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

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Welcome to St. Cecilia by the Sea
St. Cecilia by the Sea
Welcome!
Front hall
Interior detail

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 4139.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Halifax, NS
  • Dalhousie University
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • St. Mary's University
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Halifax, NS (YWF-Downtown Waterfront Heliport)
    ‪20 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

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

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

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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 Long Lake Provincial Park and Crystal Crescent Beach 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.
Map
Halifax, NS

What's nearby

  • Dalhousie University - 10 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Scotiabank Centre - 11 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk - 11 min drive - 10.1 km
  • Halifax Citadel - 12 min drive - 9.4 km
  • St. Mary's University - 12 min drive - 10.3 km

Getting around

  • Halifax Station - 18 min drive
  • Halifax, NS (YHZ-Stanfield Intl.) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Garrison Brewing Co - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Uncommon Grounds - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Darrell's Restaurant - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Second Cup Café - ‬10 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 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from Sir Sandford Fleming Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Long Lake Provincial Park and Mont Blanc Anchor Site. Chocolate Lake Beach and Halifax Shopping Centre are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 124 out of 125 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 125 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 125 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 125 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 125 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Margaret S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The most special home away from home, possible.
We enjoyed everything about this magical place. The owners are very particular about St. Cecelia which makes us be on our best behavior. We loved it and didn't want to leave forever! Thank you Lara & Brett. Margy & Jim
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay
Great Stay
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bruce H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exceptional Property
Great location, unique and comfortable. First time in Halifax and hosts were very helpful. We will book this house again next time we're in Halifax!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melanie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place
We had such an amazing stay. This place has some great history. Brett and Lara are awesome hosts. You definitely won’t go wrong by choosing to stay here.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mindi S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Vacation Rental!
Brett and Lara's place is incredible! They've spared no expense making sure the place is A+++.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shanda J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So unique!
We wanted to stay somewhere different than your regular hotel and this was beyond our expectation. The host was quick to respond and gave us some wonderful recommendations on places to eat. The kitchen was well stocked with anything that one would need. The outside space was wonderful to sit and have a morning coffee. Would definitely stay here again the next time I’m back in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nora D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unusual in a great way
This is an imaginatively restored church with all kinds of artistic detail throughout. It is also very comfortable inside with a nice space outside for relaxing if the weather is good. It also has one of the best equipped kitchens we have seen in a vacation rental. Engaging owners as well. All in all, a very worthy place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Slept in church and didn't get in trouble!
Beautiful facilities and outside garden are overlooking the harbor. Brett and Lara are so welcoming! Excellent care in fact couldn't get the Dallas game and Lara came immediately over to fix the tv. Recommend you book immediately to assure your stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leslie R.

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

James W.

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

Barbara N.

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

DENNIS M.

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

Jennifer C.

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

Paul P.

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

Cathy S.

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

Charles L.

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

roger m.

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

Dave L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very unique place in a quiet cove by the sea
This place is a real treasure, we stayed 3 nights and was convenient for touring Halifax. The owners are great people and made sure our stay was enjoyable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mariann T.

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

Lloyd L.

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

Ruth M.

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

Thomas C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best VRBO we have stayed at.
Great location, wonderful hosts, very interesting old church remodelled and full of interesting things. Would stay here again in a second.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pete H.

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

Norm C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stay at a church!
Great place. Great owners. Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Grumpy D., Andover, CT

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Feels like you’re staying in a castle.
Definitely the most unique VRBO property we have ever stayed at! Great location, so close to all that Halifax has to offer but set on a quiet cove. Our hosts were great and the church is gorgeous.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Brett & Lara Ryan

Host profile image
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.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests