Impressive open-concept, loft-style living in a converted church with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms PLUS a 2.5 car garage.
This special house has approximately 3700 sq. ft. of finished living space. Built in 1917 of solid brick construction, the building was renovated to become a single-family home in 1993. The character of the church was left intact where possible by retaining the original plaster walls, wainscoting, wood-planked ceiling and leaded stained glass windows. As well, there are four soaring wooden arches and the wood flooring on the main level is the original fir floor. Many additional renovations and improvements have been made over the past 18 years.
In the kitchen, there is plenty of storage. All lower cabinets have pull-out shelves and the large island has a granite countertop with pot drawers, double sink and new Kitchenaid dishwasher.
In the living room, there is a natural gas fireplace. French doors lead to a front room which is now set up as an office but could be used in many ways (sitting room, library, etc.).
The four-piece main bathroom contains two separate rooms; in one is a whirlpool tub, walk-in shower and pedestal sink, in the other is the toilet.
There is a natural gas fireplace in the loft master bedroom and a mini-split air conditioning system. As well, there is a three-piece ensuite bathroom with heated ceramic floor, granite-topped vanity, and 44" wide walk-in shower.
On the ground level, there is plenty of space to spread out with two more bedrooms plus additional areas that could be used for recreation or other activities. The large laundry room is situated in what was originally the church kitchen. It's a very bright room with three windows and has lots of storage cabinets and counters for folding. A two-piece bathroom is located on the ground level. As well, there is a walkout on the west side to the garden.
The board-and-batten style 2.5 car garage (approximately 740 sq.ft.) is insulated and drywalled. This is the perfect man cave, toy box and/or workshop. In front of the garage is a stamped concrete driveway wide enough to park an additional three cars.
The side yard is completely fenced on the perimeter and includes two separate spaces: a small lawn area, and a professionally landscaped Japanese-style garden with a waterfall and fish pond. In the garden, you will find natural stone retaining walls and stamped concrete walkways with a bridge and many perennial plants and shrubs. There also is an elevated 400+ sq. ft. multi-level deck off the kitchen with access to storage space below.
This one-of-a-kind home is conveniently located within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, medical offices and schools. (St. Thomas is situated approximately 20 km south of London.)
Additional photos can be sent via email on request. All measurements are approximate.
Recent Improvements/Maintenance:
In 2011, the exterior of the garage was painted.
In 2010, an energy audit was completed. Energy efficiency was improved by the addition of more insulation to the attic to bring it to R-50 and the replacement of the 13 ground level windows. Natural gas and electricity bills each averaged less than $100 per month over the last 12 months (see the "Cost" tab above).
In 2009, all exterior trim was painted and brickwork was checked, repointed or replaced where necessary. An impermeable roof was installed on the bell tower.
In 2008, 40-year shingles were installed on the house. The garage was insulated and drywalled.
In 2007, a high-efficiency Trane forced air natural gas furnace with central air and electronic air cleaner was installed. (This equipment has a fully transferable warranty in effect until July 2017.)
