Own a Church For $79,900! Beautiful original woodwork! Intricate pews and altar rail c. 1856 in Illinois.
- Address: 111 S Church St, Virden, IL 62690
- Price: $79,900
- Square Footage: 6,333 sqft
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 3
- Year Built: 1856
- Key Features: All-brick construction, 28 original stained-glass windows, custom-built pipe organ, original woodwork, and a spacious lower-level kitchen.
A Piece of History You Can Own
If you are like me and you love the feeling of walking into a house that has a story to tell, you are going to fall in love with this place. This isn’t just a house; it is a massive piece of history built all the way back in 1856. For over 165 years, these brick walls have stood tall in the heart of Virden, Illinois. At a price of only $79,900, it is hard to believe you can get over 6,000 square feet of beautiful, historic space for less than the cost of a new truck.
When you look at the outside, you see the solid red brick that looks just as strong today as it did back in the 1800s. It has been cared for so well over the years. This building was originally a church, and it still keeps all that grand, peaceful energy. You can tell that the people who owned this property truly loved it. It is a rare find that hasn’t been ruined by modern updates that strip away the soul of an old building.
The Magic of the Windows
The very best thing about this home has to be the windows. There are 28 original stained-glass windows throughout the building. Each one is a unique work of art from the Victorian era. When the sun shines through them, the whole room fills up with colors like deep red, bright blue, and warm gold. It feels like you are living inside a jewelry box.
Most old houses have a few nice windows, but having 28 of them is something you just don’t see every day. They have been preserved beautifully. You can sit in the main area and watch the light change as the sun moves across the sky. It is the kind of detail that makes you stop and just stare in wonder.
A Sound Like No Other
Inside the main sanctuary, you will find a treasure that is almost impossible to find in a private home: a custom-built pipe organ. This organ was made specifically for this room and its special acoustics. Even better, it still works! Whether you play music or just want to hear the powerful, heavenly sound it makes, it adds a level of character that you cannot buy at a furniture store.
The sound fills the massive room and bounces off the high ceilings in a way that gives you chills. It is a fully operational piece of history. Imagine hosting friends or family and being able to share the music of an instrument that was crafted over a century ago. It truly makes this home a masterpiece.
Woodwork That Tells a Story
The woodwork inside this home is simply stunning. You will find original pews, a hand-crafted altar rail, and a beautiful balcony that looks down over the main floor. The wood has a deep, rich color that only comes with age. Every inch of the wainscoting and the trim shows the hard work that builders put in before power tools even existed.
It is so rare to find a place where the original pews and balcony are still intact. You can feel the history in the wood when you run your hand along the railings. It gives the home a warm, sturdy feeling that modern houses just can’t match. This is craftsmanship at its best.
Plenty of Space to Dream
With over 6,000 square feet, you have so much room to get creative. The main level is wide open and bright, while the upper level features two cozy bedrooms. The primary bedroom is huge, giving you plenty of space to create a private retreat. There is also a lower level that houses a massive kitchen, perfect for big family meals or even hosting community events.
This home is perfect for someone who wants a project with a lot of potential. Whether you want to keep it as a unique living space or turn it into an art studio or a grand gallery, the possibilities are endless. It even has central air and forced air heating to keep you comfortable while you enjoy the historic charm.
A Rare Opportunity
Opportunities like this don’t come around often. For someone who loves old houses, this is a dream come true. You get a massive, solid brick building with art-grade windows and a working pipe organ for an incredible price. It is sitting on a nice level lot with plenty of street parking on two sides, making it easy for guests to visit.
If you have been looking for a home that is truly one-of-a-kind, you need to see this one in person. It is a beautiful, peaceful, and historic place that is ready for its next chapter. You aren’t just buying a house; you are becoming the caretaker of a piece of Illinois history.
