Homes created in the heritage-listed South Cronulla Uniting Church and Sunday School hall are simply divine but, when it comes to buying one, blessed are the rich.
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The church was closed in 2016 when parishes were amalgamated and the site, a short walk to Shelly Beach, was sold for a development, which has been called The Abbey.
Developer Traders in Purple converted the 1924 church and 1950s hall and amenities into three beautifully styled homes, and built a further four townhouses alongside.
The three-bedroom residences in the church and hall are a blend of old and new, with original features such as leadlight stained glass windows, cathedral ceilings and even the old church bell restored and retained.
New spotted gum hardwood floors, copying the original, were laid throughout.
All of the exterior brickwork was repointed, the roof stripped and relaid with matching Marseille terracotta tiles and new custom-made doors made to look original.
Interiors are bright and light-filled, with the help of skylights and big glass doors, with bespoke joinery, bathrooms in natural stone tiles, kitchens with marble and travertine bench-tops and splash-backs and fireplace cabinets in aged brass.
The project has won silver at the Sydney Design Awards for AJH + Architects, and has been nominated for other industry awards.
Traders in Purple said 50 per cent of the luxury residences were sold in the three months after completion in January.
A spokeswoman said the two units in the church were sold before the project was launched onto the market, with the owners requesting the price not be disclosed.
The remaining residence, in the former hall, is expected to sell at "the high $2 million" mark.
The four adjoining townhouses have been the subject of an expression of interest campaign, with price expectations of $2 million to $3 million.
Project manager Anthony Arginovski said the job had been challenging but very satisfying, and the result was "pretty nice".
Mr Arginovski said, when the going got tough, he reminded his team it might be a long time before they got the opportunity to work on a project that was so special.
Traders in Purple invited 200 former parishioners and neighbours to a special tour of the completed project.
"We are extremely proud of the regeneration and maintaining the property's special link to its past," said director Charlie Daoud.
"Projects like The Abbey, with such rich history and significance for the community, are very rewarding.
"It brings us immense joy to hear just how appreciative former members of church were about what we had created on this very special project."
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