This enormous £214k church for sale is built on a German war trench

Snap up this beautiful abandoned French chapel

When it comes to amazing cuisine, jaw-dropping scenery and historic architecture, there's nowhere quite like France. The historic commune of Picardy is one of the most sought-after in the country, thanks to its rolling vineyards, spectacular chateaus and the sights of Paris, so you'd expect property prices to be high. However, if you're not afraid to roll your sleeves up, you could bag this monumental chapel for just €250,000. That's just £213,900 ($278k).

A historic site

The church was constructed after the First World War on the site of a former German trench. It replaced a smaller, local church but the clergy found it far too cramped and it had been badly damaged during the war. So, they decided to build a new church in the Roman-Byzantine Art Deco style. For the task, they hired architect Narcisse Laurent, who completed the project in 1937. The property recently became a listed historical monument, which highlights its local significance. 

Art Deco details

Laid out in a Latin cross shape, the church extends more than 10,000 square feet and features an impressive dome, supported by eight pillars. It has two floors, with the main level providing worshipping space for as many as 500 people and the lower floor set up as a crypt that was previously used for parish meetings. Yet the main nave has to be the building's most mesmerising space, thanks to its huge arched openings and imposing domed ceiling. 

Surrounded by green spaces

There are plenty of lovely touches throughout, too, including a wooden double door that leads inside, monumental archways with tall stained-glass windows and walls decorated with yellow bricks in a Flemish bond. Lovely one-acre gardens also enclose the building, providing extra bang for your buck. Though in need of renovation works, this stunning structure would make for one seriously incredible home.

Read on for more heavenly abandoned churches for sale

READ MORE: Beautiful buildings brimming with soul

If modern homes just don't do it for you, why not consider something with a little more soul? Steeped in history and offering no end of charming features, these abandoned churches are packed with conversion potential. From a tiny white chapel in Maine to a grand brick church in Scotland, you won't need divine intervention to transform these beautiful buildings into heavenly homes...

Historic wooden church, Indiana, USA: £62,200 ($79k)

Proving that you don't always need a huge budget to snap up something special, this historic wooden church in Lynn, Indiana, is listed for a recently reduced £62,200 ($79k). Framed with poplar and trimmed with oak, this elegant structure is not one to be missed.

Historic wooden church, Indiana, USA: £62,200 ($79k)

According to eXp Realty, it’s one of the state's oldest wooden churches and it’s also one of Randolph County's only approved venues, which means the new owner could continue to offer wedding ceremonies while living in another part of the 2,048-square-foot building. 

Historic wooden church, Indiana, USA: £62,200 ($79k)

Inside, there’s much to fall in love with. From its beautiful refinished hardwood floors to its barrel ceilings and stunning stained glass windows, which were custom-made by a local artist, the former church has a lot going for it. 

Historic wooden church, Indiana, USA: £62,200 ($79k)

Room-wise, there’s a small entrance foyer, a spacious nave with a mezzanine level, two side rooms that could be partitioned off for privacy and a full basement with its own exterior entrance – private apartment, anyone? What’s even better, this property has already received some rehabilitation work, including a brand-new steeple, which should take some of the hard work, and expense, out of the renovation.

Tiny white chapel, Maine, USA: £68,600 ($90k)

Is there anything cuter than a tiny white chapel? This ultra-adorable property lies in the town of Newry, Maine, and is almost too sweet to be true. The church dates back to 1904 and though it's small, it's big on beauty!

Tiny white chapel, Maine, USA: £68,600 ($90k)

The historic chapel spans just 952 square feet, but it still manages to feel spacious, thanks to its generous ceilings and ample windows. Essentially, there's just one main room in the building, although there is a small entrance hall, too. So the buyer could create a lovely open-plan studio, with a lounge, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

Tiny white chapel, Maine, USA: £68,600 ($90k)

Plus, there are endless period details that would be worth restoring, from the gorgeous timber panelling to the stained-glass details, elegant light fixtures and hardwood floors. The wooden seats that currently line the nave could also be upcycled and turned into cool dining chairs.

Tiny white chapel, Maine, USA: £68,600 ($90k)

There's also a sizeable backyard that measures 20,473 square feet (that's about half an acre), so there's scope here to extend the building further. Plus, it sits next to the Bear River, at the entrance to Grafton Notch State Park, making it perfect for lovers of the great outdoors. If you want to make it your own, then it's for sale with Sally Harkins & Co Real Estate for a mere £69,600 ($90k).

All Hallows Catholic Church, Western Australia, Australia: £166,900 ($217k)

If you're seeking a unique conversion project in Western Australia, then how about All Hallows Catholic Church? Located in the city of Boulder, surrounded by stunning nature reserves, the church is up for grabs for a mere £166,900 ($217k) – that's AUD$320,000 in the local currency. 

