Listed: For $1.49 million, a church-turned-home in Waltham
The home has two bedrooms, two full baths, and two half baths. Search the latest listing to buy or rent at realestate.boston.com.
In this Waltham home, your living room can be your sanctuary — literally.
Located in Waltham, this 3,911-square-foot former church was meticulously renovated 20 years ago to highlight the natural features of the property while introducing modern-day wish-list items, such as a home office and a built-in bar. Listed at $1,498,000, the two-bedroom property at 15 Fiske Ave. also has two full baths and two half baths.
Built in 1948, the building was originally a Christian Science church and later became the Korean Church of Hope, which has since moved. According to the owners, it also served as a bomb shelter during the Cold War, thanks to its massive space below the main level.
Climb the front steps to the foyer, where French doors open into the main room. The massive living room, which was originally the sanctuary, boasts cathedral ceilings and rows of skylights.
“The way that it strikes you when you walk into the sanctuary, it’s so amazing to think you can hang out and live in a space like that,” said Suzanne Koller of Suzanne and Company with Compass, who has the listing. “How can you not be inspired when you’re in that space? Some of those big windows face south, so the light is always pouring in.”
Three steps lead up to the former altar, which now features a fireplace that anchors the room. Turn right and you’ll find yourself in the built-in bar area, which is next to the home’s side entrance.
There are several spiral staircases throughout the home. The first is located in the cozy office off the entrance and leads to the former choir or organ loft. Built-in bookcases and a circular window give the loft great character.
Another spiral staircase adjacent to the bar area leads to the expansive owner suite, which also features several skylights. The en-suite bath has a deep soaking tub and a separate shower.
Back downstairs, the kitchen offers an island, bar seating, stainless-steel appliances, red cabinets, granite counters, walls of exposed brick, and access to the deck.
“It almost feels like a commercial kitchen in the size and industrial nature,” said Koller, who notes that while the property is not commercially zoned, it would be great for someone who works from home. “I thought it would be great for a chef that wanted to do private cooking classes or a caterer.”
In addition to the two half baths downstairs, there is a workshop that could easily be converted into an art studio or yoga space. There is also a detached, heated six-car heated garage, two additional bays under the house, and a fenced-in yard.
See more photos of the property below:
Take the video tour.
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