Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Architecture Wednesday: Little Woods Church

Built in 1902, the church has been thoughtfully restored to preserve its original charm, then sensitively extended to create beautiful new modern bedrooms and a bathroom, all while honoring the building’s historic form.

Set on one-third of an acre and surrounded by open farmland, Little Woods enjoys sweeping rural views and breathtaking sunrises to the east. The main church building forms the heart of the home, an open-plan living space that brings together a custom 360-degree rotating fireplace, dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen with stone countertops. Gothic arched windows frame glimpses of the surrounding landscape, while French doors open onto a deck and brick fire pit surrounded by the towering pine and cypress trees.

The bathroom offers the best of both worlds—old-world charm and a contemporary floor-to-ceiling window that captures the view beyond. This serene space features a classic claw-foot bath, a rainhead shower, and beautifully textured limestone tiles.

Ascending the steps to the master bedroom, you move seamlessly from old to new. A thoughtfully designed architectural extension introduces warmth and richness, creating calm, cozy spaces that open to two beautiful yet contrasting outlooks. Deep brown long-pile wool carpet, spotted gum paneling, soft lighting, natural-fiber bedding, and discreetly hidden storage come together to form a space designed for rest, immersion, and renewal. Adjacent to the bedroom is a small desk and study nook, along with a dedicated reading or retreat room which has views of the back yard.

As always click to emBIGGERate …

26 comments:

  1. VERY COOL...I could live there! And it doesn't feel too overtly churchy. And with it's size the white works....too much color would make this place feel even smaller. And I would SOOOOO be luxuriating in the bath daily just gazing out that window!!!! The kitchen is amazing.

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    1. I feel the exact same; the size is wonderful, the views are stunning, and it's a great mix of the old and the new.

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  2. Yes.
    To everything. The location, the upgrade (churches make awesome homes and they become, at last, useful) and the way they decided to redistribute the space.
    The choices in the interior design are fab, and set off the best parts of the house.
    When can I move in?

    XOXO

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    1. Maddie and I may fight you for this one!!
      xoxo

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  3. Deja Vu, the first house I built for myself in 1982, had that brown carpeting in it. This would make a nice country escape - a weekend place.

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    1. I think I could live there full-time ...

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  4. Very nice. It feels very spacious. Give me a screened patio and I could live there!

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    1. Now I could get behind a nice screened porch!

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  5. This is lovely and most desirable.

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    1. I love an old church rehabbed into, what I like to think of, as a better use.

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  6. Anonymous9:58 AM

    the dog's mother
    xoxo :-)

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  7. It's too "American Gothic" for me, even with the mod extension.

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    1. I love that style for a house, and the juxtaposition of the old church with the modern addition. I really like this one, but also because of the property!

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  8. Replies
    1. Not even a red door could save it for you??

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  9. I absolutely LOVED everything up until the floor-to-ceiling bathroom window & the dark brown walls and shag rug in the bedroom. The '70's were oppressive and ugly enough the first time around, LOL!

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    1. I do like a little exhibition in the bathroom from time to time, but would probably keep the curtains drawn if any neighbors were nearby.

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  10. Very bland in my opinion, but I do love the spaces. On the other hand, I did love the bathroom. I'd add some more colour and personality but could happily live in that space.

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    1. I'd add color through art but I love the light airy wall color.

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  11. Nice, but way too small. And the bathroom? Evidently there are no nosey neighbors nearby.

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    1. I think it's a great size, and you just pull the curtain for privacy.

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  12. I was looking at this recently, as it is only 2 hours out of Melbourne. Would be a great weekend retreat away from the bustle of the city

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    1. I think you should get it and invite all of us down!

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  13. Simple and nicely done. It is a shame there isn't an ensuite for the main bedroom but I could live there, if an old church would accept my presence.

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    1. I, too, worry, I might spontaneously combust if I moved into a church!!!

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  14. This one is not for me, it just doesn't "sing"

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Say anything, but keep it civil .......