No longer a church, but still a gathering place, this divine escape opens its doors to friends every weekend.

They weren’t looking to buy, insists Colin Snider, of the day in 2018 when he and partner Matt Boelen purchased this 2,500-square-foot church in Warkworth, Ont. “But one look and we couldn’t say no.” At the time, the interior, dimly lit with mustard walls, overflowed with furniture, and a warren of teensy rooms was crammed under the windowless eaves. “We used our entire budget to renovate,” says Matt. They recreated the original front doors; added a new second floor complete with skylights and generous bedrooms; they even built a new staircase. That left the decorating. For this, the guys turned to vintage finds, many discovered right inside the church. “It was like shopping without ever leaving home!” says Colin. “We opened box after box, pulling out things we loved.” The result? A spirited weekend home fitted with glorious details, including jewel-toned armchairs, a celestial blue-and-pink rug and ornate brass sconces. You might say, it’s heaven.

Photography: Robin Stubbert | Styling: Susan Burns | CONSTRUCTION/MILLWORK, Kawartha Lakes Construction; DOOR, 1925 workbench; PAINT COLOUR, Benjamin Moore Pink Hibiscus 2172-60; DOOR HARDWARE, Emtek; Black exterior STAIN, (on decking and railings), Midnight, Rex Wood Stain.

Adorned in pink to flatter the natural stone, the huge replica front doors usher in both friends and natural light.

Paint It: Pink Hibiscus, 2172-60 Benjamin Moore

Photography: Robin Stubbert | Styling: Susan Burns | WHITE WALL PAINT, Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65; CUSHIONS, H&M Home; BLACK PAINT AND WAINSCOTTING, Benjamin Moore, Black Satin 2131-10; SCONCE (at staircase), CB2.

The towering wood ceilings and arches were left natural to retain the dwelling’s sense of history. An old staircase was removed and a more open, modern one was added to keep the room feeling spacious. Dark stain and paint had long covered the floors. Stripping them revealed radiant natural pine. Gold picture frames and a glamorous chandelier emphasize the 30-foot-high ceilings.

Photography: Robin Stubbert | Styling: Susan Burns

Inside, the walls were painted pure white with black door and window frames for contrast. This same black was used for the wainscotting that accents the staircase. An inky black was also used outside (previous page) to accentuate the stately architecture. A leather wing chair and parish pedestals were among the finds inside the church.

Photography: Robin Stubbert | Styling: Susan Burns

The black arch window etches a Gothic profile against painted brick.

Photography: Robin Stubbert | Styling: Susan Burns | DINING TABLE, CB2; CHAIRS, Design Republic.

The dining table is new, but the chairs were brought from the couple’s Toronto home. The rug was discovered in a garage on the property.

Photography: Robin Stubbert | Styling: Susan Burns | FIREPLACE INSERT, Enviro; MILLWORK/BOOKCASES, contractor Kawartha Lakes Construction; RUG, IKEA; THROWS, Vintage Holt Renfrew; PILLOWS ON SOFA, H&M Home; SCONCE, CB2.

Flanking the fireplace, the sunflower-yellow spines of National Geographic magazines make a collective statement in new bookcases. “Most of our decorating starts with grouping,” says Colin.

Photography: Robin Stubbert | Styling: Susan Burns | MILLWORK/BOOKCASES, contractor Kawartha Lakes Construction; RUG, IKEA; THROWS, Vintage Holt Renfrew; PILLOWS ON SOFA, H&M Home; SCONCE, CB2.

Whether it’s pairing matching ottomans and baskets, combining plaids, placing green chairs face-to-face or displaying wall art in groups, it’s all about collections.

Photography: Robin Stubbert | Styling: Susan Burns

The writing desk and green chair, books and wall art are appropriately antique. Note the green book covers, moulding and chair work together and are contrasted by the red rug.

Photography: Robin Stubbert | Styling: Susan Burns | WALL COLOUR, Benjamin Moore, Black Satin 2131-10.

Even the bedroom door is a salvage find. The bust was already in the church and the tortoise shell was a thrift find. Throughout the home, the sofas, armchairs and coffee tables in the living room and front room came with the property. “In some cases, even the throws and pillows were preowned. However, we did buy a new TV and fireplace insert,” says Colin.

Paint It: Black Satin, 2131-10 Benjamin Moore

Photography: Robin Stubbert | Styling: Susan Burns | WALLPAPER (Forest), Cole & Son; THROW PILLOWS, Home Outfitters; BEDDING, Urban Outfitters; HEADBOARD, CB2.

The wallpaper in the bedroom was a splurge. “We could only afford to cover one wall,” laughs Colin. The bed and bedding were new, but not the lamp or nightstand.