These Are the 11 Coolest Barn and Church Conversions Across Canada

When it comes to unique homes brimming with character, it’s tough to top historic churches converted into residential living spaces or old barns and heritage homes repurposed into magnificent luxury abodes. For inspiration, check out these gorgeously revived spaces throughout Canada that give the original structures a second life.

Published August 13, 2018, Updated August 1, 2019

19th Century Church Townhouse: Toronto, ON

Sotheby's Realty

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19th Century Church Townhouse: Toronto, ON

This 19th-century church converted to home in Toronto’s Palmerston neighbourhood may look holy on the outside, but after a renovation into four high-end townhouses, what’s within has been described as one of the city’s sexiest properties. The townhouses are beyond spacious, with each unit featuring private outdoor patios and stunning rooftop decks in addition to well over 6,000 square feet of luxurious living space.

Sotheby's Realty

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19th Century Church Townhouse: Toronto, ON

This unit – which went on the market in late 2016 with an asking price of $6.2 million – boasts sleek, contemporary design and architecture within the four-bedroom, six-bathroom townhouse that spans 6,735 square feet. Here’s an inside look at the rest of the space!

Boutique Bed & Breakfast: Prince Edward County, ON

Lauren Miller

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Boutique Bed & Breakfast: Prince Edward County, ON

This 2,940-square-foot renovated barn was built in the 1840s, owned by the same family and passed down from generation to generation. After an extensive conversion, the property is now The Wilfred, a boutique bed-and-breakfast with a flair for rustic luxury.

Lauren Miller

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Boutique Bed & Breakfast: Prince Edward County, ON

A labour of love undertaken by a couple – he’s a former chef, she’s a one-time magazine art director – who once owned a Montreal cafe, there was no skimping when it came to the kitchen of the renovated barn. As a result, there are ample surface areas and top-of-the-line appliances, with no upper cabinets in order to maximize the spectacular views. Tour this gorgeous restored farmhouse here.

Barn Sweet Barn: Saint-Jean-de-l'Île-d'Orléans, QC

Airbnb

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Barn Sweet Barn: Saint-Jean-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, QC

Available for rental on Airbnb

, this country-style converted barn home – dubbed “Barn Sweet Barn” – features an open kitchen, dining, living room and four bedrooms.

Airbnb

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Barn Sweet Barn: Saint-Jean-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, QC

This converted barn home in rural Quebec is luxurious and charming, melding modern amenities with rustic heritage charm.

Lauren Kolyn

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Country Cottage: Dundas, ON

A ramshackle barn in rural Ontario was transformed into this beautiful Balinese-inspired country cottage – on a budget of just $60,000! With the addition of numerous windows (the original barn had none) and lifting the ceiling to increase the space in the loft, the owner decided to paint the converted barn red as a nod to its humble origins.

Lauren Kolyn

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Country Cottage: Dundas, ON

The open-concept living room of this converted barn home flows into the bright and airy kitchen, featuring a five-by-eight butcher’s block countertop, a handmade backsplash and vintage-style hanging light fixtures. Learn more about how this ramshackle barn was transformed into a jaw-dropping country cottage.

Van City Lofts

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The Cornerstone: Vancouver, BC

A 1909 church in Vancouver’s Mt. Pleasant neighbourhood was converted into luxury loft-style condos that blend the heritage charm of the original church with luxurious modern amenities throughout.

Van City Lofts

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The Cornerstone: Vancouver, BC

Heritage features include original brick walls, turret and nine-foot ceilings, while luxurious modern amenities include a gas fireplace, hardwood floors, radiant heat, Italian kitchen cabinets, limestone counters and a private patio.

Lakefront Barn Cottage: Port Carling, ON

Airbnb

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Lakefront Barn Cottage: Port Carling, ON

“You will never stay at another place like this one,” notes the Airbnb listing for this luxurious lakefront cottage that was once a barn.

Airbnb

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Lakefront Barn Cottage: Port Carling, ON

The renovated barn has “many of the original wooden features inside still intact,” along with the addition of such luxurious features as a hot tub and firepit overlooking Lake Joseph, along with a sand volleyball court, wood-burning stone fireplace and wrap-around windows to bring the outdoors inside. Not to mention, how fun is this bright-blue kitchen for a hit of contrast?

Lauren Kolyn

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Cozy Church Sanctuary: Camlachie, ON

Built in 1877, this small chapel was purchased for just $85,000, which included the original stained-glass windows, wooden pews and more. After a $70,000 renovation, the result is a gorgeous country home that preserves the historic charm of the church while adding an array of modern amenities.

Lauren Kolyn

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Cozy Church Sanctuary: Camlachie, ON

A vestibule (on the back left) has been transformed into a hammock-equipped relaxation space, with the main living area kept open to encompass a living room, dining area and kitchen – all set beneath soaring ceilings and illuminated by tinted light streaming through the stained glass. Tour the entire country-style abode here!

Tradewinds Realty Inc.

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Bear River Barn: Bear Island, NS

A 1950s-era cattle barn in rural Nova Scotia has been converted into a 4,000-square-feet, three-level country home, featuring four bedrooms and 4.5 baths.

Tradewinds Realty Inc.

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Bear River Barn: Bear Island, NS

The soaring ceilings and family room converted from the original barn loft are some of the features in this energy-efficient home that was once a working cattle barn. “Every detail has been seen to in this eight-year-old renovation,” notes the listing, which is being offered at $350,000. “Post and beam construction and natural wood surfaces are at the heart of this carefully converted barn.”

Lynne Stephens

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Church-Meets-Art Studio: Wells, BC

A 75-year-old church in BC has been meticulously renovated into a home that also doubles an an art studio and gallery. See here for a full look inside the reinvented space!

Lynne Stephens

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Church-Meets-Art Studio: Wells, BC

The former historic Catholic church dates back to 1940 and was converted into its current incarnation in 1999. The soaring ceilings offer a spectacular sense of openness in the 1,000-square-foot gallery space. In addition, the converted church also includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, two living rooms and two spacious workshops.

A renovated living room in a converted farmhouse with wood wall paneling and plaid furniture

Janis Nicolay Photography

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Historic Farmhouse: Langley, BC

With 150 acres of rolling hills and blueberry patches, this century-old BC farmhouse ticked all the right boxes for its owners. But when designer Ben Leavitt of Vancouver’s Plaidfox entered the picture, he created a stunning pastoral home filled with salvaged materials, historic inspiration and just the right amount of contemporary touches.

A renovated kitchen with wood flooring and avocado green cabinetry

Janis Nicolay Photography

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Historic Farmhouse: Langley, BC

Historic materials, like old bricks, are seamlessly paired with stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry in this gorgeous farmhouse kitchen. The salvaged wood that frames the range hood – and not to mention the wall-mounted horns – lend just the right amount of rustic authenticity. Take a full tour of this historic Langley farmhouse that will make you want to move to the country.

A converted farmhouse with wrap-around porch and stone walkway

Lauren Miller

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Rambling Farmhouse: Huron County, ON

Designer Cynthia Weber fell head over heels for this rambling 19th-century farmhouse that stood nestled on seven acres of land in Huron County, ON. Built in 1878 by a Scottish immigrant, the farmhouse was being run as a B&B before Weber purchased the property.

Renovated kitchen with soaring wood ceilings and stark black cabinetry

Lauren Miller

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Rambling Farmhouse: Huron County, ON

With its soaring 10-foot ceilings and custom kitchen cabinets, the renovated farmhouse perfectly encapsulates the theme of living history. Take the full tour of this stunning 19th century farmhouse that mixes historic details with modern design.