Before & After: A 1930s Church in Melbourne Gets a Dramatic Conversion

When Jennifer and Grant Peck sought to relocate to the city from a much larger property in the country, their needs were simple: four bedrooms (two for the couple, and two for their kids still at home), a study, great light, and a functional living space—and no renovations. They had already been through heavy remodels in the past, and really wanted something that was "ready to go," says homeowner Jennifer Peck. However, when Grant stumbled upon the church that would become the Hawthorn Residence online, it immediately piqued their interest. After seeing it in person, they fell in love with the bones and character of the historic structure, and unexpectedly, a renovation was soon underway.