People must think that living in a former sacred space brings them closer to the divine, because we've seen a lot of churches and synagogues turned into homes lately. Not that we're complaining: We're huge fans of the whole thing, especially after laying eyes on this heavenly piece of real estate.The First Church of Christ Scientist, which was built in 1917, has been converted into a luxury townhouse building, aptly named The Sanctuary.
Located in Seattle's Capitol Hill, the church-turned-luxury residence has been landmarked by the city, which ensures that -- unlike other abandoned places of worship -- it cannot be torn down.
It's been fashioned into amazingly sleek, contemporary living spaces that pay homage to the structure's spiritual past (much like New York City's famously re-purposed synagogue).
The Sanctuary features stained-glass windows, soaring cathedral ceilings (38 glorious feet high) and an ethereal stained-glass dome.
The stunning units range in size from 1,600 to 3,000 square feet and all boast original pilasters, reclaimed pew stair risers and exposed brick. Organized religions may not make you a believer, but boy, these apartments will. See for yourself. (Note: The Sanctuary recently sold out of spaces).
- <p> There are a lot of offbeat conversions out there, but churches? Those might take the cake. (Except for maybe <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/08/23/ultimate-conversion-from-nuclear-plant-to-theme-park/" target="_blank">a nuclear plant turned amusement park</a>.) <br /> <br /> Church conversions are still an intriguing thing -- we swear to God -- and, what's more, they also seem to be unusually affordable. What better time to view them than Easter. <br /> <br /> Click through our gallery to see some of the most hallowed real estate on the market. </p>
- <p> Location: Seattle <br /> Price: $789,000<br /> Beds/Baths: 6/3.5<br /> Sq. Ft.: 6,300<br /> <br /> You could call this <a href="http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2007-NW-61st-St-Seattle-WA-98107/2120326136_zpid/#X1-IA-1sfhyubyxtvfz_laydr" target="_blank">luxury church conversion</a>: It's got a price tag that dwarfs some of our other picks. "The Big House in Ballard" was built in 1907, and thanks to its revamped interior, now offers six bedrooms. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2007-NW-61st-St-Seattle-WA-98107/2120326136_zpid/#X1-IA-1sfhyubyxtvfz_laydr" target="_blank">See the listing</a>, or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIKTeSFsOc&list=UUzY5ButfegucMnsF2JeyGGQ&index=1&feature=plcp" target="_blank">watch Zillow's video house tour of the place</a>. </p>
- <p> The home also serves as a venue for art, music and event "happenings," the listing says. The facade recently had a "Gothic Crow" window installed, which weighs a whopping 2,000 pounds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2007-NW-61st-St-Seattle-WA-98107/2120326136_zpid/#X1-IA-1sfhyubyxtvfz_laydr" target="_blank">See the listing</a>, or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIKTeSFsOc&list=UUzY5ButfegucMnsF2JeyGGQ&index=1&feature=plcp" target="_blank">watch Zillow's video house tour of the place</a>. </p>
- <p> Just beyond double doors in the structure's tower awaits an expansive sanctuary. The former baptismal? It was converted into a bathroom.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2007-NW-61st-St-Seattle-WA-98107/2120326136_zpid/#X1-IA-1sfhyubyxtvfz_laydr" target="_blank">See the listing</a>, or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIKTeSFsOc&list=UUzY5ButfegucMnsF2JeyGGQ&index=1&feature=plcp" target="_blank">watch Zillow's video house tour of the place</a>. </p>
- <p> The pastor's office is now a bedroom, and there's an apartment on the property that brings in high rent, the listing says. At the top of the tower is a crow's nest, putting you just a little closer to the Big Guy Upstairs. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2007-NW-61st-St-Seattle-WA-98107/2120326136_zpid/#X1-IA-1sfhyubyxtvfz_laydr" target="_blank">See the listing</a>, or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIKTeSFsOc&list=UUzY5ButfegucMnsF2JeyGGQ&index=1&feature=plcp" target="_blank">watch Zillow's video house tour of the place</a>. </p>
- <p> Boasting a handsome brick facade this <a href="http://inhabitat.com/converted-church-turned-artist-loft-looks-for-new-owner/church-house8/" target="_blank">19th century church</a> is now a single family loft, with its own kitchen. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://inhabitat.com/converted-church-turned-artist-loft-looks-for-new-owner/church-house8/" target="_blank">Visit Inhabitat.com to learn more about the place</a>. </p>
