For $1.3M, own a converted 1850s church in Connecticut

Photo credit: Pete’s Precision Photo

For the price of a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, you can own an entire converted church in Connecticut. Located in the town of Essex, about a two-hour drive northwest of New York City, this 1849 building has been listed publicly for the first time in over 50 years. Asking $1,295,000, the 8,543-square-foot structure was converted into a three-bedroom home with soaring sanctuary ceilings, a large outdoor deck, and a solarium/roof patio in the former steeple.

Essex, Connecticut is a quaint New England town (often voted one of the best small towns in America), surrounded on three sides by the Connecticut River. It has a charming downtown with Federal- and Colonial-style buildings that date to “the town’s heyday as a bustling center for shipbuilding in the 18th and 19th centuries,” according to the New York Times. The residential streets are lined with white picket fences and large backyards. Essex is also home to the Connecticut River Museum and the Ivoryton Playhouse.

This property at 33 Prospect Street sits at the crest of Methodist Hill and has beautiful views of the Connecticut River and Essex Village.

According to the listing, the home was “completely rebuilt” and “architect designed for contemporary living” in 1985-96. Though very few original details remain, the soaring ceilings and cathedral-like spaces retain the historic church fee.

The open dining area can seat up to 20 guests.

The kitchen has an incredible amount of cabinet and counter space, as well as three ovens, three sinks, two dishwashers, and a wine fridge.

There’s a very large outdoor terrace that can be used for dining and lounging.

All three of the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms.

On the third floor, there’s even more space that can be used as a den, office, or even another bedroom.

The converted steeple has become an amazing roof patio.

On the lower level, there’s a fireplace, second kitchen, and gym. As the listing says, this space could make a perfect guest suite.

The two-garage is heated.

[Listing: 33 Prospect Street by Susan Malan of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty]

Photo credit: Pete’s Precision Photo