BATH – Built in 1864, for about a century this Greek Revival was the home of the (Winnegance) Free Will Baptist Church. Then it fell vacant and derelict for a number of years, and although listed for sale at less than $10,000 at one point, found no takers. It probably didn’t help that you couldn’t get to it unless you pole-vaulted across the wide roadside ditch that functioned like a moat.

But about the turn of the century, a new owner took possession, and she had a vision for the former church. Over the past 15 years it has been transformed into a three-level, four-bedroom, 3.5-bath home of 4,684 square feet, one remodeled so respectfully and artfully that it has been featured on Sagadahoc Preservation house and garden tours.

The original interior, which had been a shell with attic space, has been altered. The soaring sanctuary that once held three rows of pews is now open near the entrance, but divided with living room and kitchen at the back. But much original character abides, beginning with the new choir loft above you as you step in. And the owner has repurposed many vintage ecclesiastical features – stained glass, lovely light fixtures, lancet windows, Gothic doors – from various other churches, and given them a new home here.

Modern touches sure to please include the buttery-bright walls, the seagrass ceiling in the master bedroom, the cook’s kitchen, the side patio with pergola, and lavender spilling over along one border. And, the first-level enclosed deck and the third-floor covered porch, both with splendid views out over Winnegance Creek and the broad Kennebec River to the Woolwich shore.

The home has enough water frontage for putting in a kayak or canoe, but do remember to check the tide charts. Another bonus is, the property is only 18-20 minutes from the sands of Popham Beach.

Winnegance Ledge, as the home at 51 High St., Bath is known, is listed for sale at $525,000 by Holly Mitchell of Keller Williams Realty in Portland, and is being shown by appointment.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact Holly at 553-2455, 650-6176, or at hmitchell@kw.com.

Photos courtesy of  Lynn Dube, Wave5 Productions Real Estate Virtual Tours.

Please send home design feature suggestions to jrolfe@pressherald.com.