- <p> The cavernous interior has soaring ceilings that reach 40 feet. There are two oak staircases that put you on the second floor, in reach of the two-story bell tower. </p> <p> <a href="http://inhabitat.com/converted-church-turned-artist-loft-looks-for-new-owner/church-house8/" target="_blank">Visit Inhabitat.com to learn more about the place</a>. </p>
- <p> The first floor has three bedrooms, and there's a "dining nook" occupying the space where the altar used to stand. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://inhabitat.com/converted-church-turned-artist-loft-looks-for-new-owner/church-house8/" target="_blank">Visit Inhabitat.com to learn more about the place</a>. </p>
- <p> Stained-glass windows flood the home with natural light, giving its hardwood floors, an -- you could say -- ethereal glow. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://inhabitat.com/converted-church-turned-artist-loft-looks-for-new-owner/church-house8/" target="_blank">Visit Inhabitat.com to learn more about the place</a>. </p>
- <p> Location: Dresden, Tenn. <br /> Price: $39,900<br /> Beds/Baths: 5/3<br /> Sq. Ft.: 3,902<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/789-Jolly-Springs-Rd_Dresden_TN_38225_M85669-40379?mlslid=107380" target="_blank">This Southern church</a> may come off as a bit more modest than some other places of worship-turned-homes in our gallery, but you can't beat the price. $39,900 is already ultra-cheap for a home, but here we're talking 5 acres of property and 3,902 square feet of interior space. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/789-Jolly-Springs-Rd_Dresden_TN_38225_M85669-40379?mlslid=107380" target="_blank">See the listing for more details</a>. </p>
- <p> Some of home's original holy trappings are still clearly visible. Pictured here is what appears to be the church's pulpit. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/789-Jolly-Springs-Rd_Dresden_TN_38225_M85669-40379?mlslid=107380" target="_blank">See the listing for more details</a>. </p>
- <p> The home received additions in the 1950s. The home's kitchen, unlike some other parts of the place, conceals the structure's original purpose. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/789-Jolly-Springs-Rd_Dresden_TN_38225_M85669-40379?mlslid=107380" target="_blank">See the listing for more details</a>. </p>
- <p> Location: Bellevue, Ky. <br /> Price: $219,500<br /> Beds/Baths: 2/2<br /> Sq Ft: N/A</p> <p> This <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/320-Poplar-St_Bellevue_KY_41073_M49932-93425?mlslid=373523" target="_blank">striking former church</a> is listed for $219,500. The building houses loft condos and has an enormous stained-glass window. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/320-Poplar-St_Bellevue_KY_41073_M49932-93425?mlslid=373523" target="_blank">See the listing for more details</a>. </p>
- <p> Many of the interior flourishes are a century old, but still appear to be in good condition, like this stained-glass window.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/320-Poplar-St_Bellevue_KY_41073_M49932-93425?mlslid=373523" target="_blank">See the listing for more details</a>. </p>
- <p> In an unlikely design trope, the home's interior is, well, hip. The most notable detail to earn that designation? An iPod in-wall music system. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/320-Poplar-St_Bellevue_KY_41073_M49932-93425?mlslid=373523" target="_blank">See the listing for more details</a>. </p>
- <p> Location: Pacific, Mo. <br /> Price: $174,000<br /> Beds/Baths: 3/2<br /> Sq. Ft.: 3,800<br /> <br /> The seller of <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/508-W-Saint-Louis-St_Pacific_MO_63069_M79136-98000?mlslid=11029531" target="_blank">this home</a> apparently had to cut short his efforts to transform the 125-year-old building into a full-blown residence. The owner got about halfway there, according to MLS. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/508-W-Saint-Louis-St_Pacific_MO_63069_M79136-98000?mlslid=11029531" target="_blank">See the listing for more details</a>. </p>
- <p> The home offers arched doorways, stained glass, elaborate fixtures and custom woodwork. A wide staircase leads to a space that the seller intended to convert into a master suite. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/508-W-Saint-Louis-St_Pacific_MO_63069_M79136-98000?mlslid=11029531" target="_blank">See the listing for more details</a>. </p>
