Realtor.com
A building where Lutherans once worshipped in the historic city of St. Augustine, FL, is now for sale as a private residence.
“It’s absolutely breathtaking,” says Elizabeth Jennings, who is co-listing the property with Kate Mitchell. Both are with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “It really is just a beautiful space and is perfect and open. You get a really good feeling when you walk in.”
Mitchell calls the structure “timeless” and echoes Jennings’ sentiments.
“You feel the emotions and energy that have been celebrated through the ages when it was a church; but at the same time, it feels like a warm and inviting home,” Mitchell says.
The former church building and attached annex are available for $1,175,000.
Exterior
Even Ulsh
Interior
Even Ulsh
Aerial view
Even Ulsh
The main church building dates back to the early 1900s. Published reports say the cornerstone was laid in 1927, when it became Memorial Lutheran Church of the Martyrs. Back then, there were about 18 members.
After about 50 years, the membership outgrew the church building, and the congregation moved to another structure in 1977.
Mitchell says the transformation from former church to private residence happened in the early 2000s. The home has changed hands several times since then and has recently served as a vacation rental that goes for around $500 a night.
“It has RG-1 zoning—which is rare in an historic area and means you can do nightly rentals which is very valuable,” Mitchell explains. “You’re not limited. [The perfect buyer] could be someone looking for a notable or significant property in the oldest city in America, maybe as an investment and a weekend home.”
It’s also a turnkey opportunity: The furnishings seen in the listing photos are part of the sale.
Kitchen
Even Ulsh
Interior
Even Ulsh
Inside, the former church features original pine floors, high ceilings, a flat steeple, and distinctive windows. Thanks to its past, the building has a flowing layout that needed no modifications when it became a house.
“It’s a beautiful and vast open living area,” Mitchell says. “It takes the open-living concept to the next level. It’s truly an incredible place for entertaining because of all of the history and the architectural details.”
Lofted bedroom
Even Ulsh
Interior
Even Ulsh
Meanwhile, the lofted bedroom suite was once the church’s gallery and music area.
“Being in the building makes you feel this majestic and enchanting energy,” Jennings says. “It feels like you’re in a storybook almost.”
Annex
Even Ulsh
Annex
Even Ulsh
Annex bedroom
Even Ulsh
An enclosed breezeway connects the main building with a concrete annex structure, which has about 1,000-square-feet of additional sleeping spaces and a bathroom.
Mitchell says that while the home’s history is special, its location makes it a true rarity.
“The most valuable thing I would say about the property is it is in close walking distance to everything in this historic city,” she notes. “To be in the oldest city in America and also be an historic church—the combination of those two things is really extra spectacular.”
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