Amazing Unique Church for rent - St. Cecilia by the Sea - Halifax

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Entire home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 4139.4 sq m

Popular amenities

Barbecue grill

Washer

Parking available

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Explore the area

Halifax, NS

Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center
10 min drive
Chocolate Lake Beach
10 min drive
Bayers Lake Business Park
14 min drive
Halifax, NS (YWF-Downtown Waterfront Heliport)
24 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Loft Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Main Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master 1/2 bath

Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen

Living area

Exterior

About this property

Amazing Unique Church for rent - St. Cecilia by the Sea

Here's a chance to rent an amazing fully furnished house that was once a Catholic church. Lovingly restored complete with spectacular stained glass, murals and breathtaking oak woodwork as well as lots of little treasures we're sure you'll enjoy.

St. Cecilia has two cozy bedrooms each with a queen-sized bed and superior linens. The master, once the choir loft, has a lovely two piece ensuite and is accessed through a staircase off the front hall. The second bedroom is an open loft style that is accessed by an enchanting spiral staircase in the great room.

You'll find everything you need in the well stocked kitchen: dishes, wine glasses, pots and pans, lobster pot, and coffee maker. The main bathroom with a combined shower/tub and stackable washer & dryer is on the ground floor and there is a 1/2 bath ensuite off the master. We provide towels and basic bathroom necessities and we clean to the highest standards.

There is high speed internet and the great room has a large wide screen TV with many popular streaming services (CBC Gem, Crave, Netflix, Disney+, AppleTV, Prime).

Located in beautiful Purcells Cove, only 15 minutes from downtown Halifax, 30 minutes from the Halifax International Airport and less than five minutes from the grocery store, pharmacy, liquor store and other essential amenities. We will share a list of our favorite restaurants and things to do before you arrive.

There is a public tennis court across the street, and access to several beautiful walking trails including the Shaw Wilderness Park. Minutes away from York Redoubt, a National Historic Site with breathtaking panoramic views of Halifax Harbour and lovely, easy walking trails. Crystal Crescent Beach, one of Nova Scotia's most popular beaches is a 20 minute drive. If you are without a car, there is a Halifax transit bus stop right at the foot of St. Cecilia Lane with easy connecting routes to all of Halifax's destinations.

If you want to stick close to home, you couldn't do better than relaxing on the deck overlooking Purcells Cove with your morning coffee or evening wine and watching the boats come and go. The deck's southern exposure allows you to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset over this beautiful little cove.

St. Cecilia by the Sea ...... The right amount of bliss!

Property manager

Brett & Lara Ryan

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Similar properties

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Outdoor space

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No parties allowed.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

Property Registration Number STR2425A7722

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Halifax

Located in Halifax, this holiday home is by the ocean. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Duncans Cove Nature Reserve and Long Lake Provincial Park, while Museum of Natural History and Rebecca Cohn Auditorium are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Scotiabank Centre or Dartmouth Sportsplex. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Halifax, NS

What's nearby

Dalhousie University - 10 min drive
Scotiabank Centre - 11 min drive
Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk - 11 min drive
Casino Nova Scotia - 11 min drive
St. Mary's University - 12 min drive

Getting around

Halifax Station - 21 min drive
Halifax, NS (YHZ-Stanfield Intl.) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

‪Tim Hortons - ‬13 min drive
‪Uncommon Grounds - ‬12 min drive
‪Garrison Brewing Co - ‬13 min drive
‪Darrell's Restaurant - ‬12 min drive
‪Henry House Ltd - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Amazing Unique Church for rent - St. Cecilia by the Sea pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Amazing Unique Church for rent - St. Cecilia by the Sea?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Amazing Unique Church for rent - St. Cecilia by the Sea?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Amazing Unique Church for rent - St. Cecilia by the Sea located?

Situated by the ocean, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Long Lake Provincial Park, Mont Blanc Anchor Site and Chocolate Lake Beach. Halifax Shopping Centre and University of King's College are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Ryan E.

21 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

James W.

16 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nova Scotia Diamond!