All Hallows Catholic Church, Western Australia, Australia: £166,900 ($217k)

Head through the front doors and you'll find yourself in an impressive hall. Light-filled and spacious, the nave boasts a soaring and highly decorative ceiling, pretty stained-glass windows and natural timber floors. According to the listing, the interior also offers fantastic acoustics.

All Hallows Catholic Church, Western Australia, Australia: £166,900 ($217k)

At the other end of the church, you'll find a small mezzanine balcony, which would be the perfect place for a bedroom and ensuite. With its seemingly endless ceiling and dominant window, it could be a master suite fit for a VIP. The Federation Gothic building is heritage-listed and was extensively restored and repaired after an earthquake in 2010, so it's in good shape for a conversion. 

All Hallows Catholic Church, Western Australia, Australia: £166,900 ($217k)

There's likely just enough space for a lounge, kitchen, dining space, office, bathroom and bedroom. What's more, the church sits on 10,893 square feet of private land, so there's plenty of room for further development, a gorgeous garden or an outbuilding.

Twechar Church and Halls, North Lanarkshire, UK: £219,995 ($286k)

House-hunters in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, could get their hands on this dramatic stone church – the ultimate fixer-upper project. Known as Twechar Church, the property is positioned in Kilsyth, which is just 30 minutes away from the centre of Glasgow.

Twechar Church and Halls, North Lanarkshire, UK: £219,995 ($286k)

Standing proud at 6,601 square feet, the prominent property is estimated to date back to the early 1900s and was once the hub of the community. Today, it's vacant and dusty, but in very good condition, thanks to its excellent stone construction. 

Twechar Church and Halls, North Lanarkshire, UK: £219,995 ($286k)

The property benefits from a huge nave, a kitchen, a hall that was likely used for community events, and various other vacant rooms that are waiting to be put to use. As for design details, there are concrete floors, vaulted timber ceilings, large stone archways, pretty stained-glass accents and Gothic light fixtures.

Twechar Church and Halls, North Lanarkshire, UK: £219,995 ($286k)

Another plus point is that, despite being historic and locally significant, the church isn't listed or protected in any way, so obtaining planning permission shouldn't be too much of a challenge. Keen to buy it? It's for sale with Church of Scotland right now, for an incredibly reasonable £219,995 ($286k). 

Art Deco church, Picardy, France: £334,200 ($425k)

If you fancy taking to rural France and setting up home, then this amazing Art Deco church in Picardy might just be your dream real estate opportunity. The striking structure lies less than two hours from Paris and Brussels, with a TGV train station nearby, yet is surrounded by rolling fields for the best of both worlds.

Art Deco church, Picardy, France: £334,200 ($425k)

Listed with Patrice Besse for €390,000, which equates to £333,000 ($425k), the brick church was built in 1932, after the original 11th-century building, a typical medieval country church, was destroyed by enemy fire during the First World War. A local architect was tasked with the job of designing the new building and was fundamentally told to create something altogether more modern.

Art Deco church, Picardy, France: £334,200 ($425k)

Luckily, the building survived the Second World War without damage and worship continued here until 1979. For the next 30 years, the church sat vacant and neglected. It was then bought and partially restored, but a lot of work is still needed to bring the building back to its former glory. But there are plenty of amazing details worth restoring, such as the hand-painted murals that cover the church's walls and ceilings.

Art Deco church, Picardy, France: £334,200 ($425k)

A stone staircase leads to the entrance, which flows into the main nave. This space is large and gorgeous, thanks to its beamed ceiling, tiled floor, arched windows, huge pillars and exposed brick walls. There’s also a vault, a first floor that gives access to the bell tower, a small drawing room and a lovely lush garden with panoramic countryside views.

Church and vicarage, Wales, UK: £375,000 ($487k)

While it's slightly more expensive than some churches, at £375,000 ($487k), this listing offers plenty of bang for your buck. That's because for your money you won't just gain a historic brick church, but the large detached vicarage that lies next door, too.

Church and vicarage, Wales, UK: £375,000 ($487k)

On the market with Jackson-Stops, this combo listing is almost too good to be true. However, both buildings require a fair amount of work. The properties are located in the village of Y Felinheli in Gwynedd, northwest Wales, and would have once been an important part of the local community.

Church and vicarage, Wales, UK: £375,000 ($487k)

The church itself is believed to date from 1865 and was constructed of Welsh stone. With its dressed stone mullion windows, stone door architraves and slate roof, it's a solid and structurally impressive property. It measures 2,500 square feet and the main nave is seriously lovely, thanks to its vaulted ceiling, exposed timbers and stained-glass windows.

Church and vicarage, Wales, UK: £375,000 ($487k)

As for the vicarage, the home is arranged over four floors, extending to around 2,250 square feet. Well maintained but in need of modernising, the interior is a blank canvas that's waiting to be transformed. There's an entrance hall, living room, dining room, kitchen, library, office, five double bedrooms and two bathrooms. There's even a garage and a large garden. What more could you want?

