Buxton agent Tony Moorfoot with the new owners of the old Catholic church building in Mount Moriac.

---

A young family looking for an interesting home project had its prayers answered after buying an old stone church in Mount Moriac that it hopes to convert into a residence.

Buxton agent Tony Moorfoot said the local buyers paid $900,000 for the old St Patrick’s Catholic Church, at 1191 Princes Highway, after auction on Saturday.

Bidding reached $850,000 for the historic Mount Gambier limestone building with rural views over the Barrabool Hills.

RELATED: Where buyers are lining up for Geelong property

Geelong waterfront jewel on the market for first time

Magnificent Manifold Heights home on market

The church was originally built in 1883.

---

Mr Moorfoot said there were multiple parties interested in the church building, but not all were able to buy under auction conditions.

“The buyers were a local young couple, we’ll have to wait to see what their plans are but it will hopefully have some residential living,” he said.

“They are pumped about the location … they wanted something unique and this big opportunity presented itself.”

The church was built originally in 1883 and rebuilt in 1953 after the community fundraised to resurrect the building when it was damaged in a storm.

More from news

The timber gables are a standout feature.

---

The building is crafted from Mount Gambier sandstone.

---

The old steeple was incorporated into the new building, which features high, ornate timber gables and leadlight and stained glass windows.

Mr Moorfoot said the 9700sq m property, which occupies farm land 10 minutes from Waurn Ponds, had generated a lot of community interest throughout the campaign.

It last sold for $605,000 in 2017 when it was auctioned for the Catholic Church.

The new owners have inherited features including a high, peaked roof, gables, a foyer and a single room where the congregation used to meet.