Looking to rent a home that stands out from the crowd? This stunning church conversion in London might be what you’re looking for. We speak to the owners about why this property is so unique.
Why did you want to live in this church conversion?
Neil: “My wife and I have lived in this property for three years. Initially it was the exterior shot of the property online that made us want to buy it – it’s just such a beautiful building and unlike any other house.
We weren’t actually intending to move. We were looking around the area for a buy-to-let property, but my wife sent me a link to the building and it’s so spectacular that we had to up and move here!”
What is your favourite feature of this property and why?
Neil: “I love the high ceilings - not just double height, but triple height ceilings. I’d always fantasised as a child about living in a church conversion, and the ceilings are one of the main reasons why. They do something to your mind the minute you walk into the building, with that wow factor of having the space to be able to see all the way up to the roof.
We are also lucky to have the ‘lions share’ of the church conversion’s features, including the bell tower, a series of gothic arch leaded windows, the rose wheel window, the former vestry and the entrance hall atrium.”
What is the history behind the building?
Neil: “The church was originally built as a Congregational church in 1863 in the style of a French chapel and was functioning as a church right up until the war. The church then became used as a site for spiritualism, a belief that became popular after the First World War, as St Luke's Spiritualist Church in 1939. It was then bought by the Church of England in 1950 and reconsecrated to St Paul in 1965.
It wasn’t until 1997 that the church was sold to a developer and converted into houses.”
How was the church transformed into houses?
Neil: “Kirk Pickering, a developer who has also built a few other houses in the area, took on the conversion of the church. He was particularly considerate of maintaining the original features when converting the building, dividing the building by cross sections rather than the typical lateral conversion to ensure he didn’t split feature windows between properties.
Kirk made some additions as well, including adding roof lights to the top of the house and patio doors at the rear that lead out to a raised decked terrace. One of the main changes he made was building the entrance hall atrium; it completely blends into the building, using the same stones so you would never guess it was added later and it allows for a better transition of space from out to in.”
Have you made any changes whilst living in this property?
Neil: “We certainly have! When we first moved in, the building was a two bedroom house, but we converted the utility room to add another bedroom and built an entire floor to create the master suite (pictured above) where previously there was only a void space.
The property was renovated just last year and we’ve also made lots of little changes throughout, including modifying the staircase, adding a bespoke arched door and installing the latest fire suppression technology.”
What’s the area like?
Neil: “Forest Hill is experiencing a knock-on effect from East Dulwich, so it is rising in popularity. It’s great for families, with a good range of schools and outdoor spaces like the Horniman Gardens and Dulwich Park. It’s also really popular with artists, many of whom have studios at Havelock Walk. Because it has both Overground and Southern Rail links, it’s coming onto the radar of professionals as well who are looking to save money on property, but still want a short commute to central London.
I moved to Dulwich 15 years ago, and Forest Hill now is like how Dulwich was then, with new shops and restaurants opening all the time. It’s exciting to be living in a location that’s changing so much.”
What would you say to potential tenants?
Neil: “If you’re looking for a normal terraced house, this isn’t for you. But why would you want to live in a normal house when you could live in this?”
Take a look at the rest of this stunning church conversion or contact Foxtons Dulwich to book a viewing or find out more details.
