How Australia’s top heritage buildings were brought back to life

A heritage-listed property is bound to deter some buyers, but with the right determination and passion this can be the foundation of an architectural masterpiece.

It’s these one-of-a-kind properties that often attract the most attention from the media and on renovation shows, such as the 2016 season of The Block where a former soap factory was converted into luxury apartments.

We take a closer look at four heritage-protected churches and barns that have successfully been converted into sought-after homes.

#ThebarnTAS, Hobart (TAS)

#thebarnTAS, an award-winning renovation of an 1829 horse stables in Hobart by architects workbylizandalex. Photo: Matt Sansom

#ThebarnTAS was a 200-year-old rundown, but structurally sound horse stable, when purchased by architects Elizabeth Walsh and Alex Nielsen in 2012.

“The original sandstone walls, convict brick cobble floor, timber shingle roof and partitioned horse stall were intact with only small signs of wear and tear,” Walsh says.

“The property also has an interesting social history, acting as the stable or outbuilding to one of Hobart’s most notorious [former] watering holes, the Bulls Head Hotel. The establishment was described in the late 1800s as a ‘hotbed of immorality and crime’.”

Working within the original envelope, the architects have used volume, outlook and a clear material strategy to define spaces in the compact 62-square-metre space.

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The architects used volume, outlook and a clear material strategy to define spaces in the compact space. Photo: Matt Sansom

All new works appear intentionally different from the existing stone, timber and plasterwork fabric.

“Our advice would be to celebrate and contrast the heritage with careful and crafted alterations and additions,” Walsh says.

“Generally throughout the project our overarching principle was do as much as necessary but do it to the highest possible standard.”

The property is now available as a holiday rental via Airbnb.

The Courtyard House, Collingwood (VIC)

The Courtyard House was purchased by Ilana Kister in 2013, it was still functioning as a church. Photo: Nelson Alexander 

Formerly the St Saviours Church of England Mission Church and later Holy Virgins Protection Russian Orthodox Church, this circa 1874 gothic revival property was recently converted into a family home by architect-owner, Ilana Kister, director of Kister Architects.

When Kister and her family purchased the property in 2013, it was still functioning as a church.

“My partner was really excited about the possibilities that the site proposed, so we put in an expression and secured the property,” Kister says.

“Then it was up to me to come up with an exciting way to transform the old church and church hall into a future home for our family.”

Over two years, the property underwent significant restorations both internally and to the facade.

The Courtyard House is one of the most significant architectural addresses in the inner north. Photo: Nelson Alexander 

A new concrete structure housing the main home was added, replacing a former annex and hall on site with irreparable water damage.

This building opens directly onto the bluestone church while wrapping around a circular courtyard containing a 17-metre lap pool and gardens.

Kister advises other heritage renovation enthusiasts to understand the significance of each building, its character, style and the surrounding street it sits within before attempting a conversion.

“My suggestion is to work closely with a heritage consultant who supports your design and intentions. Council really only supported my proposal once there was a heritage architect involved,” she says.

The converted property sold in August this year for an undisclosed price between $5.8 and $6.38 million – the highest figure paid for a single dwelling in Melbourne’s inner-north.

The Barn, Daylesford (VIC)

The property was purchased by Theresa Albioli in 2013 as an addition to her holiday home business. Photo: Tim & Sophie Loft

Once used to store hay and livestock, “The Barn” is now a heritage-listed, three-bedroom accommodation venue on the fringe of the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in Daylesford.

The property was purchased by designer and accommodation developer Theresa Albioli in 2013 as an addition to her holiday home business, The Houses Daylesford.

While the interior was in a dilapidated state, overall, the property had magnificent bones. Albioli set out to return the building to its former glory while adding natural light and modern amenities.

“Often barn renovations merge into a point of ‘overdone’, losing their uniqueness. I believe my barn has successfully been transformed from original animal shelter to eclectic grand proportions,” Albioli says.

While the interior was in a dilapidated state, overall, the property had magnificent bones. Photo: Tim & Sophie Loft

The renovations were completed in under 12 months, with Albioli living onsite during the final stages.

The heritage listing (in effect since 1988) meant the original form of the building, roof pitch and facade materials all had to be retained.

“The ultimate success when renovating an old home comes from respecting all elements – the building, gardens, views, people, history and accepting the infinite evolving of the building while never losing its soul,” Albioli says.

The Barn is available for short-term rent on Stayz.com.au.

Methodist Church, Queenscliff (VIC)

This property is currently listed for sale at a price point of $1.8 million. Photo: Supplied

It has been transformed internally in recent years into a four-bedroom, four-bathroom home spread over three levels, with an adjoining guest quarters and commercial space.

Many of the original design features remain intact, such as the vaulted timber ceilings, stained glass windows and of course the heritage-protected facade.

Many of the original design features remain intact. Photo: Supplied

The property is among a handful of church conversions in the area, all of which attract significant attention when hitting the market. This property is currently listed for sale at a price point of $1.8 million.

“The conversion rates very highly in all that I’ve seen in my 20-year experience,” says the agent, RT Edgar Point Lonsdale director Felix Hakins.

“Taking full advantage of the natural leadlight windows, the conversion offers luxury living throughout with generous sized bedrooms complete with a self-contained living/rental option.”