Grand brick church, Pennsylvania, USA: £731,500 ($950k)

If you're looking for an extreme fixer-upper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, then your search is over. This former church can be found in the heart of the city, just a few blocks from Temple University, and is overflowing with character. 

Grand brick church, Pennsylvania, USA: £731,500 ($950k)

For sale with TCS Management, the commercial property is an important local landmark and while we don't know when it was constructed, it's clear from the church's interior that it's very historic. Much like the exterior, the interior is grand and imposing. We're not sure how large the interior actually is, but it obviously isn't short on space.

Grand brick church, Pennsylvania, USA: £731,500 ($950k)

Unique and filled with natural light, the church comes with a spacious entrance, a nave with a stunning statement ceiling, various side rooms that could be transformed into bedrooms, and plenty of eye-catching period details. These include beautiful stonework, large arches, soaring ceilings and detailed stained glass.

Grand brick church, Pennsylvania, USA: £731,500 ($950k)

Despite its rundown state, there's much to admire about this disused building and it has personality and potential in abundance. Plus, there's a huge 14,000-square-foot garden outside that's waiting to be put to use. All it needs now is some love.

Iconic church building, Florida, USA: £847,000 ($1.1m)

If you've got a slightly bigger budget to play with, then this dreamy church building in Saint Petersburg, Florida, could be the perfect project for you. On the market with LoopNet and KW Commercial for £847,000 ($1.1m), this heavenly property offers plenty of bang for your buck.

Iconic church building, Florida, USA: £847,000 ($1.1m)

Built in 1940, the landmark building is overflowing with space and character. Covering a staggering 12,846 square feet, it is split over two large floors and benefits from ample natural light and bright, open-plan rooms. 

Iconic church building, Florida, USA: £847,000 ($1.1m)

The main nave stretches over 6,000 square feet and is a truly mesmerising space. As well as its stunning timber barrel ceiling, it also offers a mezzanine level, large arched windows and original pews that could be used somewhere in the new design of the structure.

Iconic church building, Florida, USA: £847,000 ($1.1m)

Akin to an abandoned mansion, the church is so vast that it could probably be converted into multiple homes or even luxury apartments. The listing agents suggest that there's enough room for 25 individual units, which could have a resale value of around £141,700 ($184k) each. How's that for divine?

Unique Chicago church, Illinois, USA: £1.9 million ($2.5m)

If you like the look of this unique church in Chicago, Illinois, then you'll need some deep pockets in order to buy it. The perfect investment opportunity, the property is on the market with LoopNet and Jack Jankowski for just shy of £1.9 million ($2.5m).

Unique Chicago church, Illinois, USA: £1.9 million ($2.5m)

Originally built in 1892, it's time for this religious facility to have a new lease of life. The listing suggests the building could become a condo conversion, a corporate headquarters, luxury apartments or even a unique family castle. If you opt for condos, they estimate their resale value to be around £654,500 ($850k) a pop.

Unique Chicago church, Illinois, USA: £1.9 million ($2.5m)

Sitting on 0.18 acres of land, the property offers an impressive 17,245-square-foot interior spread across three floors. Though in need of a total overhaul, there are plenty of plus points inside. From the church's original organ, which could be turned into a living room feature, to its fine woodwork and timber sanctuary ceiling. There's also a large basement level that's waiting to be put to good use, what's not to like? 

Unique Chicago church, Illinois, USA: £1.9 million ($2.5m)

Yet the church's best feature might be its incredible original stained-glass windows. Vast and colourful, these are just one of its many historic features that you'll definitely want to retain. Talk about an incredible building.

Central Manhattan church, New York, USA: £2.3 million ($3m)

Have you ever wanted to own a brownstone or a townhouse in central Manhattan? Well, this abandoned church could well provide the perfect opportunity. Dating back to 1900, the incredible building lies in the buzzing East Village of New York City and at one time it would have been bursting with worshippers. However, today it's waiting to be given a heavenly makeover.

Central Manhattan church, New York, USA: £2.3 million ($3m)

Of course, it has bags of exterior kerb appeal, thanks to its soaring brick façade with pretty arched windows, but the building also boasts an amazing interior. The two-storey nave comes complete with vibrant blue paintwork, gilded detailing, vintage light fixtures and custom stained-glass windows, so there's something incredible to see everywhere you look.

Central Manhattan church, New York, USA: £2.3 million ($3m)

Across the building's three floors, you'll find 6,575 square feet of space, including a dramatic mezzanine that sits above the unique nave. There are also numerous other large rooms that appear to have been used as classrooms – all of which need to be thoroughly renovated. There's also a large flat roof that could be turned into an incredible rooftop deck with views of the city's iconic skyline.

Central Manhattan church, New York, USA: £2.3 million ($3m)

Despite needing quite a lot of work, there's plenty of potential here. The church could be converted into numerous apartments for leasing out, a single family home, or even a high-end hotel in the heart of the city. That's if you've got £2.3 million ($3m) in the bank, of course!

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