Amazing Unique Church for rent - St. Cecilia by the Sea
About this house rental
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!
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Halifax
House in Halifax
Reasons to book
People love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen / Kitchenette, Air conditioner and more
$$$$
Reviews
5.0/5.0
Outstanding(111 Reviews)
10.0
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.
10.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
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!
5.0
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!
5.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
Great place. Great owners. Highly recommended!
5.0
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
5.0
My friends and I had a wonderful stay. Lara was super responsive and came over to greet us and provide recommendations. The place was super clean and well stocked. It’s best to stay here with a rented car.
5.0
The property is a good size and the owners are doing further work to make the property even better then it is, and it is already great. Great relaxing location close to everything you might need. Just on the outskirts of Halifax in a very quiet location. The Church is well stocked with everything you might need and the owners are very responsive. They are close by if necessary but absolutely are not intrusive and leave you alone unless you go to them. The best Vrbo we have been to in 10 years. It is a very unique Vrbo. Brett and Lara are great hosts and obviously take pride in their work and property.
5.0
We loved our few days at unique St. Cecilia's by the Sea. The old church is beautifully renovated, the outdoor spaces are fabulous, and the property is close to Halifax and to nearby scenic coves and beaches.
5.0
It was the best cottage I've ever been in with the best hosts! The hosts went above and beyond for us, helping from directions to anything else! The cottage was even better than the pictures! I never wanted to leave! My family and myself intend to come back! 😃
5.0
We loved our stay at St. Cecilia. Everything was wonderful! Brett’s introduction to the church and the property was so interesting and both he and Lara were available but not intrusive our entire stay. The property was so unique and like no where we have ever stayed before, anywhere in the world. We loved being able to sit on the deck overlooking the water. The kitchen was well equipped and had everything a cook could need. We’ll be back!!
5.0
This home was even better and cooler than the pictures. Location is great. Just a few minutes from Halifax without dealing with downtown driving and parking. Hosts Brett and Lara are wonderful and so helpful. If we return the area this is the only place I would stay.
5.0
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.
5.0
Our flights were canceled by air Canada, which was a true pain! But Brett and Lara were super about everything from the delays to the final cancellation. They were helpful and gracious!
I’m looking forward to staying with them in the future
5.0
We had a wonderful stay at St Cecilia. Not only was it like no place we’d ever stayed, but it was very spacious, comfortable and very well appointed. The hosts we friendly, helpful and available. I would definitely recommend it!
5.0
Absolutely perfect, comfortable, great grill, like staying in an Art Gallery. Close to everything and views everywhere. Don’t miss this gem
5.0
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.
5.0
This place was perfect for our trip. It’s close to downtown but right outside the city. It was exactly as described and very quite. Lara was very helpful. We would definitely stay again. Thank you!!!
5.0
This home away from home deserves all the spectacular reviews it has already received, I second them ALL!!!! Halifax is so close by, not that you would know it, my Husband and I spent all but 2 days at the boardwalk. The Fisherman’s Market International was our second daily stop. Lara and Brett are impeccable hosts. Merci
5.0
Brett and Lara are wonderful hosts. They took great care of us … recommendations for places to see and places to eat were fabulous. Very responsive to questions. The church was beautiful and felt like “home” for our week in Halifax. I highly recommend St. Cecilia and Brett and Lara.
5.0
We loved this space. Two couples filled it perfectly without being in each other's faces all of the time. Lots of room to spread out, but also a great place to come together. At first we were disappointed with the weather forecast, and yet this place was perfect for a rainy weekend.
It was a wonderful place to cook, eat, play games and watch TV together. There were also enough little nooks to go off and do some reading or tackle a hobby.
We loved all of the attention to detail and were all constantly looking around for the next treasure.
Our hosts were fabulous to talk to and give us any needed direction and/or suggestions. Communication was ideal!
All in all, we were enamoured with the place and highly recommend to others.
5.0
What an absolutely perfect place to stay! I was raised a Catholic, so perhaps it was a bit nostalgic for me. The old church they have converted into this absolutely charming and unique place to stay was a delightful place to call home for a few days in mid-May. The restoration was impeccable and stylish, with tons of little touches that made us feel like we were visiting both a church and a museum.
It has everything you need for your stay. The kitchen is spacious and well stocked with utensils and cookware. The master bedroom in the old choir loft provides a comfortable bed, and a half bath, and a nice view out onto the living area. The living space itself has lots of space to spread out and choose a spot to sit down – several chairs and a very comfy couch facing a large screen TV with a nice Bose sound system.
The outdoor deck provides a great view of the bay, although it was a bit too windy for us to enjoy while we were there. The location is perfect for trips into downtown Halifax, or as a base for exploring other parts of Nova Scotia.
The hosts were incredibly friendly and helpful, spending some time with us to orient us to the house and Halifax, as well as to give us some background on the place itself.
This is by far the best short term rental we have ever stayed in, and we will absolutely book it again if we find ourselves in Halifax again!
5.0
Everything was as good or better than advertised. Bret and Lara were terrific hosts. Everything was in perfect condition. This is a very unique property. Don't think about it. Just book it and you won't be disappointed!
5.0
I just wrapped up a trip with my mother and we had the opportunity to stay at St Cecelia's for four nights. This property is a labour of love, well-curated and very clean and comfortable. Hosts are welcoming and responsive, and everything about this place is interesting and so comfortable. I'm already sharing the link with friends, and planning our next trip back!
5.0
Great location, wonderful hosts, very interesting old church remodelled and full of interesting things. Would stay here again in a second.
