Situated in Yandoit and built in 1884 by Giacomo Sartori, this church served the local Catholic community until 1993. Once closed, it fell into disrepair. Recently purchased in a dilapidated state by a local builder, the church has been lovingly resurrected as a new and unique home.

The church nave now acts as the focal point of the home, with remnants of the original hand-painted friezes, vaulted ceiling, gothic windows and a wood-heater. An adjoining designer kitchen offers not only a spectacular location to prepare meals, but sweeping views across adjoining farmland to Mt Franklin.

The new two-storey wing comprises three bedrooms with the spacious master suite on the ground floor, with built-in robes and a luxurious en-suite with stone bath and rural views. A spacious laundry/mud room provides ample storage with floor-to-ceiling cupboards.

A handcrafted, floating timber and steel staircase leads to the two upstairs bedrooms and a central bathroom. All rooms have views of the adjoining farmland and nearby bushland.

A large deck provides a direct connection to the kitchen and the bedroom wing, as well as offering ample entertaining space.

Fully double-glazed and insulated, the home has reverse-cycle air-conditioning and ceiling fans in all bedrooms, and a Lopi wood-heater in the living area. A Thermann solar hot-water system with electric booster provides hot water on demand. A large rainwater tank provides water storage for the property.

In a timeless palette of white, grey and black, and with oak floors, stone finishes and remnant paintwork in the nave, the property is a testament to style and grace, and is a fine example of a sympathetic, yet modern, treatment of a building that was close to ruins. 

The property is only 15 minutes from Daylesford, and 20 minutes from Castlemaine and the fast-train service to Melbourne.

The block is a manageable 2000sqm, making the property suitable as a weekender or permanent home.

The property is for sale for $980,000.

See also:

Cutting-edge design in prized Hamilton location