topic Re: Homes that Were Churches in Home

Homes that Were Churches

wilma — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:47:25 GMT

Would you live in a house that previously was a church?

I love the idea of repurposing old buildings instead of tearing them down, but I don’t think I would like to live in one of these.

I’m not a fan of large vast open spaces & rooms in homes and most of these naturally have that look. Some of the architectural elements still look too “churchy” for me, especially religious themed stained glass windows.

The whole thing seems a bit creepy to me which is strange, because when I go to church, I do not think the buildings are creepy. I guess it’s just the idea of using a former sacred space for everyday living that turns me off.

What do you think?

The animal head horn things on the walls are giving me a demon vibe in this setting.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

tobes — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:53:33 GMT

@wilma Yes I would consider it....intriguing.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

JYWilliams — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:56:33 GMT

I really like the first and second ones.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

CANDLEQUEEN — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:57:44 GMT

@wilma . I agree with you that the idea of turning a sacred building into a home just doesn't sit well with me.....They are beautiful, but I could never live in one.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

KaySD — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 16:00:08 GMT

@wilma I guess it would depend on the building, and what it would take to make rooms or spaces within it that were comfortably proportioned. Also, soaring ceilings would cost the earth to heat in winter. As for living in a sacred space. I'd think it might be a wonderful vibe.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

Mz iMac — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 16:01:05 GMT

Only if the exterior of the church is stone.

I like all the interior pics especially the 1st pic which has that deviish spin.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

rms1954 — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 16:29:13 GMT

I love the idea. I don't get a demonic vibe from that first one. It looks like just dead cattle from the desert.

However, they are really big homes. I like like the idea of smaller churches I see that have been abandoned. I think it would be fun to make over into a home.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

tends2dogs — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 16:49:22 GMT

I think they would make great bars / restaurants. Such big open spaces, I am sure there would be quite an echo. As far as being a sacred place, I don't believe that anything built by the hands of man is sacred. The HS lives in the believer, not a building. That time has passed.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

shoptilyadropagain — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 17:28:29 GMT

It wouldn't be my first choice in a home I was looking for but I could live in one. A lot would depend on the interior and exterior as would be with any home I'm considering purchasing.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

on the bay — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 18:24:02 GMT

@wilma -

yes, I agree.

Interesting to look at but kind of creepy to live in.

Not because they were a church but a big cavernous space where I picture a scene from a murder mystery.

(Or maybe I've been watching too many Bristish murder mysteries!😬)

Re: Homes that Were Churches

Kachina624 — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 23:53:00 GMT

They usually have a large open spaces making them lacking in the coziness I'd look for in a home. They have the ambience of a barn. They would also be difficult and expensive to heat and cool.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

threecees — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 00:16:49 GMT

My favorite is the second photo, so beautiful.

Thanks for posting something different and very interesting @wilma.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

VaBelle35 — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 00:21:09 GMT

We have a church in my town that was converted into a restaurant, bar and after hours club.

No business has ever been successful in it. It's like it doesn't want to be anything but a church.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

sceniccoast — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 01:24:58 GMT

@wilma

I totally agree with you. I'm never a fan of stained glass windows, religious or not. I like windows I can see out of. I just prefer in general a more modest home, simple, cheery, casual ..

Re: Homes that Were Churches

ROMARY — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 01:36:27 GMT

I like the second and the fourth photos.

I'm becoming used to things being converted into homes, watching 'Escape To The Country' on DABL TV. England and surrounding areas.

Most are converted barns, and also a few old churches.

They sure do a good job of refurbishing old buildings, including barns.

The English countryside and surrounding areas are beautiful. Wish I would have visited there, in addition to beautiful London, which I enjoyed.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

stevieb — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 02:15:53 GMT

I've seen some lovely and well done property transitions from church to home, including those pictued. Personally, I think I would always find it a bit awkward.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

desertrat8 — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 04:13:53 GMT

@sceniccoast I'm with you on this one. Am more into modest & most of all comfortable & cozy. I just like a HOME!

Re: Homes that Were Churches

Oznell — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 12:03:50 GMT

Have always found them interesting architecturally, but would not be comfortable living there. When ceilings are THAT vaulted, you end up feeling like a little ant at the bottom of a well-- not my favorite mode in everyday life! And they'd be echo-ey.

There is an established process for de-consecrating a church to be put to secular use, but even so, I'm too much in awe of the original purpose to want it to be my house...

Re: Homes that Were Churches

Patriot3 — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 12:51:20 GMT

I like them. I would have to remove anything morbid. Love the spiral staircase.

Re: Homes that Were Churches

Katcat1 — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 15:55:41 GMT

The first picture looks good as far as it use to be a church. I don't like those dining room chairs. The other pictures look too much like a church especially that dark wood and all the stain glass -- I would not live in that.