Lydia Kellner

Updated 10 Jan 2024, 11:23am

First published 10 Jan 2024, 6:00am

News Corp Australia Network

The Hay Valley property at 778 Nairne Rd wasn’t on the market long before it got snapped up. Picture: realestate.com.au

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Valentine’s Day can’t come fast enough for Adam and his fiance Nanette, who, after years of searching, have finally found their ideal forever home and the perfect place to say `I do’.

The Semaphore-based couple are ready to start their tree-change in the Adelaide Hills after placing the winning bid for a 163-year-old chapel in Hay Valley, complete with its own active cemetery.

The 2012sq m property at 778 Nairne Rd sold for $915,000 in December last year – $66,000 above its price guide and after less than a week on market.

It’s a quirky property because it has an active cemetery. Picture: realestate.com.au

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The new owners plan to get married at the property on Valentine’s Day. Picture: realestate.com.au

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The property was one of few churches left on the market in Adelaide. Picture: realestate.com.au

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The property counts as one of the most recent church sales in the state, with SA quickly running out of heavenly homes, according to data from realestate.com.au.

“We’ve always wanted a church because they are just beautiful,” Adam said.

“It’s always been a bit of a dream of ours and I think we’re both treasure collectors.

“What we liked about this one was the location.

“It’s in a quiet setting with beautiful surrounds and a good distance from the city.

“The place just jumped out at us and we immediately knew that’s the one we wanted.”

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Adam said he received a call on his birthday that he and Nanette had secured the home.

“It was pretty exciting – we told them (agents) to make it the best birthday and they did,” he said.

“We’re now looking at getting married there on Valentine’s Day, only 12 days after settlement.

“It’ll be just us and family but we’re looking forward to celebrating in our own home.”

Built in 1860, the property also comes with an active cemetery with some of its 100 plus burials dating back to the late 1800s.

The church was built in 1860. Picture: realestate.com.au

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It has recently been renovated and was turned into an Airbnb. Picture: realestate.com.au

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It’s certainly stood the test of time. Picture: realestate.com.au

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To this day, graves are visited by local relative’s of the deceased, a tradition Adam and Nanette don’t plan to put an end to.

“It’s fine if people still want to come and visit,” Adam said.

“For us, personally, having a graveyard is definitely quirky and there’s such a positive energy there.”

Vendor and Hills identity Mikyla Gilbert, who spent 25 years renovating the church as it stands today, said saying goodbye to her family home was with a heavy heart.

“I’ve been married in this house, went into labour here with my daughter and had so many fun gatherings here over the years,” she said.

“I was happy to be buried here … but after finishing renovations (last) January and turning it into an Airbnb, I am ready for someone else to take over.”