WHEN Martin and Jill Cornhill were looking to retire from city life, they had their hearts set on "something a bit different".

"I suppose, in a way, we're what you'd call romantics," Jill said.

    ST JOHN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH
  • GLENMAGGIE
  • Property: lifestyle
  • Size: 2.02ha
  • Auction: September 12, at 1pm, on site
  • Price: $520,000-$570,000
  • Agent: Maffra Town and Country Real Estate
  • Contact: (03) 5147 2200

"We were looking at old churches around Maldon and Castlemaine, but then this property came up."

The building, originally St John's Catholic Church in Glenmaggie, opened in 1914 and served as a place of worship until 1987.

In 1937, however, it became clear the planned expansion of Lake Glenmaggie for irrigation would threaten the church, so the building was moved, brick-by-brick, to its current location overlooking the lake.

Jill admitted she and Martin had to turn to a map to locate Glenmaggie, about 10km north of Heyfield in Gippsland, when they bought the property seven years ago.

"It was an area we didn't know anything about, but it's an absolutely beautiful position, looking out over the water," she said.

The rendered double-brick church was converted to a residence in the late 1980s but many original features, including stained-glass windows and pressed metal ceilings, were preserved.

The property has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Three separate living areas, an open-style study and kitchen with gas hotplates completes the interior, and two wood heaters ensure a cosy ambience.

"We've brightened up the inside a lot because there was a lot of dark woodwork," Martin said.

A lavender garden and fountain greet visitors at the home's entrance.

"We have lots of nice birdlife here and we only get a light frost every two or three years. Also, we're not bothered by neighbours, so that's a big plus."

The 2.02ha property, about 220km east of Melbourne, has town water and three 2500-litre water tanks, along with a double garage and carport.