Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Architecture Wednesday: The Bluestone Church

I love a good church conversion and I’d kill for a great church conversion and that’s what this Victorian property in the Melbourne, Australian suburb of Fitzroy. This bluestone church was built in 1871, but converted into 13 apartments by ZEST Development, whose owner Glen Morris saved the absolute best apartment for himself … and it’s now for sale for $6.2m AUD.

This great room of the apartment sits at the top of the church, under the eaves, and features ornate stained glass and swooping roof trusses, along with a wall of steel-framed glass that opens to a roof terrace with views over the neighborhood. The living and dining spaces, along with a cozy sunken seating area, occupy the largest part of the minimalist space, while a new free-standing volume has been inserted into the room to hold the kitchen below and a mezzanine level overlooking the space.

In all, the former attic expands across some 5000 square feet, and includes three bedrooms, outfitted with custom timber wall finishes and cabinetry, and three bathrooms.

It makes me wanna scream ‘Oh, God.’

24 comments:

  1. Stun.
    And I'm also a sucker for a good church conversion. I've tried to convince the manfriend to buy one and rehab it (in more senses than one) but he's doubtful.
    Love that top floor apartment. Love it.

    XOXO

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    1. Carlos is afraid he might spontaneously combust so we may have to enjoy them from afar.

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  2. I love a good church conversion just as much as the next girl!! The way it looks now it is way too stark for me. I have never been a fan of blond/light wood. If I am going to pay all that money then I want better views.

    Here in Denver many years ago they took an old school and converted it to condos. They are stunning. We are talking about a school that looked like an oversized mansion. They tried their best to keep the original details.

    In DC they took an old school and converted it to a gym.

    I would love to visit Australia. I met a gay at my gym many years ago that was a toy manufacturer from down under. He explained to me how Australia is divided up like states. Interesting

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    1. I love when old buildings aren't torn down but are turned into housing.

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  3. I love converted churches, too. I wish ALL the fundamentalist ones could be converted. But, other than the original rafters and stained glass, I feel like I’m still waiting for a sign.

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    1. The rafters and stained glass and that glass roof sold me.

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  4. Converted or not, I don't like the churchy feel of the place. Sue me.

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    1. I just may sue you! xoxo

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    2. To quote Nathan Detroit, "Sue me, sue me what more can you do me"

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    3. 😁😁😁😁😁😁

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  5. Glad they were able to convert it.
    I might get lost inside of it...
    xoxo :-)

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    1. You and the dogs could put on a show!
      xoxo

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  6. I normally like a good church conversion....but this one looks more suited for that of an office. Feels bleak and cold for a residence

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    1. I love that ceiling and that roof of glass, though.

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  7. it's okay, but I'd fill up most of that space with tapestries and furniture.

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    1. I like the open spaces because it makes the structure the star.

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  8. I like it, but don't think I could live in it. I wouldn't mind sitting in that windowed room and watching a raging lightning storm though.

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    1. That's what that wall of glass was created for ... sitting through a storm! I love it.

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  9. Stunning. I can't imagine the conversion process. It must have taken forever. It would have driven me mad.

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    1. I just love all the vertical space.

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  10. It has potential, it needs some furniture, and railing around some of those drop offs, don't get me started on the kitchen

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    1. I kinda like the wide open spaces because of that roof and wall of glass.

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  11. I LOVE all the residential church conversions I've seen, and this one is no exception!

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