Match made in heaven: twin church conversions offered side by side

Divine inspiration comes in many forms, and for those seeking a graceful tree change with the promise of income, this rare opportunity could be the answer to their prayers.

Church conversions have long attracted the imagination of buyers, whether for their striking architecture, rich history or the sense of comfort that comes from spaces once cherished by entire communities. But the lucky new owners of 6592 Maroondah Highway in Yarck in regional Victoria won’t acquire just one church but two — standing side by side.

These two beauties weren’t always neighbours. The chapel to the left was first built in 1878 as a Presbyterian church that served as a spiritual anchor for the township. Its companion, the former Methodist church, began life in a nearby town before being transported here during the Second World War.

“I suppose it was such a beautiful building they didn’t want to leave it to crumble,” said owner Susannah Scott Barber, who bought both churches two years ago.

Though they no longer serve a traditional congregation, they remain very much loved — often filled with visitors, thanks to their immense popularity as B&Bs, which Ms Scott Barber runs from her home in nearby Mansfield.

From Melbourne couples seeking a romantic getaway to wedding guests, skiers heading to the nearby snowfields, cyclists exploring Victoria’s High Country or walkers trekking the Great Victorian Rail Trail, the churches provide peaceful little sanctuaries.

“People absolutely love them, they’ve been really, really popular. And every time I go down there, there’s somebody out the front admiring them or taking a photo because they’re such pretty buildings, framed by trees, right in the heart of town,” said Ms Scott Barber.

Set on a large 2,024sqm block, the upgraded churches blend preserved heritage with modern comfort. Inside, their open-plan layouts feature spacious bedrooms and living areas warmed by two-way gas fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, and open bathrooms complete with clawfoot baths.

The rectory’s front section has recently been converted into a stylish retail space, while the rear still offers flexible guest accommodation.

Each conversion boasts all the character, solid timber floors, soaring cathedral ceilings, vertical joint walls, and elegant arched windows your heart could desire.

“They’re such beautiful spaces, and very open with charming steel and wrought iron details and big double doors. There’s just something very romantic and mystical about them,” said Ms Scott Barber.

Yarck may not be the bustling hub it once was when the trains rolled through, carrying sheep and produce to Melbourne. Back in 1909, the town supported a post office, store, bank, public hall and a pub, plus sawmills and even athletic and racing clubs.

The rail track closed in 1978 and these days, Yarck has a population of just 194, according to the 2021 census. But the place remains charming and vibrant, said Ms Scott Barber.

“It’s the most fabulous little town. There’s a much-loved organics store Dindi Naturals with its little cafe, Koala Cherries, the Yarck hotel is always popular and when Bucks Country Bakehouse opens — right opposite the churches — the place is absolutely heaving.”

Ms Scott Barber had hoped to hold onto her churches for many years and she’s sad to let them go, listing them both for $850,000.

Agent Jenny Gould at District Property Group said they’re an outstanding tourism opportunity, combining “fabulous street appeal” with flexible Township Zoning.

“There’s enormous potential to increase the revenue from the property as it stands, but buyers could also develop some retail options, additional accommodation or even tiny homes on the nice level half-acre block (STCA),” she said.

Or, the churches could serve as the perfect tree change escape with a built-in income stream.

“You could live in one and use the other as accommodation. Everyone loves church conversions because they’re so unique. To build something of this scale and beauty today would be near impossible.”

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