When Team SRD travels, we go where the people are friendly and the scenery is inspirational! We’re always on the look-out for the latest and greatest destination to vacation, so when we heard about this unique Airbnb in Prince Edward County, we couldn’t resist heading east! For our latest weekend getaway, Media Manager and Style Curator Jennifer Gibeau stayed at The Prince Edward County Church. Follow along as she takes us on a tour and breaks down the top design takeaways to bring eclectic style home!
The Prince Edward County Church
Property: modernized 131 year old church on 2.3 acres
Location: Ameliasburgh, Ontario in Prince Edward County
Sleeps: 8 guests - 3 beds, 2 baths
Amenities: kitchen, indoor fireplace, WI-FI, TV, central heating, patio, lake access
Nearby: 15 minutes from the closet vineyard, 20 minutes from Wellington
1. Under vault layout
In our world, balance and symmetry are key components to every winning design! A spacious living area with large area rug to demarcate the room's centre directly beneath the peak of the vaulted ceiling is just the right idea to optimize room flow and create a picture-perfect layout.
2. Opt for light-infused neutrals
Got light? If your space gets tons of natural light, try a neutral palette of charcoals and greys coupled with black accents and creamy white walls for a tempered, unfussy look. This living room gets a major boost of brightness from the natural light that floods through the tall church windows.
3. Clad and disguise
Awkwardly situated doors within an open concept space can be an eyesore, but not when you cleverly clad and disguise both the walls and the doors with tongue and groove panelling. Painted in a uniform colour and finished with matching hardware, the doors blend in seamlessly!
4. Create drama with black beams
Not only are lofty ceilings coveted for their ability to funnel light and make a space look and feel bigger, they're simply awesome architecturally speaking. Show off those beams by painting them a dark shade for added drama and visual appeal.
5. Embrace the quirks
Renovating a church built in 1888 comes with a unique set of challenges. For this boutique rental, function is key. The owner needed to carve out a loft to fit an extra bed. This meant blocking a few of the church windows with the staircase build. A pity? Perhaps. But we see it as a lesson in embracing the quirks that come with renovating an older property. These peak-a-boo windows bring all the character!
6. Banish boring railings
Simple slatted railings would surely suffice, but what if you wanted to make a statement? Here, Victorian "gingerbread" panels were installed throughout adding a touch of ornate detail in an otherwise pared down space.
7. Expose the character
This church got a charming new addition complete with a new kitchen, dining room, lounge area, two additional bedrooms and a second bathroom. The entrance to the addition was carefully constructed to salvage the upper arched portion of the original church window, while the exposed exterior brick keeps the overall look authentic.
8. Carve out a reading nook
Granted, not every property has an utterly delightful loft built in for a reading nook (perks of vacationing in a church!), but this spot serves as a sweet reminder that quirky spaces can be the most charming! Transform a small alcove or den into the perfect hideaway - if only for an excuse to install a whimsical canopy net!
9. Style beneath the stairs
The space beneath the stairs is no longer reserved for dust bunnies. Add a teepee tent and a potted palm plant for an adorably decorated spot for anyone - or any pooch - with a playful spirit.
10. Let rustic be rustic
When it comes to updating an old home, not everything needs a shiny new finish. In fact, we love it when rustic exists in all its well-loved glory! A rusted patina on door pulls and hinges can add to the overall look and feel of your space.
11. Honour the past
This property was first commissioned to land owners in 1802, and the front hall showcases a grouping of framed ledgers of buyers and sellers of the land copied from the Prince Edward County archives. Vintage local maps and land records make for easy, affordable and meaningful art work!
12. Roll out the wow
This design moment is brought to you by stormy skies and a black arched door. The church comes equipped with a bar room that showcases a fabulous accent wall featuring Fornasetti's famous Nuvolette Mural. Now this is the kind of drama we can get behind!
13. Consider your surroundings
After all the designing and renovating is complete, don't forget to inject a dose of playfulness into your decor. May we recommend a super fun neon sign like this one? The church is conveniently nested within Ontario's fastest growing wine region, so this cheeky sign is a must-have!
