Couple transform dilapidated church bought for £85,000 into a stunning contemporary home – maintaining its traditional wooden beams, exposed stone walls and elegant arch windows
- Hannah Lewis, 29, of West Cumbria, and partner Wayne started project in 2016
- Admitted it was ‘very stressful’ after first employing a ‘cowboy’ builder to help
- Eventually spent £300,000 on transforming old church into a ‘modern’ home
A couple have given an old run-down Methodist church a dazzling makeover, transforming it into a stunning contemporary home.
Hannah Lewis, 29, an occupational therapist from West Cumbria, and her partner Wayne purchased the old church in 2015 at a cost of £85,000 and began renovating it in 2016.
The couple initially hired a designer to help with the transformation, who Hannah said ‘created a vision for our home mixing a modern twist with the traditional building’.
The entire renovation project – which Hannah admitted was ‘one of the most stressful things I have done’ – cost roughly £300,000, meaning the couple went slightly over budget.
Hannah Lewis, 29, and her partner Wayne have given an old run-down Methodist church a dazzling makeover, transforming it into a stunning contemporary home
The couple initially hired a designer to help with the transformation, who Hannah said ‘created a vision for our home mixing a modern twist with the traditional building’. Pictured before and after
Hannah admitted the ambitious renovation project was ‘one of the most stressful things I have done’
Owing to the historic nature of the church, the couple were required to complete a number of specific surveys prior to any works being initiated, including an essential mining one due to it being an old mining area.
The building also needed a new roof, windows, steel installations and underpinning to allow it to support a striking glass wall at the back of the house.
Hannah told how they completed some of the demolition work themselves to prep for major building works, even dragging their family and friends into the process.
A local builder was then brought in to complete the major works and finishing touches, which Hannah said ‘brought the plans to life’.
The building needed a new roof, windows, steel installations and underpinning to allow it to support a striking glass wall at the back of the house (pictured)
Hannah has kept many of the original features of the church, including the traditionally-shaped windows (left) and wooden beams. Pictured right: a bedroom
Hannah and Wayne have transformed the old church into a stunning contemporary home. Pictured: the dining area
Explaining her inspiration behind the transformation, Hannah explained: ‘My parents converted a barn when I was a child for our family home and ever since I have always had an interest in unusual or historic buildings.
‘Converting or building is something I always wanted to do and when I saw the church for sale in the nearby village I went to see it and put an offer in the same day.’
Hannah revealed the most enjoyable aspects of the gigantic project were picking the décor for the rooms and adding her own personal stamp on the house in the form of her brightly coloured tiles, artwork, paint colours and furniture, which made it feel more like her home.
Hannah told how they completed some of the demolition work themselves to prep for major building works
Explaining her inspiration behind the transformation, Hannah (right after the build) explained: ‘My parents converted a barn when I was a child for our family home and ever since I have always had an interest in unusual or historic buildings’. Pictured left: the church before its renovation
Owing to the historic nature of the church, the couple were required to complete a number of specific surveys prior to any works being initiated. Pictured: the church during its renovation
Hannah told how she has incorporated lots of bright colours into her decor as ‘coming into a bright happy space really helps me escape’. Pictured: the kitchen and dining area
The stunning glass wall at the rear of the building floods the property with light and offers a view of the garden from the living area
The church house’s stylish master bathroom, featuring a free-standing bath and stylish grey tiling
‘I also enjoyed that it was a team effort with family and friends as everyone got involved and made memories together which I have put in a scrapbook,’ she added.
However, the huge project didn’t come without its challenges either, with Hannah admitting that as she and her partner had never before undertaken such a project, they were perhaps a little naive.
‘We initially hired a builder who, upon reflection, was totally inexperienced and very bad at his job, a definite cowboy,’ she explained.
‘This cost us time and a lot of wasted money, which unfortunately we were unable to get back.’
Hannah and Wayne dragged their family and friends into the process – pictured from left to right: Hannah’s dad, partner Wayne, her brother-in-law and her brother
The original church windows remain a striking feature of the property, while the stairs lead up to a living room and bedroom area
Hannah admitting that as she and her partner had never before undertaken such a project, they were perhaps a little naive – but it’s turned out beautifully (right)
Hannah said of her new home: ‘It’s everything I’ve always wanted to do since I was small’. Pictured: the glass doors at the rear of the home lead out onto a gravel patio
Thankfully the pair found a better-skilled replacement who stepped in and ‘did an amazing job’, turning the church into their home.
‘I absolutely adore my home, it’s everything I’ve always wanted to do since I was small,’ Hannah said.
‘I love everything to do with houses and home décor, so this was like my blank canvas to do anything I wanted. It’s perfect and just very me in every single way.
‘My favourite areas are the kitchen area and my pink entrance hall; I have lots of bright colours as my job can be quite stressful, so coming into a bright happy space really helps me escape.’
As for advice for budding renovation enthusiasts, Hannah (pictured with her dog in their new living room) recommended always researching builders thoroughly and getting plenty of quotes, as this may save lots of money and stress in the long run
One of Hannah’s favourite areas in the home is the pink entrance hall, which features the church’s original sign
The church house pictured after completion. Hannah admitted the renovation project was very stressful, but worth it
As for advice for budding renovation enthusiasts, Hannah recommended always researching builders thoroughly and getting plenty of quotes, as this may save lots of money and stress in the long run.
‘Seek out people who have done similar projects or renovations, ask their advice as sometimes it’s best to know what to avoid doing as well as what to do,’ she noted.
‘Don’t be afraid to do something totally unusual and quirky; whatever your style is, just go for it. This is one of the most stressful things I have done and probably ever will do, but now it feels totally worth it.’
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