5.0
This property speaks for itself with its unique beauty but the real gems are the hosts. Welcoming and accommodating yet still respecting our privacy. We look forward to returning.
5.0
My wife, mother in law and I were blown away by the beauty and detail of the church. Artifacts everywhere and beautiful stained glass and murals. Minutes from the airport and central to attractions. Car recommended. Owners were very accommodating since our flight was delayed. When we arrived, even though we didn’t arrive until 1115 PM, we spent over an hour just gawking at the beauty around us. Highly recommend for a get away. Great view of cove also.
5.0
Property , Hosts , location, conveniences , amenities all exceeded my expectations.
Felt at home immediately and felt every corner of this home/converted church added to my overall travel experience. Would Highly recommend this Vrbo to any traveling couple looking for something completely unique .
5.0
The hosts invited us to check in early. Nice start. Brett gave us a quick tour and history of the church. It is breathtaking. The stained glass windows are perfectly beautiful. Michelangelo
had nothing on the art student who painted the ceiling. The church was immaculate, well furnished, and the beds were comfortable. We had to check out early due to hurricane Fiona, and we were given a refund for our last night's stay. This was exceedingly kind. We can't recommend this home more highly.
5.0
What a fabulous stay. The hosts were very gracious and provided a background of the facility and special features. Very spacious main room and kitchen. Beds were very comfortable. We used St. Cecilia as a base from which to explore around the Halifax area. So very quiet at night. We would highly recommend this location for your Halifax stay.
5.0
What a great gem of a place at a wonderful location. I prefer to cook my own supper after a day of sightseeing and the kitchen had everything I could ever need. The location was great for getting into Downtown Halifax as well as for driving over to Lunenburg, Digby and Annapolis Valley. Owners were very gracious and very easy to reach if we needed to. Highly recommend.
5.0
My wife and I enjoyed a three night stay at this incredibly unique, comfortable, renovated Church. We loved Brett’s collection of art and church pieces as well as the story behind his and Lara’s renovation. The outdoor deck space was a bonus. We would stay here again if we find ourselves in Halifax!
5.0
Our time at the "church" was simply wondrous! Even though I have many words to describe our experience there, I already know the words won't do it justice.
1) It had the most comfortable bed I've EVER slept in. That includes the one at my own home. Howwwww could a bed (bedding, pillow, mattress) feel so perfect?
2) Clean, clean, clean, clean, CLEAN! Sparkling, fresh, CLEAN!
3) Fantastically creative and artistic! We stayed for four nights, and on the morning we left, we were STILL finding little items/aspects of the decor that we hadn't noticed yet. The owners have done a remarkable job of finding items which enhance the authentic feel of a church --- and in the most fun way imaginable. So many little touches melted in PERFECTLY, and brought smiles to our faces. It was so much fun to go through and find/examine all of the decor.
4) Here's what I hadn't expected...
We expected it to be fun/novel/interesting. What we HADN'T anticipated is how comfortable and homey and warm it would feel. The wide-open floor plan on the lower story gave us plenty of space to be separate, but still "together." The colors, the warmth of the wood, the coziness of the furniture, the sunlight spilling through the stained-glass windows --- it was a highlight of our entire Nova Scotia trip just to relax in the living area and feel cozy and comfortable. As we were leaving, my sister said, "I could just sit here and do nothing but soak it all in for days on end and be perfectly happy." It was so much fun to just spend time at "home"!
5) There is a wonderful, comfortable seating patio/deck outside, overlooking the cove. We spent time relaxing out there, reading, chatting, relaxing...
Brett and Lara were wonderful -- available as needed, but not intrusive at all. It was so fun to hear them tell about the experience of renovating the church to its current, glorious state. We'll be talking about this place for years to come. It's impossible not to love every minute spent in it. Thank you!!
5.0
Brad and Lara have created quite the unique setting that is a peaceful retreat yet is near Halifax and roadways to other destinations for day trips. The old church is amazing in decor and yet very homey and comfortable. And we were able to enjoy the outside deck with beautiful views at the end of each day. As hosts they were very helpful and accommodating. An experience we won't forget!
5.0
Our short stay at St. Cecelia was truly a wonderful experience. The owners, Brett and Lara, are lovely, lovely people, who went out of their way to make sure our time in Purcell's Cove was memorable. Beautiful, spotless, comfortable, and beyond "heavenly"!
5.0
Brett and Lara are wonderful people. The property is an experience . The history throughout is spectacular, and any questions regarding these pieces were explained by Brett. Very clean, comfortable and an absolute must if you are planning a relaxing vacation in the Halifax area. The information supplied about various attractions, and necessitates were spot on.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Halifax?
The average price for a rental in Halifax is $153 per night. This rental is $97 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Amazing Unique Church for rent - St. Cecilia by the Sea. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Amazing Unique Church for rent - St. Cecilia by the Sea pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Amazing Unique Church for rent - St. Cecilia by the Sea?
We found 9 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and laundry.
Halifax travel inspiration
Read our blogGuides
Ski Trip Packing List: What to Bring Skiing or Snowboarding
Trends
VacationRenter Holiday Travel Trends 2023
Featured Rentals
Architectural Vacation Rentals: Experience the Beauty of Unique Properties
Featured Rentals
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Vacation Rentals Around the World
Featured Rentals
Our Favorite Vacation Rentals With Unique Experiences
Featured Rentals
Amazing Cabin Rentals Across the Globe
Featured Rentals
Have You Ever Wanted to Stay in a Dome Rental? Now You Can
Featured Rentals
Jaw Dropping Treehouse Rentals All Over the World