Transforming Churches into Modern Desanctified Homes: Heavenly Conversions

If the thought of permanently living in a house of God doesn't appeal to you then maybe you aren't getting the full picture. The possibilities are endless as open space offers perspective buyers a blank canvas that is completely empty and forgiving of any or all cosmetic mistakes. This is assuming that you are planning to change the historical beauty of the sanctuary that you have recently been granted the keys to for the purpose of entering at your own free will simply because you are now the owner rather then just a member.

But why would anyone in their right mind want to buy a church? A rapid decline in church attendance over the last several decades coupled along with other more successful thriving congregations seeking larger accommodations has meant that countless churches across the nation have become vacant and available for other purposes.

Stately, ornate and divine, churches are being purchased by consumers for more reasons than just their curb appeal. Home buyers are recognizing that these graceful structures are the perfect setting for a grand home with plenty of open space for living. Their potential is endless, and the prices are just right to make them even more enticing as a home purchase.

Many of these converted spaces date back well into the1800's, and are being rescued from falling into disrepair or downright crumbling to the ground as they set empty for years until being rescued. The price of these saintly structures can be miniscule for smaller chapels that would be equal to a two-bedroom home, or astronomical for larger pieces of property that could be made into several apartments.

It is hard to ignore a building that comes complete with a steeple that stretches out above the other neighborhood home's roofs or one that is larger then its surrounding structures with huge brightly colored windows and ornamental features. It is even harder to ignore when this type of building sits with a bright sign stating that it is for sale. I mean "who buys a church"? The answer to that is anyone with an ounce of creativity who is looking for large amounts of space and a bit of the extraordinary within that space.

Many of these churches offer an elaborate or excessive style that is even more so pronounced due to the nature of their very essence compiled with an abundance of beautiful woodwork, wall murals, stained glass, high ceilings, arched walkways, and a new meaning to the word sanctuary.

Striking results can flow into a room that once housed a bell tower, and this is the perfect place to add traditional drop lighting or a simple ceiling fan that has been strategically placed to draw attention to the original architecture of the building. Focal points are habitual at becoming starters for conversation, and nothing does that better then the history of the church itself.

This has been a harmonious home to many marriages, baptisms, comfort, sadness, and happiness. Now it is your personal space to renovate and occupy to your own liking and style. Of course just like any other home churches have their share of problems as well.

Old plumbing, zoning issues, structural considerations, historical restrictions, bats in the belfry and of course the possibility of a graveyard embellishing your backyard is quite possible. All of these considerations must be worked out before deciding to embark on converting a church into your own personal piece of heaven that you will eventually call home for many years.

Keeping the church genuine is a real concern for many of these buyers, and the altar is probably the most questionable structure when considering what and what not to do with it. There is often a lot of stained glass in this particular area, and people typically think the altar should remain untouched.

This is where creativity and imagination will become the key in deciding what to do with your heavenly space. Many people choose to turn the altar into a sitting area or a small library, which is a much better choice then a kitchen where it would appear that the homeowner is cooking at the altar.

Of course the altar has become a popular choice due to its focal point capabilities when homeowners are considering a unique master bedroom that offers plenty of open space located in a loft type setting. This can also double as a semi-private area that will easily provide room for office space as well.

Building around the natural décor is only half of the fun. Imagination is the divine instinct necessary in making a church into a unique living space where you can entertain, live, and make it a special place that is your own. Brightly colored wall murals can add charm to the right room, and stained glass windows can allow for the sun to playfully add light to various areas of the house.

Purchasing a church with the intent to convert it into livable space can be a real godsend as the blessings from the unexpected will never be in short supply as you discover your new home has the potential to become a warm and welcome haven that is a living treasure to you and all that see it.

Facts about Conversions

According to a recent survey from propertyfinder.com, converted churches topped the list of homebuyers' favorite building conversions, followed by barns, and then schools.

Cities across the nation have become bombarded with vacant churches just sitting and waiting for someone to convert them into a place where people enjoy each other's company once again, for religious reasons or not.

The Church Brew Works in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania was once a first of its kind to draw large crowds for its microbrews and jaw-dropping appearance. Stainless steel vats brew beer in one section while the confessional is now a fully functioning wait staff station. Steel and Copper tanks will mesmerize you as the positioning of the brew house located on the altar is nothing less than captivating to the eye and mind. http://www.churchbrew.com/church_history.html

Desanctifying and recycling churches is a rebirth of an architectural treasure that would otherwise crumble to the ground due to a lack of members and much needed funds.