- <p> There's a kitchen, an airy foyer, and the great room has two-story high, vaulted ceilings, church-style. The property also has its own fishpond. </p> <p> <br /> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/508-W-Saint-Louis-St_Pacific_MO_63069_M79136-98000?mlslid=11029531" target="_blank">See the listing for more details</a>. </p>
- <p> Location: Bessemer, Mich. <br /> Price: $68,000<br /> Beds/Baths: 6 units<br /> Sq. Ft.: 3,600<br /> <br /> Perhaps our most <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/409-411-S-Moore-St_Bessemer_MI_49911_M34704-03319?mlslid=1062144" target="_blank">residential-looking conversion</a>, this former church now houses four apartment units, as well as a duplex. $68,000 brings you six units in all, making the place seem like a heck of an investment opportunity. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/409-411-S-Moore-St_Bessemer_MI_49911_M34704-03319?mlslid=1062144" target="_blank">See the listing for more details</a>. </p>
- <p> Location: Britt, Iowa<br /> Price: $39,500<br /> Beds/Baths: 5/2<br /> Sq. Ft.: 4,071<br /> <br /> Built in 1900, <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/106-3rd-St-Se_Britt_IA_50423_M86146-57446?mlslid=15154" target="_blank">this repurposed church</a> offers five bedrooms, and has functioned as a home for a while. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/106-3rd-St-Se_Britt_IA_50423_M86146-57446?mlslid=15154" target="_blank">See the listing for more details</a>. </p>
- <p> The exterior makes the building's former purpose quite obvious, but its interior could have you fooled because of an extensive makeover. </p> <p> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/106-3rd-St-Se_Britt_IA_50423_M86146-57446?mlslid=15154" target="_blank">See the listing for more details</a>. </p>
- <p> Location: Flaxton, N.D.<br /> Price: $29,900<br /> Beds/Baths: 0/1<br /> Sq. Ft.: N/A<br /> <br /> What's with churches, and being ridiculously cheap? Apparently, for $29,900, you can snag a <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/106-Minnesota-Ave-E_Flaxton_ND_58737_M88919-71453?mlslid=20120384" target="_blank">bona fide cathedral</a>. You're only working with one bathroom though, so the buyer should be prepared to spend some coin on renovations. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/106-Minnesota-Ave-E_Flaxton_ND_58737_M88919-71453?mlslid=20120384" target="_blank">See the listing for more details</a>. </p>
- <p> There are the characteristic vaulted ceilings, and lots and lots of space. Particle board could come in handy in the early stages of an overhaul. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/106-Minnesota-Ave-E_Flaxton_ND_58737_M88919-71453?mlslid=20120384" target="_blank">See the listing for more details</a>. </p>
- <p> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/gallery/quiz-do-you-know-your-house-styles/#photo-1">Quiz: Do You Know Your House Styles?</a></p> <p> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/gallery/top-real-estate-markets-for-1m-plus-home-searches/">Top Real Estate Markets for $1 Million-Plus</a></p> <p> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/gallery/quirky-home-conversions/">Quirky Home Conversions</a></p>
- <p> This <a href="http://www.zillow.com/blog/2011-10-28/holy-little-house-for-sale/" target="_blank">tidy, repurposed church</a> looks almost like a cottage, with its white picket fence and well-kept yard. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/blog/2011-10-28/holy-little-house-for-sale/" target="_blank">Read Zillow's profile on the home to learn more</a>. </p>
- <p> The home's highlight may be its expansive living room, flooded by natural light from arched windows. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/blog/2011-10-28/holy-little-house-for-sale/" target="_blank">Read Zillow's profile on the home to learn more</a>. </p>
- <p> Get this: the reason why the interior is so snappy is that the former owners, who originally used the place as a wedding chapel, spent $500,000 over four years to convert it into a home. The kitchen features granite countertops and custom cabinetry. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/blog/2011-10-28/holy-little-house-for-sale/" target="_blank">Read Zillow's profile on the home to learn more</a>. </p>
