Architecture Wednesday: Little Woods Church

Built in 1902, the church has been thoughtfully restored to preserve its original charm, then sensitively extended to create beautiful new modern bedrooms and a bathroom, all while honoring the building’s historic form.

Set on one-third of an acre and surrounded by open farmland, Little Woods enjoys sweeping rural views and breathtaking sunrises to the east. The main church building forms the heart of the home, an open-plan living space that brings together a custom 360-degree rotating fireplace, dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen with stone countertops. Gothic arched windows frame glimpses of the surrounding landscape, while French doors open onto a deck and brick fire pit surrounded by the towering pine and cypress trees.

The bathroom offers the best of both worlds—old-world charm and a contemporary floor-to-ceiling window that captures the view beyond. This serene space features a classic claw-foot bath, a rainhead shower, and beautifully textured limestone tiles.

Ascending the steps to the master bedroom, you move seamlessly from old to new. A thoughtfully designed architectural extension introduces warmth and richness, creating calm, cozy spaces that open to two beautiful yet contrasting outlooks. Deep brown long-pile wool carpet, spotted gum paneling, soft lighting, natural-fiber bedding, and discreetly hidden storage come together to form a space designed for rest, immersion, and renewal. Adjacent to the bedroom is a small desk and study nook, along with a dedicated reading or retreat room which has views of the back yard.

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The Spaces

Architecture Wednesday: 1914 Neo-Gothic Church

This magnificent four-floor condo-townhome was carved out of a 1914 Neo-Gothic Church in Toronto.

Meticulously restored, the designers preserved the historical details such as original wooden beams and stonework while incorporating modern glitzy updates; even the old bell tower was retained. The townhome is tucked away in a discreet courtyard and offers soaring cathedral ceilings, original intricate wooden details, exposed original brick masonry, wooden trusses, stone columns and gothic brick arches.

The first floor is where you’ll find the dining area, the living room and a modern kitchen. On the second floor an illuminated catwalk leads from the gym and office to a guest bedroom, while the third floor features the spacious primary bedroom with a luxurious fifth floor ensuite bath and custom built-in storage spaces. The basement level has a mudroom and storage area with direct access to the private, underground parking space set up for electric charging. 

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 Sotheby's Realty

Why Is It ...

… that no one believes that I have no skeletons in my closet I do have a tiny box of souls in my underwear drawer.

… that nothing pisses me off more than pulling up to my job and finding the building still standing.

… that just because I like to walk around in my underwear, eating Doritos, does not make me strange and the people in Aisle Four need to get a life.

… that I often feel the need to tell people they should go to church because I don’t want them in Hell with me

… that more people don’t ask for my opinion. I mean, like the other day I said to a coworker, ‘Relax, you aren’t the dumbest person in the world but you better hope he doesn’t die.’

… that I often tell songs to “Shut up” before I skip them.

… that once I’m in bed and I turn over on my stomach and make that 4-shape with my legs it’s a wrap

.… that my idea of help is a sniper on the roof.

… that if I died and went straight to Hell it would probably take weeks to realize I wasn’t at work anymore.

… that every time I try to donate blood I always get the same stupid questions: Who’s blood is it? Where did you get it? Why is it in a bucket?

Architecture Wednesday: 19th Century Chapel Loft

At the heart of this former chapel loft in London soaring ceilings nearly twenty feet high frame four elegant arched sash windows, flooding the interior with south-facing natural light. The custom-made kitchen is complemented by custom joinery throughout; there is resin flooring with underfloor heating and exposed brickwork, balancing industrial textures with a refined, polished aesthetic.

A folded iron staircase, acting as a striking architectural feature, leads to the mezzanine level, which overlooks the main living area. This elevated space functions as an additional living area or second bedroom, making it ideal for guests or flexible use. A second floating staircase leads to the principal suite, a calm and light-filled retreat with Scandi-inspired interiors. A frosted window subtly diffuses natural light, creating a tranquil atmosphere, while a floating fireplace offers a cozy, intimate feel, along with the custom cabinetry in white ash. The bathroom continues this thoughtful design approach, combining custom woodwork, a roll-top bath, and a walk-in shower, all designed with a meticulous eye for detail.

Not a huge space, but elegant and refined and rustic and from another era.

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Dwell