'Chouse': From a southern Ontario house of worship to a family home
It’s a trend that has become popular in the last decade. Purchasing old property with lots of character and renovating it into a dream home.
A couple from Parkhill, Ont.did just that, with a twist.
In November 2020, Kendra Halpenny and her fiancé Shane Cormier bought an old Methodist Church, built in 1898, and transformed it into 3,800 square feet of living space for their family.
But the couple says it wasn’t an easy task.
"We really thought ‘what did we get ourselves into?’ But we fell in love with the ceilings,” said Halpenny.
The 18 foot cathedral ceiling with the original hand-crafted wood work, is just one of the many features that stand out upon entering the home — affectionately dubbed the ‘chouse.’
Not wanting to disturb the pre-existing building and maintain as much character as possible, the couple kept the stained glass windows and the wood framing around them, along with original brick work in many parts of the home.
Inside the former Greenway Church turned family home, Nov. 15, 2022. (Reta Ismail/CTV News London)
The church, which also came with a barn and half an acre of land, was purchased for $345,000 in November 2020. At the time that seemed like a steal, but with the cost of renovating during the pandemic, the total ballooned to roughly $750,000.
“I think we were pretty naive when we got into this, we had a budget in mind and we blew that up,” said Cormier.
The couple told CTV News the property was essentially a shell and would require a lot of work.
“It was completely gutted from the previous owner. So when we came in there were stairs missing, there were no walls, it was just completely the bare bones of the building,” said Halpenny.
The house now features a grand open concept living space on the main level with three bedrooms and an additional family room in the lower level.
The former Greenway Church turned family home, Nov. 15, 2022. (Reta Ismail/CTV News London)And if you're wondering, since it's an old church and all, if there are any spirits still lingering, Halpenny said... "I don't know if it's my mind playing tricks on me or if you just hear things because it's an old building, but we've definitely scared our daughter a couple of times by telling her we can hear people walking upstairs.”
Despite the lengthy and costly renovation the couple said it was worth it.
"Now that we're here and we see the fruits of our labour, I think we're both happy that we went through the process and we both love the place," said Cormier.
The family is taking their time furnishing their forever home and hope to have a massive Christmas tree in the future, after all, they certainly have the ceiling space for it.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.