Situated on a hill with extensive views across rolling farmland of the Waiareka Valley to the Kakanui Range, the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was designed by eminent NZ architect F W Petre and built in 1915.

Boasting renovations that are sympathetic to its origins, this beautiful early 20th century Italianate style church with its attractive Oamaru stone exterior, lattice lead lights and belfry are a sight to behold. The octagonal shaped apse with its tongue and groove coved ceiling fanning out above could now be considered a dining area. The adjacent vestry would make a cosy guest bedroom or office space - wireless internet is available here. The nave of the Church has been transformed into a spacious living room, its free-standing log fire reflecting the glow of polished timber panels and floors. French doors lead out to a sheltered stone-walled courtyard - altogether the perfect space for entertaining.

Beyond the living areas you'll spy a fully equipped and character-filled kitchen, featuring an Italian gas/electric cooker and a Rayburn Supreme solid fuel range supplementing the electric hot water cylinder. Across the timber panelled hallway is a large bathroom complete with separate toilet, free-standing shower, and a luxuriously deep bath - there's also a concealed laundry.

A timber staircase with ecclesiastical-styled panel inserts leads up to a magnificent double bedroom which runs the entire width of the building under triple lancet windows.

The 3989m2 (approx.) section features a mature garden, two 130+ year old macrocarpa trees, an irrigated home orchard and a large raised vegetable garden in four plots edged with limestone. Water is supplied on a continuous flow rural water scheme.