St Bartholomews, a unique 19th-century chapel turned extraordinary home, is now on the market for €550k. This stunning conversion was the brainchild of the late Canon Albert Thomas ‘Kerry’ Waterstone, renowned for his remarkable peace project.
Canon Waterstone, who served as the Church of Ireland rector in Tullamore from 1964 to 1990, purchased the abandoned and deconsecrated chapel from the church authorities with the intention of transforming it into a residence for his retirement. Located in Lynally, just outside Tullamore in Co Offaly, St Bartholomews represents one of the great achievements in Waterstone’s multifaceted life.
Although Canon Waterstone was known for many accomplishments, he is best remembered as the founder of the Ulster Project. Commenced in 1975, this initiative facilitated life-changing experiences for tens of thousands of young people from both sides of the sectarian divide in Northern Ireland. It allowed them to travel to the US and spend time together in a neutral and non-threatening environment. This project, which is still ongoing after 50 years, has had a profound impact on the lives of those who have participated, including prominent figures like Gavin Robinson, DUP MP for East Belfast.
Born in Tralee in 1923, Canon Waterstone earned a reputation as an exceptional individual both academically, studying arts and divinity at Trinity College, and athletically, securing the prestigious ‘Trinity Pink Scarf’ in boxing. However, it was his commitment to peace and ecumenism that truly defined him.
One pivotal moment in his life occurred in 1974 when he participated in a ‘pulpit swap’ with Rev Stephen Jacobsen at St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Manchester, Connecticut. Inspired by Rev Jacobsen’s involvement in the civil rights movement in the US, Canon Waterstone, supported by his wife Edie, decided to organize joint holidays for young people from both sides of the religious and political divide. This hugely ambitious project was primarily run from their kitchen table and has allowed over 15,000 young people to partake in life-changing experiences over the past five decades.
In Tullamore, Canon Waterstone was a well-respected community leader. When the Catholic Church of the Assumption was destroyed by fire in 1980, he generously offered St Catherine’s Church of Ireland to the Catholic community for Sunday Mass. Additionally, he donated the baptismal font from the deconsecrated St Bartholomews to the newly rebuilt Church of the Assumption.
Retiring from active ministry in 1990, Canon Waterstone and Edie dedicated their efforts to sensitively renovate St Bartholomews, a building that had slowly fallen into disrepair. Working within the constraints imposed by its historical and religious significance, they successfully transformed it into a comfortable and modern home. For over 30 years, they lived happily in this remarkable dwelling.
Situated on the outskirts of Tullamore, bordering the Charleville Castle and Estate, St Bartholomews now stands as a one-of-a-kind, three-bedroom house. Constructed in the 1840s, this former Church of Ireland estate chapel still retains many of its original architectural features and exudes a reverential atmosphere throughout.
The entrance to St Bartholomews features a stone-arched doorway adorned with decorative stonework, leading to a porch with exposed stone walls and two sets of wooden arched doors. The stained-glass windows bathe the space in soft light, complementing the original tiled floor. Moving further inside, a carpeted hallway connects to the main reception rooms while a winding wooden staircase leads to the upper floor. The hallway is warmed by a solid fuel stove that also provides heat to the upstairs area.
To the right of the hallway is the drawing room, a bright and airy space with a Victorian marble fireplace. The room showcases parts of the timber beams and enjoys an abundance of evening light from its west-facing arched windows. Continuing from the drawing room, an open-plan kitchen with fitted units leads to the charming breakfast room. This delightful space boasts exposed timber beams and arched windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Adjacent to the breakfast room is the dining room, located in the rounded and domed section of the chapel. This magnificent room features a domed ceiling with five intricately decorated panels, each containing a centrepiece adorned with gold leaf in the form of the Star of David and the Greek letters Alpha and Omega. This area once served as the chapel’s sanctuary, where Communion services were held.
A rear hallway from the dining room leads to a conservatory, the only addition made to the original building. Accessed via a former external doorway with double stone arches, the conservatory seamlessly integrates with the rest of the structure, thanks to its curved shape, terracotta tiles, and domed ceiling. Adjacent to the conservatory, there is a bathroom equipped with a WC and a hot water boiler.
The three bedrooms are located on the first floor, nestled among the original woodwork in the chapel’s rafters. The master bedroom boasts a vaulted wooden ceiling with wooden arches, Velux roof lights facing south, and west-facing arched windows. The other two bedrooms have similar features, including wooden arches, ceilings, and Velux windows facing south. These bedrooms also have access to a Jack and Jill ensuite bathroom. A spiral staircase leads to a landing adjacent to one of these bedrooms.
The grounds surrounding St Bartholomews are equally captivating, with lush gardens adorned with shrubs, a stone patio, and a greenhouse. Additionally, the property includes a block-built double garage and an additional garage located near the greenhouse and front door.
Canon Waterstone and Edie resided in St Bartholomews until their passing. Canon Waterstone died in 2020 at the age of 97, followed by Edie two years later at the age of 99. Their legacy lives on through the remarkable works of the Ulster Project.
Offered for sale by Sherry FitzGerald Lewis Hamill, St Bartholomews presents a rare opportunity to own a truly extraordinary property with a price guide of €550,000.
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