A stunning penthouse suite is up for sale £950,000 after it was converted from a church into a designer pad.
The apartment sits inside a chapel complete with a bell tower offering panoramic views of a seaside town.
It was home to former All Blacks and Cardiff rugby player Xavier Rush, 43 – whose company X-Stream Developments carried out the renovation.
The penthouse apartment sits above six other flats in the development called Alcedonia in well-heeled Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Xavier said he was moving from the penthouse, called Magnus, due to a growing family.
A stunning penthouse suite is up for sale £950,000 after it was converted from a church into a designer pad
The apartment sits inside a chapel complete with a bell tower offering panoramic views of a seaside town
It was home to former All Blacks and Cardiff rugby player Xavier Rush – whose company X-Stream Developments carried out the renovation
The penthouse apartment sits above six other flats in the development called Alcedonia in well-heeled Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan
Xavier said he was moving from the penthouse, called Magnus, due to a growing family
He said: ‘As much as it’s a wrench to leave the Magnus penthouse at Alcedonia, I needed the space and a garden.
‘This was a very personal development for me. It was somewhere that was both a peaceful retreat – Alcedonia from the Greek for peace, calm and tranquillity – and Magnus from the Latin for powerhouse.
‘I think the new residents are going to love the place as much as I have, and will be very happy to call it home.
‘There is so much potential still to explore, especially with the rooms in the bell tower which could be home office spaces, games rooms or a home gym.
He said: ‘As much as it’s a wrench to leave the Magnus penthouse at Alcedonia, I needed the space and a garden’
The former rugby player added: ‘This was a very personal development for me. It was somewhere that was both a peaceful retreat – Alcedonia from the Greek for peace, calm and tranquillity – and Magnus from the Latin for powerhouse’
The stunning apartment was converted from a church and still features the original stained-glass windows
Exposed beams and vaulted ceilings can be found on the first floor along with impressive stained glass windows in an open-plan living space
Two bedrooms can also be found on the ground floor with an ensuite, shower room and a utility room
‘The possibilities are endless as are the views from the rooms, which are simply amazing. I will miss the place.’
Exposed beams and vaulted ceilings can be found on the first floor along with impressive stained glass windows in an open-plan living space.
The floor also has a sauna and a bedroom that is used as a hobby room.
Buyers snapping up the property will also get the bell tower that has a mini movie room, a gym and an open-air vantage point with sea views.
Two bedrooms can also be found on the ground floor with an ensuite, shower room and a utility room.
Buyers snapping up the property will also get the bell tower that has a mini movie room, a gym and an open-air vantage point with sea views
Estate agent Allen & Harris said: ‘This impressive luxury residence has retained many original features to beautiful stained glass window, vaulted ceilings and arched rooms to name a few’
The listing adds: ‘This unique property also offers a very versatile accommodation to includes the stunning five storey tower with wonderful panoramic views’
The renovation project and development won The Penarth Society Civic Award in 2013
The two-bedroom apartment sits inside a converted chapel and comes with a bell tower with panoramic views
Estate agent Allen & Harris said: ‘This impressive luxury residence has retained many original features to beautiful stained glass window, vaulted ceilings and arched rooms to name a few.
‘This unique property also offers a very versatile accommodation to includes the stunning five storey tower with wonderful panoramic views.’
The renovation project and development won The Penarth Society Civic Award in 2013.
Who is All Blacks rugby player Xavier Rush?
Xavier Rush was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and played for the national team All Blacks for six years from 1998.
Xavier Rush was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and played for the national team All Blacks for six years from 1998
He started his rugby career in his secondary school years where he played in the first team as number 8.
He was just 21 when he made his test debut against the Wallabies in 1998 and would later play for the All Blacks during the 2004 Tri-Nations against England and the Pacific Islanders.
In February 2010 he signed a two-year contract with Ulster Rugby before firing his agent.
He then entered talks with the Cardiff Blues and Ulster about his future.
In May 2010, it was announced that Rush would remain at Cardiff but would have to compensate Ulster to cancel his contract.
Rush retired from playing at the end of the 2011–12 season and took up a coaching role with Cardiff Blues.
He is now married with a family of three children.