Living In A Church, School Or Barn: Adaptive Reuse In How Much House

ACROSS AMERICA — In architecture, adaptive reuse is the transformation of a building into something entirely different when it outlives its usefulness.

Adaptive reuse, or “building reuse” as it is sometimes called, has multiple advantages — for example, slowing urban sprawl by making use of existing buildings. In some cases, repurposing buildings can lower construction costs and the environmental footprint of the building.

“The greenest building is the one that’s already built,” architect and sustainability expert Carl Elefante once said.

This week in How Much House, we’re featuring a former barn in Massachusetts, a former church in New York and a former schoolhouse in Wisconsin.

Massachusetts | $2,900,000

596 Point Road, Marion
Listed by: Reciprocal Agent | Reciprocal Office
Square feet: 2,936
Acreage: 2.79 acres
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 5 (4 full)
Year built: 1910

This secluded waterfront property with a shared dock and beach on a private compound on Blankenship Cove was once a barn. Built in 1910, it was moved to its current location in 2010 and converted for residential living.

The fully insulated home is designed for year-round living. The spectacular great room showcases the impressive details of the original craftsmanship. A wall of windows welcomes the outside into this space, which includes a handcrafted stone fireplace that dramatically climbs to the barn’s original ceiling height.

Adjacent to the great room is a custom kitchen with dining and sitting areas. Three ensuite bedrooms are also found on the first floor, including a primary suite with water views, a walk-in closet, a soaking tub, a shower and a water closet.

The loft area is finished and can serve as an overnight guest suite with its own full bathroom. It can be used for other purposes, too, including as a game room or a quiet space for reading or relaxing. Peek inside for more photos.

New York | $525,000

9251 Main St., Westernville
Listed by: John C. Brown | Faith Properties Inc.
Square feet: 4,852
Acreage: 0.20 acre
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3 (2 full)
Year built: 1900

Located in Westernville at the foot of the Adirondacks in a prime skiing area, this former church has been meticulously renovated, restored and rebuilt to meet today’s lifestyle.

Prepared to be awestruck by the grand entry with soaring timber framed ceiling, a new second story with a facade that emulates the original exterior and etched glass windows.

The former sanctuary is now a living area with a walnut bar that transitions to the kitchen, appointed with high-end appliances. Also on the main floor are a bedroom and office with natural light.

The original altar rails flank the grand staircase leading to two second-floor bedrooms with vaulted ceilings, exposed timbers, a walk-in closet, and a loft with a stunning bath.

The steeple has been transformed into a tranquil living space with a panoramic view. A rec room, custom bar, original fireplace, two more bedrooms and a bath, and a workshop.

The energy-efficient home has been fully reinsulated, has zoned heating and two high-efficiency furnaces, on-demand water, high-efficiency appliances and smart fixtures. Peek inside for more photos.

Wisconsin | $315,900

N5709 Green Valley Road, Green Valley
Listed by: Michael Rabideau | Coldwell Banker, The Real Estate Group
Square feet: 1,984
Acreage: 0.84 acre
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2 (1 full)
Year built: 1912

This completely remodeled 1912 brick schoolhouse has been transformed into a character-filled home with an inviting school-themed front entry. The modern country farmhouse has a gorgeous tin ceiling, white custom cabinets and a tiled backsplash. The dishwasher, double oven and gas cooktop are all built-in.

The open dinette/living room has a wood-burning stove and a knotty pine tongue-and-groove vaulted ceiling. The refinished library with maple hardwood has built-in shelving.

The primary bedroom on the first floor has an updated full bath with a custom vanity and vessel sink, a large and a large step-in shower. The laundry is on the heated, 8-foot-by-24-foot back porch.

Two more bedrooms upstairs share a half bath. The second floor provides access to the bell tower, which doubles as a storage room.

Also on the property is a 30-foot-by-40-foot red ban with a 40-foot-by-36-foot detached garage with overhead doors and a dedicated shop area built in 2015. Peek inside for more photos.

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