Abandoned centuries-old New York church transformed into stunning $3 million retreat with
A long-forgotten 19th century church in upstate New York has been reborn as a breathtaking $3 million retreat – complete with a dramatic timber frame interior and a bell tower library.
The early Greek Revival structure, which was built in 1837 and sits on 37 acres of land in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, underwent a painstaking restoration that transformed the abandoned sanctuary into a sprawling luxury residence.
At the heart of the property is the church’s original structure, where huge hand-chopped beams, which are almost two centuries old, remain exposed.
The beams create a cathedral-like space that dominate the home’s interior.
‘The real standout is the great room, which is the church itself,’ listing agent Annabel Taylor of Four Seasons–Sotheby’s International Realty said.
‘Of course, all of those exposed beams provide such a “wow” factor as well.’
The beams are a striking reminder of the building’s religious past.
The structure stopped being used as a church during the 1990s when it fell into such disrepair that it was nearly torn down.
The converted church sits on more than 30 acres in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York
The first floor features soaring ceilings that highlight the original timber frame structure of the church
Massive exposed beams stretch across the great room, creating a dramatic open space in the former sanctuary
Decades later, the property has been revived by architects Nik Vekic and Quinn Marquardt of ICDT Studio, who purchased the deteriorating structure in 2023 for $425,000.
At the time, the church was far from the dramatic sanctuary it is today.
The building had previously been dismantled and relocated to Gilboa, New York, by another owner.
‘A previous owner moved the church to its current location with the intention of turning it into a residence, but that vision was never fully realized,’ Taylor said.
‘The sellers completed the project and also put on an addition. They also expanded the lower level with additional living space.
‘It’s a very large structure that has a big communal great room, but there is a large separation of space so you can also have a lot of privacy.’
Over the next two years, Vekic and Marquardt undertook the meticulous transformation, turning the once-abandoned church into a 6,242-square-foot residence that blends its historic bones with modern design.
‘When we first walked through it, we could see the original timber frame structure of the church, and we both realized the potential of that,’ Vekic told Mansion Global.
That original framework now frames the property’s most dramatic space – a cavernous great room beneath towering ceilings where an open floor plan, central fireplace and expansive dining table stretch across the former sanctuary.
The open floor plan allows the dining space to flow seamlessly into the dramatic great room
A huge communal dining area sits beneath the towering ceilings, designed for large gatherings and entertaining.
Throughout the home, a soft cream-colored interior palette creates a warm and elegant atmosphere
The church’s bell tower has been converted into a unique library filled with books and natural light
The property sites on more than 30 acres of land with rocky outcrops, trails, streams and waterfalls
One of the home’s most distinctive features lies high above the rest of property.
The architects converted the bell tower into a library filled with bookshelves. It is now bathed in natural light that comes streaming in through tall windows.
Elsewhere, the designers layered luxury into the historic shell.
Hidden beneath a staircase sits a temperature-controlled wine room capable of storing 600 bottles, concealed behind steel doors.
A separate guest wing includes a bunk room with four beds, while a third-floor home office sits high in the former church’s steeple, accessed by its own staircase.
‘They were inspired by the structure of the church, but this is the first church transformation they have done,’ Taylor said.
‘It makes for a stunning residence. They are very creative people who own a design studio.’
Additional design touches include a towering gas stove that rises from floor to ceiling in the great room, a chef’s kitchen fitted with marble countertops, and a butler’s pantry equipped with a second sink and a concealed refrigerator hidden behind paneled cabinetry.
Downstairs, the walk-out lower level contains a media room with a wet bar along with a laundry room complete with dual washer-dryer units.
Beyond the walls of the former church, the property sits on 30 acres of land and includes wooded trails, streams, waterfalls and rock formations scattered across the rolling terrain.
Children will enjoy these tastefully decorated built-in bunk beds, complete with curtains
One of the bathrooms features a spacious double-sink vanity designed for couples
Forest wallpaper only serves to add to the feeling of seclusion about the properly
Another bathroom showcases striking black-and-white tiles that create a bold, graphic design
The secluded location still offers easy access to nearby attractions. The home sits within the Catskill foothills and is roughly 20 minutes from the Windham Mountain Club.
Taylor said the property could serve as a private family getaway or an entertaining space for buyers who enjoy hosting large gatherings.
‘A no-brainer would be a family,’ she said, ‘but it could also go to a couple who loves to entertain.’
Because the town of Gilboa has no zoning restrictions, Taylor said the land could also support hospitality or development opportunities.
‘There is no zoning in the town of Balboa, so you could also have a hospitality business because there are no restrictions,’ she said.
‘With 30 acres, you could also subdivide the property.’