Old Nelligen church transformed into a picturesque home

A home steeped in history and seemingly plucked out of a fairytale, 1 Runnyford Road in the sleepy town of Nelligen on the Clyde River, is sure to whisk you to another world.

It was originally St Joseph’s Catholic Church designed circa-1896 in late Victorian Gothic style, with renowned Moruya granite base footings and a copper bell tower that still functions. The church was open for 70 years, before holding its last service in April 1976.

For several years the once beguiling building sat abandoned and fell victim to vandalism.

It was purchased by a Perth couple who lovingly revived the building and ran an art gallery from its premises for many years before selling the property in 2012.

Over the past six years, the building has undergone a complete internal refit and has transformed in an awe-inspiring home with an amazing ambience.

LJ Hooker Bateman’s Bay listing agent Karen Van Der Stelt says the refit has been completed “meticulously.”

“The owner kept all the integrity of the home and the amount of work is amazing,” she says.

“It’s an absolutely stunning home.”

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It sits on a spacious 1558-square-metre block with lovely cottage-style landscaped gardens and a north-west placement with stunning views of the Budawang Mountains.

The ground floor has beautiful hardwood flooring throughout and an open-plan guest bedroom. French doors lead to outdoor terraces, while the original stained glass windows invoke the church’s original heritage.

The mezzanine floor, accessed by a spiral staircase with decorative iron balustrades contains the main bedroom, bathroom, wardrobe and study space.

The property features a newly installed automated sewerage system, gas and water connection. The previous owner had a DA for a three-bedroom home to be built at the southern end of the property, which could be reinstated.

Ms Van Der Stelt says she has been fielding non-stop enquiries about the home.

“It’s hands down the most exciting listing I’ve had in 14 years,” she says.

Nelligen

1 Runnyford Road

2 bed, 2 bath, 1 car

Auction: 1pm, May 12

Agent: LJ Hooker Batemans Bay, Karen Van Der Stelt 0413 221 504