A stunning century-old church conversion has captured attention in the New South Wales town of Robertson, showcasing the creative possibilities and practical challenges of transforming religious buildings into modern homes. The six-bedroom residence at 39 Hoddle Street has been listed for sale with a price guide of $2.5-2.7 million, representing eight years of meticulous renovation work.
Owner, designer, and artist Josette Cauchi purchased the church in 2017 after discovering it in a magazine. Originally constructed in 1902 on Robertson's main street, the property presented both opportunity and significant challenges. "I've always loved big, open spaces," Cauchi explained. "I'd lived in two converted warehouses in Sydney, so when I saw this place with its lawns, the hall and the church together, I thought, 'I can make this work.'"
The initial conditions were daunting, with virtually no modern amenities in place. "There was absolutely nothing inside - just a shell. No kitchen, no bathroom, two toilets outside. So I bought a camping shower and oven and moved in," Cauchi recalled. Her background in hospitality and interior design proved invaluable, as she arrived with preliminary sketches and worked with an architect to formalize the plans - a strategic approach that streamlined the approval process and controlled costs.
The renovation process moved swiftly once permits were secured. Council approval came within six months, and with everything pre-ordered, construction crews began work immediately. The team completed the old church hall first, creating private living quarters for Cauchi during the extended renovation period. "I then added two extensions - a bathroom and a studio - following the original lines and mimicked everything so to this day, you can't tell where the new starts and the old ends," she said.
One of the most significant challenges involved addressing decades of deterioration while preserving the building's character. Cauchi tackled the outdated finishes with both practical solutions and creative flair. "I felt like I was in a 1980s sauna, so I stripped the floorboards and stained them Japanese black," she explained. "We also found a primer that grips to old oil varnish, so I could paint the church without sanding the whole thing - saving weeks and a lot of money."
The most complex design challenge became one of the project's signature features. "The real problem with church conversions is where to put bathrooms - you don't want a square box in front of a beautiful space," Cauchi noted. "It took me two months to come up with an angled bathroom in the middle to separate bedroom and living. The architects loved it and added an angled roof. It became a sculptural piece." This innovative solution has drawn attention from design schools, which now bring students to study her approach to adaptive reuse.
Bringing the historic structure up to modern building standards required extensive infrastructure work. The project included installing a new sewer line, complete rewiring with upgraded electrical panels, and structural assessments. Fortunately, the original timber framework proved robust enough to support a glass mezzanine addition without requiring additional support posts. The result features soaring double-height ceilings, crisp white walls, and an open-plan living area that maintains the building's grand scale.
Cauchi emphasized the importance of understanding zoning regulations before beginning such projects. The Hoddle Street church carries a mixed-use designation that permits both residential and commercial activities. "It's an advantage because you can live and run something from the same address, but banks usually only lend about 60% on a property like that; a standard residential loan might give you 90-95%, so you'll need a bigger deposit," she warned potential buyers.
The financial realities of church conversions extend beyond purchase prices. "With churches, you often need to add a kitchen and a bathroom, think $30,000 - so you can live there while you stage the rest," Cauchi advised. She recommended that renovators live in the space initially to understand how natural light moves through the building and identify the most appealing areas before committing to major design decisions. "I spent more on the renovations and garden than I did on the church," she admitted. "But you do it a bit at a time."
The completed transformation encompasses a half-acre estate that balances grandeur with livability. The property now features six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a mudroom, and five bi-fold doors that open onto a large deck overlooking an edible garden planted with figs, walnuts, and citrus trees. "I designed it for entertaining," Cauchi said. "I created a holiday destination for all my friends."
The central bathroom showcases particularly indulgent design elements, featuring a striking freestanding bathtub framed by a cathedral-style window. A glass mezzanine retreat overlooks the main living space, while a well-equipped kitchen anchors the home's daily functions. The design philosophy blends industrial elements with vintage touches, creating what Cauchi describes as "a bit of New York industrial with vintage touches."
Since Cauchi's arrival, Robertson has evolved into what she calls "the jewel of the Highlands" - a culinary destination where city visitors come for wood-fired pizza, artisan cheese, and slow-cooked wagyu pies. The town's transformation parallels her own property's evolution from abandoned religious building to sophisticated modern home.
For those considering similar church conversion projects, Cauchi offers straightforward guidance rooted in respect for the building's heritage. "You want to keep the essence and to continue the original look - that's where the value is," she emphasized. "A church commands respect in its renovations. If you do it well, you'll end up with something truly unique. Take your time."
After eight years of calling the converted church home, Cauchi is ready for her next adventure. "I've loved every minute here," she reflected. "It's been beautiful, inspiring and full of life." Her future plans include checking off the remaining items on her bucket list: living with absolute water views and spending time in Italy - and she's already identified the property with the view she's seeking.
