Unconventional Housing: Is it Right to Rebuild a Church to a Residential Villa?
Living in a church is very alluring for lovers of historical buildings. The appeal doesn’t lie solely in the romance and mysticism of the former religious stands, but above all in their impressive ceilings, high windows and the extraordinary pomposity of the space. However, many people can find such housing across the line. Should churches serve for housing? Below is evidence that this is already happening.
A garden with tombstones
The desire to be different and live in a unique house is a dream of many people today. So, if you have 17 million CZK in savings, get yourself a home in the English countryside. That is the price of a beautiful church near Lincoln in central England. The garden also features the remains of a cemetery and the interior of the building is pleasantly preserved.
A slightly different kind of home
However, the church in England is not the only one of its kind to become a living space.
From the outside, hardly anyone would be able to tell that this church, which looks just like churches usually do, hides a luxury home. Originally, it had been an ordinary church in Sweden, the sanctuary was later deconsecrated and the building could be turned into a unique home. All that needed to be done was having the pews removed and purchasing the typical home equipment. The church thus offers its new owner an unprecedented space that tells tales of the past.
Even Beyoncé couldn’t resist the mysticism
The famous Hollywood pair Beyoncé and Jay-Z bought an interesting property a couple of years ago. The building used to be a presbytery church and later a ballet studio, before the singer Beyoncé and her husband had it rebuilt into a grand residence. Today, the magnificent former church has seven bedrooms, original vaulted ceilings and a huge luxury roof garden. Part of the century-old church is a mural depicting a "Christian High School" and a stone plaque with the inscription "First Christian Church 1845 - 1907". She paid 18 million CZK for the entire property.
