Homebuyers’ prayers may be answered in a former Limerick church

THE LORD’S house could be your home after “The Old Church” in Caherconlish, which has been lovingly brought into the 21st century, was offered for sale.

The former Church of Ireland building, designed by prominent Dublin architect Edward Henry Carson, was converted to a private residence in 1997 and refurbished, extended and redecorated in 2015.

This five-bedroom family home is a limestone building which features buttresses, a vestry, a belfry, Gothic doorways, pointed arches, and a multitude of stained glass windows — both high pointed and multifoil rose-shaped.

The unique mid-19th century build, Gothic revival style church also includes  exposed roof beams and timber floors  and doors, archways, marble columns and a section of the original pulpit. 

Gillian Dunne, director of DNG Cusack Dunne, reports good interest from home and abroad since it was brought to the market earlier this month by the current owners.

“We have had a couple of enquiries from America and Belgium thus far. It is amazing, it is stunning, your head is turned when you are out there. 

“The photographs don’t even do it justice - you really need to be in it and walk through it to see for yourself,” said Ms Dunne.

The majority of those contacting her about “The Old Church” are prospective buyers  with families.

It may have many ecclesiastical features but it still is a very warm, welcoming family home, said Ms Dunne. 

“It has been transformed into a proper family home,” said Ms Dunne, who is guiding at €675,000 for the property with an overall floor area of 297 m².

The downstairs accommodation comprises an entrance porch, hallway, bathroom, living room, family room, kitchen / dining room, conservatory and utility room.

The exposed stonework in the contemporary conservatory is another reminder of the building's heritage, bringing a touch of the traditional to this modern home.

The hallway features a plaque marking the 1871 consecration of the church and another plaque under a stained-glass window that was erected by Daniel Fitzgerald Gabbett in memory of his late father.

READ MORE: Green light for €80m high-quality Limerick development

Upstairs, there is the master bedroom with ensuite and home office, which was originally a library, with exposed beams. four more bedrooms and the main bathroom.

Turning to the outside, the home is approached via a gravelled driveway with wrought-iron gates. 

The property sits on a half acre of gardens with a large gravelled patio area and separate garage.

In summing up “The Old Church” in Caherconlish, Ms Dunne said it is “a superbly converted church with exceptional character offering wonderful family living with space and light throughout as a modern comfortable home.”

It is sure to have mass appeal.

For more pictures, click 'Next'