Historic Australian church is transformed into a modern residence

On the outskirts of Adelaide, Australia, a 135-year-old <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/green-church/">church</a> has been converted into an idyllic living space. From the front, the residence looks like an ordinary, modest place of worship, but inside, the high ceilings and arched windows create a sense of serenity. Paired with meticulously manicured landscaping, the unusual home was only on the market for a few days before it was sold!

The historic stone chapel was built in 1877 from bluestone. Although the religious effects are long gone, the façade still boasts the original church bell, which rang for the small village that surrounded it over 100 years ago.

The owners can imagine the hundreds of parishioners who walked up the path over the decades for their <a href="http://inhabitat.com/finlands-lilja-chapel-provides-a-prefab-refuge-for-those-seeking-peace/" target="_blank">Sunday worship.</a>

Bright modern bathroom.

Courtyard fountain.

The kitchen is bright and filled with natural light.

The office, overlooking the garden.

Outdoor dining on the terrace.

The home's bright sitting room.

Of course, no historic church home would be complete without a stunning wine cellar.

Inside the arch-shaped door, visitors enter into the double-height living room. The interior has been transformed into an ultra-modern space, with sleek white walls that lead to the rustic wooden ceiling.

The stained-glass windows have sadly been replaced with regular panes, but the original ornate arched shapes remain, reminding visitors of the structure’s original use, amidst contemporary accessories such as a pool table and variety of modern art.

The rear of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/loos-fm-creates-lego-inspired-temporary-pavilion-in-the-netherlands/" target="_blank">church</a> home is where the historic structure meets modern splendor. A row of bay windows are decorated with arched wooden panes to mimic the arcs of the interior. The windows open onto a giant outdoor dining area, which overlooks a fountain.

The resulting home may be <a href="http://inhabitat.com/historic-stone-mill-transformed-into-sprawling-home-in-scotland/" target="_blank">historic and quaint</a> on the outside, but its transformation is modern and sleek inside, marrying the best of both worlds.