Our stay at St. Cecilia was, in one word, incredible! We absolutely loved our stay in this immaculately and tastefully renovated church. Lara and Brett were wonderful, attentive hosts. Everything we needed was within reach. Lara and Brett’s attention to detail in providing guests necessities, comforts, and the pristine condition of the home sets it apart from other homes in which we’ve stayed. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to return again! Thank-you Lara and Brett!

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pete H.

22 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Unique Church

The extensive and beautiful renovations to this church from the hosts have created a most unique and tranquil atmosphere. There are no words to describe the warmth and peaceful feelings that were absorbed into one’s being as the sunlight filtered through the abundant stained glass windows. Brett and Lara’s attention to providing all amenities, extreme cleanliness, including quality beddings, further added to our comfort. The bed was extremely comfortable as well. If you plan on visiting the Halifax area, I would highly recommend this unique church.

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cathy S.

16 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Welcoming

From the first steps in we were under a spell! A wonderful property and the story of how it began just as wonderful. Lara and Brett were great hosts! Highly recommend their lovely little renovated church 😊

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul P.

13 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing space

We really enjoyed our stay at St Cecilia. Brett and Lara are wonderful hosts and you can see the amount of care and thought put into the design of the space. This was also evident in the landscaping around the space as well. Hosts are warm and engaging and appear to love sharing this special place with travelers

Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

roger m.

19 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Not to be missed!

What an experience! This renovated church is an amazing place to spend time. It is very conveniently located for visiting Halifax, Despite the fact that it is in a secluded, beautiful and beautiful surrounding location. The host and his wife are extremely helpful and have included many wonderful extras to make your stay amazing!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charles L.

16 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place

Stunningly restored chapel which surprises you at every turn. This was truly a beautiful place, indoors and outdoors Brett and Lara are fantastic and friendly hosts, full of local knowledge. Allegedly Brett is going to write a book about it 😀 We cannot recommend The Church highly enough

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ruth M.

5 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection!

Our family( husband, wife and adult daughter) spent 3 nights in this beautiful renovated church. The location was so convenient for getting into Halifax ( 15 minute drive to downtown) but set in a rural quiet and peaceful little village. Brett and Lara were amazing hosts, extremely knowledgeable about the history of the church and the surrounding area Would definitely recommend and hope to visit again one day

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leslie R.

2 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, unique location

Lovely accommodations and base for our trip to the Halifax area. Would definitely recommend.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer C.

30 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just like home - only better

Loved our stay and had more than we needed. Such a comfortable, lively place! We will let it go haha but kept referring to it as “our church” 😊 Thank you to our hosts for a lovely visit.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lloyd L.

24 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heaven

This was by far the most unique place we’ve stayed. It was awesome! It had everything you needed. It was so clean with a huge kitchen. It’s perfectly located. The host are so friendly. We would definitely recommend it. Loved it!

Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mariann T.

20 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Truly Memorable Accommodations!

We loved staying at Brett and Lara’s place. The decor, craftsmanship and attention to detail of this property cannot be beat! Our hosts anticipated our every need. Coming back to a clean and comfortable place was so welcome. We enjoyed talking with Brett and finding out about the history of the church, the paintings and the artifacts. We’d happily stay there again when we return to Halifax.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

DENNIS M.

15 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A grey and unique place to stay

Bret and Lara are excellent hosts. Everything you need to make and outstanding stay here

Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara N.

14 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Intriguing decor and lovely location

The church has been beautifully decorated. Very comfortable accommodation and wonderful location. Brett and Lara were excellent hosts.

Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas S.

5 Apr 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A magical church of music and memories

WOW! was oir immediate first impression upon arrival. Brett welcomed us with a friendly run down of the property and the locale. After that, the hosts left us to our holiday, and were on hand if we needed them. The location is excellent. We were in striking distajce of Peggy's Cove and Halifax centre, and only an hour drive to both Wolfville and Lunenburg. We have already threatened that we will return next year, probably when the season kicks off. This time around we were really lucky with the weather, and lucky enough that the weather turned to allow us a whole day to enjoy the property. Sad to leave. Excited to come back. Thank you to Brett and Lara for this wonderful place and their warming hospitality.

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie Z.

