Rising above the hilly countryside of Auvergne, this 19th-century neo-Gothic church lies just forty minutes east of Clermont-Ferrand. Once a sacred space, desacralized for over forty years, it now serves as a radiant and imaginative residence. The structure retains its original charm, crafted from warm arkose stone and framed in Volvic volcanic stone, blending historical beauty with modern comfort. The property stands at the edge of a quiet hamlet near the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park, just five minutes from a historic village with essential shops and services. The A75 and A89 motorways are within 20 minutes, Clermont-Ferrand Airport is 25 minutes away, and Vichy is reachable in about an hour.
Built in 1884 on a classic basilica plan, the church features a narthex, three central bays, a square choir, and a commanding four-level bell tower. A spiral staircase connects each level, culminating in a rooftop platform with a sweeping 360° view across the Limagne plain and the UNESCO-listed Chaîne des Puys. An 800 m² garden surrounds the building with very little overlooking, offering a rare blend of openness and privacy.
The interiors are luminous and expansive. High vaulted ceilings, original stonework, and tall arched windows flood the space with natural light. Volvic stone floors stretch throughout, grounding the scale of the architecture in natural texture and warmth. Living spaces are generous and cleverly arranged to honor the building’s form while serving contemporary needs.
Key Features:
- 320 m² of interior living space
- 4 rooms across multiple levels
- Volcanic stone floors and original architectural details
- Vast dining room within the nave
- Contemporary kitchen with large workspaces in the former choir
- Lounge and library in the north transept
- Bedroom, bathroom, and additional living space in the western section
- Mezzanine living room and office space in the bell tower
- Rooftop terrace with panoramic countryside views
- 800 m² garden with privacy and minimal overlooking
- Convenient access to shops, services, and major roadways
A long staircase rises from the nave to a bright mezzanine-level living room. Above the south transept, a comfortable bedroom and bathroom provide extra accommodation. The bell tower, which once held the church bells, now houses a quiet office and leads to the former bell chamber—a 20 m² terrace offering dramatic vistas of the surrounding valleys, forests, and peaks.
This singular property is as much a creative sanctuary as it is a home. Full of space, light, and character, it offers endless potential—whether as a personal residence, an artist’s retreat, or a unique event venue. The blend of timeless architecture and functional elegance makes it a rare opportunity in the heart of Auvergne.
