There have been many examples of old churches being converted into living accommodation over the years, but few compare to St Catherine’s in Newport, Co Mayo.
This former Church of Ireland chapel was built circa 1800 but was given a new lease of life in 2006 when it was converted into a substantial 8-bed family home of immense character.
The property was retired from use as a church around 1990 and its conversion was architecturally overseen to deliver an impressive upgrade with a B1 BER.
Built of limestone, the property successfully blends the old and new to create a comfortable and atmospheric residence with an asking price of €950,000.
Some of St Catherine's unique features include Egyptian sandstone flagstone tiling throughout the ground floor, an original stained-glass window in the kitchen & dining room which was sensitively restored by local artist Linda Grieve-Mulloy and some of the original flagstone flooring.
The living space measures approximately 432.9sqm/4,660 sq ft over three storeys.
The ground floor accommodation comprises an entrance hall, living room, sitting room, a substantial kitchen/dining room with raised dining area and overhead dome, utility, office/study and shower room.
On the first floor there is a large library/sitting room, seven bedrooms (three en-suites) and a family bathroom. Bedrooms two and three are both single rooms which could easily be converted to one larger bedroom.
On the third floor there is a very substantial master bedroom suite with a walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite. There is also an additional room which could suit as an office or workroom.
The secluded gardens are surrounded by stone walls and mature trees and shrubs. A paved courtyard to the side and a rear patio have been created using some of the original flagstones from the church.
There is also a small lawn area, a gravel driveway providing ample parking and stone sheds (9.0m x 3.75m).
The property's entrance driveway is shared with a small graveyard with access provided to those visiting/caretaking family graves.
St Catherine’s is located in the centre of Newport town, accessed from Main Street by Church Lane.
Newport, at the mouth of Clew Bay offers amenities including a primary school, shops, restaurants, bars and hotel.
It has many leisure facilities on its doorstep, including Newport Harbour and the Great Western Greenway walking/cycling trail which runs from Westport to Achill Island.
Westport is a 10-minute drive away and Knock Airport is a 55-minute drive.
For further details on St Catherine’s, check out the property on MyHome.ie