27 Feb 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

WOW

Initally felt like walking into a museum with SO much to look at. Brett gave the initial tour and info and we had great conversations. We got acclaimated incredibly quickly. everything was top notch. Great towels, great pillows, great kitchen appliances and tools and toys...For what we wanted to do it was the perfect location. Away from the City but close enough to go too if we wanted. Drove east, Drove west, had great meals in small lovely places. Was nice cause its off season. OMG..Nothing to say except perfect for what we needed and wanted.

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris G.

23 Feb 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Memorable Stay

Just a stunning renovation that Brett and Lara have completed on this old church. I'm a regular visitor to Halifax and the bar is generally quite low for places to stay. A lot of places in Halifax are basement suites so as a tall person it's a real treat to not bump my head on everything. But Brett and Lara's place is really in a league all its own. Really memorable stay and I hope to return.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Louise F.

24 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceptional experience

We stayed at this property for our sons wedding which was being held very close to this location. Lara & Brett were great hosts. Brett gave us a historical overview of the place which was really interesting and made the whole experience that much better. If you want a unique experience I highly recommend this property.

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shawn M.

19 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A magical stay

My parents and I were blown away by this incredible home! Brett & Lara were fantastic hosts and we are in awe of how they have transformed this former church into the stunning space it is today. The location is fantastic, in a quiet area but just outside of the city. We can't recommend it enough!

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Don S., Toronto

5 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Place, Great Hosts

We can't say enough nice things about our stay. The building is a renovated church but that doesn't begin to describe the level of attention to detail that Lara and Brett have applied to finishing and furnishing (not as a church but as a comfortable place to stay). Everywhere you look there is another nice touch. The linens were top notch, the kitchen and bathrooms were well supplied, and everything was spotless. Location-wise, it is a short drive to everywhere in the Halifax area and we found it convenient for food and touristing (though we did learn to hate the Armdale Roundabout at Quinpool and Herring Cove Road so be careful when driving in that direction if you are not from the area). Lara was very friendly and helpful with near-instant replies. We look forward to staying there again when we return to Halifax. Highly recommended!

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg P.

27 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

Our visit could not have been better. The church is great, it was super clean and it had everything we needed. Brett and Lara gave us our privacy but let us know they were available if needed. The area is beautiful and everything we needed was close by.

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Harriet and Gary F., Richmond Virginia USA

20 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sumptuous

Great communication with the owner during a hurricane. We had a warm welcome to this very unique and fascinating property. This is definitely a unique, memorable and highly recommended stay. It’s immaculate , and the kitchen has everything you need if you decide to eat in.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim A.

16 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We Loved it

What a beautiful and unique place! Brett and Lara were great hosts-allowing us privacy while still making sure we had everything we needed. Unfortunately, a hurricane cut our visit short, but we definitely plan to go back.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Loretta F.

9 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Eclectic Little Castle

St. Cecilia would be proud! We absolutely loved this place and will recommend it to everyone we know! We would definitely stay here again. This was our 1st VRBO stay and the bar has been set extremely high. Thank you Lara and Brett for sharing your gem with us. Loretta and Mike

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Norm C.

9 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay at a church!

Great place. Great owners. Highly recommended!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Brett & Lara Ryan

We are Brett & Lara Ryan. Brett is an award winning singer/songwriter and Lara is a sustainability consultant. Brett is a Halifax native and Lara is from PEI. We love to travel ourselves and enjoy properties that offer all the comforts of home. We've been in the property business for over 20 years and have owned a number of properties in Halifax and around Purcells Cove but none as unique as St. Cecilia by the Sea.

Why they chose this property

We bought this old church in 2005 and Brett set to restoring it. While working on it he was insipred to write songs in a way that he hadn't for a few years. St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians, must have been speaking to him! Not only did he write songs for a great project titled St. Cecilia Soul, he was also inspired to turn the church into a recording studio. The unique space hosted many other recording artists in it's time as a studio as well as was the location for film productions and sound design for many TV series.

Alas, our business days in the music industry are coming to an end and recording studios aren't what they used to be. Now, we are thrilled to share this inspirational space with travelers looking to enjoy beautiful Halifax.