Be honest, would you live in a church? It may sound like an odd question, but when it comes to loft conversions in Toronto, there are few as unique and sought-after as the church conversion.
These historic buildings offer an incredibly unique lifestyle, gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and more. You would be hard-pressed to find these features in a typical residence, let alone a loft.
So are you praying for a new place to live? A Toronto church loft conversion might be right for you. Here are our top 7 church lofts in Toronto.
Before we bow our heads and share our top lofts. Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel yet? We’re releasing new videos all the time on everything you need to know about Toronto real estate. Subscribe here.
Macpherson Lofts
12 Macpherson Ave.
This former Methodist church was converted into 5 luxury lofts in the early 1990s. Located in Midtown, this beautiful building maintains its original heritage with cathedral ceilings, wooden trusses, arches galore, and gothic-style windows.
The units also feature private terraces at the back, which are a rarity for loft conversions. We showed one of these lofts recently, and it was practically a spiritual experience. We were so blown away by the layout, features, and space. Macpherson Lofts are more like townhomes rather than typical condos.
One of the most unique features of these lofts: not all of them are residential. Some are currently used for businesses, which makes them ideal for use as a live-work loft. Additionally, this part of Macpherson is very quiet and private–making it a pretty unique conversion in Midtown!
Looking for more amazing Toronto loft conversions? Check out our post about our favourite top-secret lofts in The Annex. Read more.
Abbey Lofts
384 Sunnyside Ave.
When you first look at this 19th-century church building, you’ll probably expect an extravagant wedding party to burst through the front doors tossing handfuls of rice in the air, but this exposed limestone church building is actually one of the most sought-after loft conversions in the city.
If you’re really trying to capture the “churchy vibes” (copyright pending), you will love this building. Abbey Lofts features 24 Toronto loft conversions all with varying layouts and exposures. The ground floor units also have private terraces, and in some cases, sunken living rooms. Believe us when we say that conversation pits are making a comeback!
Despite the gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and unique layouts, Abbey Lofts still feels modern and cozy with hardwood floors, wood vaulted ceilings, and spectacular archways. There’s a reason why these lofts are frequently featured in magazines.
In addition to all this, the community of Abbey Lofts is also simply divine. Located moments away from Hyde Park, it’s not uncommon to see residents outside gardening, decorating for the holidays, and generally keeping the area looking great.
Did you know that Toronto has some more affordable loft options? If you’re on the hunt for a loft on a budget, read our top 5 affordable lofts in Toronto post right here.
Church Lofts
701 Dovercourt Rd.
This Toronto church loft conversion is getting 0 points for creativity in the name, but at least it’s obvious what you are getting. Church Lofts is a gothic-style loft conversion with 28 units of varying sizes. Including small, one-level units as well as larger, multi-level lofts, there’s one thing they all have in common: each suite is incredibly unique!
Featuring stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and private terraces, this building is one of the most distinctive church loft conversions in Toronto, even if the name itself doesn’t sound too inspiring.
Best of all, Church Lofts are located at the corner of Bloor and Dovercourt, giving you access to the best restos, amazing transit options, cool shops, and a generally hip neighbourhood.
Glebe Lofts
660 Pape Ave.
The only east-end loft on our list, Glebe Lofts is located in the yummiest of all neighbourhoods–Greektown! This former Presbyterian church was converted into 32 hard lofts in 2005. With 14-foot ceilings complete with skylights, these suites have a heavenly aesthetic with plenty of natural light and southern exposure.
Each unit has a distinct layout and some feature street access, making them extremely pet friendly. The north portion of this loft conversion is still used as a place of worship, so if you feel like getting your prayer on, you can easily pop into a service.
This building is super interesting, in a fantastic neighbourhood with incredible neighbours. What more can you ask for?
Lofts in Toronto are an iconic part of our cityscape, but is there one that stands out among the rest? Read our post on one of Toronto’s most iconic loft conversions, Tip Top Lofts, right here.
Arch Lofts
Perth Ave.
As the newest church conversion in Toronto, Arch Lofts is a highly sought-after building in an amazing neighbourhood. Located in the heart of Wallace Emmerson, this building was converted in 2017 to 39 unique condo units. And let me tell you, our phones were ringing off the hook when this conversion became available.
The units in this building range from 500 square feet to 800+ square feet. But what’s really unique is the modern condo amenities you get with it. This is rare for a loft conversion.
When you walk down the street, the Arch Lofts building looks like a common, small church. But head around back and prepare to be blown away. The building is incredibly unique and the suites are stunning!
Victoria Lofts
152 Annette St.
This former Victorian-era church in The Junction features a beautiful red brick facade and an eye-catching oxidized copper roof. It has been converted into 32 hard lofts and does an excellent job of combining modern amenities and living with the allure of a loft conversion.
Inside, you’ll find brick archways, wood trusses, and extraordinary architecture that you just won’t see in a regular condo space. Victoria Loft ceilings are 17 feet, which is massive. When you hear agents say the phrase “cathedral ceilings” this is literally what they mean.
With high ceilings like this, the suites feel open and breezy, with ample space for art collectors! However, the suites also come equipped with fireplaces, which helps create a cozy ambiance. Another unique feature of Victoria Lofts is the parking spaces included. Most loft conversions were not built with residential living in mind, and therefore, do not come with parking. Making this a rare find when we’re talking about lofts!
Is loft living right for you? Read these posts to learn more about the loft lifestyle in Toronto:
- 5 Toronto Loft Turnoffs You May Not Have Considered
- Toronto Loft Lingo and Who Actually Buys Them? Spilling the Tea!
West 40 Lofts
40 Westmoreland Ave.
We’ve saved the best for last in this list. West 40 Lofts is probably our favourite of the whole bunch. On the surface, this one-of-a-kind loft conversion looks like a true gothic church. But when you look a bit closer, you will find that it’s a residence overflowing with unique details. Cathedral ceilings, stone columns, and stained glass windows are just a few of the design elements you will notice.
This building also offers larger suites, which are semi-rare to see. West 40 Lofts has units ranging in the 1000-2000 square foot size with 3 bedroom + den options that would be perfect for city-dwelling families.
This is a truly stunning church conversion with modern convenience, in the fantastic neighbourhood of Wallace Emmerson.
Do Toronto Church Loft Conversions Hold Their Value?
Right now, we’re seeing a trend of city dwellers looking for larger apartments that are unique. These properties are highly sought-after and desirable, and therefore, hold their value well.
Toronto church lofts specifically keep their value because they are just so different. There are always buyers looking for something specific, and for many, a church loft conversion is exactly what they have been praying for!
We’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to church loft conversions in Toronto, but they all have one thing in common. They are all unique and offer one-of-a-kind living experiences.
If you’re in the market for a new home and want something celestial and out of the ordinary, consider the #blessed lifestyle of a Toronto church conversion! Call or text me at 647-973-8392 to start the convo!
