A 19th-Century Neo-Gothic Church is Transformed into a Modern Home
On the edge of a small village in the Netherlands, the former St. Nicholas Church has been carefully transformed into a unique loft-style residence. Originally built in 1871 and designed by architect H.J. Wennekers, the Neo-Gothic church is now a municipal monument.
The church’s distinctive tower and proportions still define the building’s exterior, while the interior has been fully adapted for modern living. The current owners bought the church in 2017 and carried out a full restoration and conversion.
The key was to preserve the major architectural features while introducing a practical layout and modern comfort.
The church has an unusual orientation. It runs north to south instead of the traditional east-west alignment because it is positioned on the old sea dike.
The entrance is located beneath the tower. From the hall, you immediately enter the nave, the main living area.
The grand space retains many original elements, including the high pointed-arch windows, exposed wooden barrel vault, and structural tie-beams. These elements define the room’s volume and showcase the history of the building beautifully.
The room is designed with a seating area in the center of the space, flanked by a dining area near the organ platform and a bedroom on the other side.
A custom-built bench is fitted under the windows, featuring integrated heating.
The former sacristy has been converted into a kitchen.
The kitchen features modern appliances, an island with bar seating, and integrated storage. The beautiful stained glass windows are a showstopping feature in this room.
The former baptismal area is converted into a guest bathroom, featuring marble hexagonal tiles on the floor and a wooden vanity with a concrete top.
Behind the glass partition, the former choir area has been transformed into a bedroom en-suite on the ground floor and a more private sitting room above.
The en-suite features a walk-in wardrobe and a spacious bathroom with a freestanding bath, a walk-in shower, double sinks, and modern black fittings.
A spiral staircase leads to a mezzanine level above the choir, where a second living room has been created.
The windows on this level have been redesigned to match the original shapes while adding modern insulation.
From this room, you have views into the nave.
Above the living room is an additional bedroom with beautiful wooden beams and skylights.
The exposed brick wall adds character and history to this room.
A third bedroom is hidden behind the organ.
At the rear of the building, a sheltered outdoor area has been created. The garden is designed with low-maintenance materials such as gravel and Corten steel and provides space for seating, dining, or other uses.
The house is listed for sale at Redres de Bouwkunstmakelaar.