, with all the intricate carved timber, altar and detailed stained glass still intact. It’s ready for its next incarnation and is on sale for under half a million.
The heritage-listed St Patrick’s Church is attracting buyer interest in Lawrence. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys listing agent Lucy Hibbert-Foy says she has had plenty of interest in the property, with some people looking to carry out a full-scale conversion, and others seeking a base for business opportunities.
“It could make a beautiful gallery,” she says. “The buyer could be someone entrepreneurial who loves the town and wants to help preserve the heritage. It’s not just the church, you’re also buying into a lovely community in Lawrence.”
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117 Ronaldsay Street, Palmerston, Waitaki | By negotiation
Not exactly a church but the Athen/eum buildings are institutions devoted to knowledge, culture, and community. In ancient Greece, atheneums were dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom. This one dates back to 1872, and its solid brick and stucco construction and commanding street presence give it intriguing private club vibes.
The Athen/eum in Palmerston, Waitaki, dates back to 1872. Photo / Supplied
Interiors feel bungalow in style, with the gleaming timber floors, leadlights, wall panelling and batten ceilings all doing their job to impress. With solid bones and a great location at the heart of Palmerston, this property could, with a little love and vision, be restored to its former glory.
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123 Aranui Road, Mapua, Tasman | Tender March 4
A well-known local landmark, the Old Mapua Church was built in the 1960s and is located next to Aranui Park. A large central hall forms the heart of the much-utilised and very original community building, with several additional rooms, a basic kitchen and toilet also onsite.
The Old Mapua Church is looking for someone to restore it to its former glory. Photo / Supplied
The value here lies in the land: the church sits on a flat 1012sqm section in an area where properties of this scale are increasingly hard to find. Famous for its wharf and artisan culture and cuisine, Mapua is just 30 minutes from Nelson and has become a summer hotspot.
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907 Tuapeka Mouth Road, Balclutha, Clutha | Price $439,000-plus
Another Clutha addition for under half a mil, but this time all the hard work has been done.
Saint Augustine Church was originally built in 1918 and been painstakingly reimagined as a cool and comfortable abode. Classic features – arched windows, stained glass and timber panelling - have been balanced and brought back to life with all the modern must-haves. Large double-glazed sliders connect the open-plan living spaces to the private deck, the landscaped gardens and a wood-heated spa, for soaking under the stars.
The former Saint Augustine Church at 907 Tuapeka Mouth Road, in Balclutha, is an off-grid opportunity. Photo / Supplied
For buyers looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle, this is an off-grid property powered by solar panels, gas and roof-collected rainwater, plus there’s loads of space for veggie gardens and chooks.
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1605 Teviot Road, Millers Flat, Central Otago | Price $699,000
Built in 1914, The Church, St John’s Anglican Church, in Millers Flat, has been transformed into stunning, two-bedroom accommodation with authentic features cleverly woven into a stylish, contemporary offering.
Harcourts listing agent Brigitte Paterson said the property was in a run-down state before the vendors worked their magic.
“Our sellers bought it in 2020. They’re local farmers and really had a passion for saving the building and repurposing it.”
The renovation work has also been done at 1605 Teviot Road, in Millers Flat. Photo / Supplied
“They deliberately converted with tourist accommodation in mind, and it has a resource consent for that. They didn’t cut any corners in the renovation.”
“It didn’t have any working services when they started, so they have restored it from the ground up with a lot of respect for the original building, which is one of the most stunning things about it.”
She noted that the vendors are also in the process of obtaining resource consent approval for the property’s use as a permanent home, so it can operate with dual consent. This provides peace of mind and options for buyers.
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