Ecclesiastical Elegance

A former church becomes a heavenly family home

Written by Bridget Williams / Photography by Andrew Kung

Abandoned for years, the once exalted place of worship near the heart of Anchorage had become a neighborhood eyesore, its stained glass windows covered with plywood and stone exterior overgrown with weeds. After years on the market, a brave couple stepped forward intending to reinvent the house of worship into their family home and called on architect Brent Girdler and builder Mike Cadden of Promaster Contracting to help realize their vision.

Midway through the exhaustive remodel, which included rebuilding the sagging floor structure and adding a second floor with a loft and bedrooms, the homeowners began to second-guess their vision and sold the property to an out-of-town buyer. Feeling heavily vested in the project after months of work, Cadden was thrilled when the new owner retained him to finish the job.

With the exception of covered porches added off the kitchen and master suite that indicate the property now functions as a private residence, physical changes to the original structure are largely hidden from street view. Notable among the new construction is a covered breezeway that links the back half of the former sanctuary with a two-story garage. Raised planting beds flank the front entrance, reached by a split stairway that ascends from the pea gravel drive. The pattern of the Gothic-inspired railing is repeated on the interior stairway.

Double entry doors and transom rendered in a Gothic arch style with wavy glass define the entrance. The towering height of the original bell tower makes for a dramatic space. Tall and narrow stained glass windows recessed into each of the sidewalls and an original church pew painted white pay subtle homage to the property’s roots. A doorway to the left leads to a powder room; a door on the right opens to a large closet.

Reclaimed oak flooring salvaged from a barn in Munfordville was used for the entry and living room; an outstanding collection of Oushak carpets in various sizes from Frances Lee Jasper Oriental Rugs provides the dominant source of color throughout the home. The soft white color of the walls complements the eclectic and rustic elegance of the furnishings (selected with the assistance of interior designer Valerie Pogue) and the purity of the architecture.

Double entry doors and transom rendered in a Gothic arch style with wavy glass define the entrance. The towering height of the original bell tower makes for a dramatic foyer. Floors are reclaimed pine and the rug is from Frances Lee Jasper.

Milled pine timbers that were part of the roof structure removed during the renovation were reclaimed and used for the dramatic ceiling beams and window ledges in the sanctuary, which now serves as an expansive living room. A fireplace and altitudinous built-in bookcases with cabinetry add palpable warmth to what could otherwise be a cavernous space. The homeowners’ have broken the room into several cozy seating arrangements, each with a distinct focal point. In the corner opposite the built-ins, a French Louis XVI-style flip top game table, circa 1860 to 1880, from Steve Tipton is surrounded by a set of delicate chairs from Trace Mayer Antiques.

Milled pine timbers that were part of the roof structure removed during the renovation were reclaimed and used for the dramatic ceiling beams and window ledges in the sanctuary, which now serves as an expansive living room. A fireplace and altitudinous built-in bookcases with cabinetry add palpable warmth to what could otherwise be a cavernous space. The Oushak rug is from Frances Lee Jasper

In the opposite corner, a wall-mounted corner cabinet hovers over an intimate seating arrangement. A comfortable sofa upholstered in velvet, the color of which calls to mind a Weimaraner, is positioned in front of the fireplace and in close proximity to a pair of armchairs. A flip-top chest behind the sofa contains the children’s favorite blankets for snuggling.

Oak floors transition to radiant-heated concrete tiles in the kitchen/dining area, which is as equally light-filled as the living room. Vintage-style pendant lamps are suspended over an enormous prep island. With commercial-grade appliances and loads of counter and cabinet space, the room is ideal for large-scale entertaining. In keeping with the Carpenter Gothic farmhouse style, clean lines with simple trim and limited ornamentation accentuated by polished silver hardware feel simultaneously contemporary and classic. A combination of open and closed shelving allows for an artful display of everything from pretty plates to children’s artwork while keeping less attractive necessities hidden from view. A white subway tile backsplash, with ornamental tile behind the range, adds to the timeless appeal.

Floors in the kitchen/dining area are radiant-heated concrete tiles. The Gothic-inspired railing is similar to that used on the exterior stairs. The second floor loft is utilized as a children’s play area.

Near the narrow, farmhouse-style table is a split single open stairway with gothic-inspired iron balusters and painted wood handrail. Precious storage space was claimed from the typically underutilized area under the stairs. The new second floor contains a loft open to the dining area that serves as the children’s play area. Two bedrooms and a full bath are also located on this floor.

Tucked away on the first floor near the kitchen, the design of the master suite – with its tall ceilings and limited ornamentation – is befitting the contemplative surroundings. A large original stained glass window in the shower provides a welcome jolt of color and an interesting counterpoint to the Kohler luxury performance shower system with watertile body sprays. His and her vanities were crafted using the same reclaimed pine found elsewhere in the home. Mosaic Walker Zanger tile in a Carrara basketweave pattern functions visually as a “rug” in front of the deep soaking tub.

A large original stained glass window in the shower provides a welcome jolt of color and an interesting counterpoint to the Kohler luxury performance shower system with watertile body sprays. Mosaic Walker Zanger tile in a Carrara basketweave pattern functions visually as a “rug” in front of the deep soaking tub.

One could easily argue that converting a church into a family home certainly requires a leap of faith, but in the right hands, the results can be heavenly.