Inside the church a conversion with a revolving fireplace is now for sale

Little Woods is a thoughtfully restored church building circa 1902 with an architect-designed extension set on farmland in Ryanston.

Sellers Karl and Rachel Russo bought a 1200sq m property at 53 Jones Rd, Ryanston, in 2020, citing its location as a key attraction.

Karl says: “The hiding place, the amazing views, and the beauty of the huge ancient trees that make up this little old church just took us away.

RELATED: Old Brunswick hides a luxurious modern secret

Sports magnate lists $15m for South Yarra home

AFL legend’s Portsea retreat hits the market for $6.8m

On top of the peaceful atmosphere sat an old church, which the Russos said was in “sad condition”.

“The old church needed a complete renovation,” said Karl.

As owner builder, Karl, architect, and principal at Orchard Design, worked with local tradespeople to bring the restoration to life.

“To start with, we gave it a new roof, weatherboard and fascia, new paint inside and out, and some remodeling,” he says.

A stunning extension has homely bedrooms. Photo: Peter Clarke

---

53 Jones Rd, Ryanston is a 1200sq m property in the middle of a farm. Photo: Peter Clarke

---

A study area is included in the new building. Photo: Peter Clarke

---

“We added a classic Gothic window and glazed doors to let more natural light into the space.”

Respecting the original charm of the church was a priority for the couple, who adopted this style in the open living space that occupies most of the building.

“The furniture and finishes of the living area and the details of the new kitchen continue this, while providing modern conveniences,” says Karl.

Among these luxuries is a custom Pop & Scott sofa and 360-degree rotating fireplace, which the sellers say is centrally positioned to be enjoyed in any part of the living area.

The sleeping wing is deliberately separated from the church building.

A 360-degree rotating fireplace is at the center of the action in the main living area. Photo: Peter Clarke

---

The stunning gable meets the glass to great effect. Photo: Peter Clarke

---

Even the bathtub gives a bucolic impression. Photo: Peter Clarke

---

“The deliberate separation between the original church building and the new dormitory wing allows the historic church to be proud and not be dominated by the expansion. It was also important for the heritage layer,” explains Karl.

“This separation helps to create a transition from old to new through the use of small, bright floors.”

Inside the bedroom wing, there is a deliberate change in texture and shape, including features such as chocolate-stained wood paneling and deep brown wool carpet, minimalist design, and seamless window detailing.

The Russo’s say this was to create “a cozy cozy cocoon, while reflecting the high ceilings of the chapel.”

“It was important to us that this space was beautiful and simple, and celebrated the surroundings and the views,” explains Karl.

The restaurant is neatly placed inside the main building of the church. Photo: Peter Clarke

---

A glass partition separates the original church from the modern installation. Photo: Peter Clarke

---

125-year-old trees provide a beautiful backdrop to the home. Photo: Peter Clarke

---

Surrounded by 125-year-old majestic trees, a manicured garden, a green living lab and a back deck, “Landscape design supports the architecture by connecting different spaces at different times of the day and atmosphere,” says Karl.

Marshall White Bayside agent Ben Vieth is handling the campaign of interest for the sale of a two-bedroom apartment at 53 Jones Rd, Ryanston. Expected prices range from $1.5m to $1.65m.

Subscribe to the Herald Sun’s weekly Real Estate update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered straight to your inbox.

MORE: Nadia Bartel frees up luxury home in secret deal

How daddy Melb avoided the $200k lead

Melb’s building crown to rent under threat in the midst of an arms race