Lydia Kellner

Updated 15 Dec 2023, 11:05am

First published 15 Dec 2023, 6:00am

News Corp Australia Network

It’s a renovation dream with real income potential, but this 163-year-old Hay Valley church comes with a spooky twist.

While most Hills homes offer sweeping views across lush rolling hills, the backyard at 778 Nairne Rd is a little unconventional to say the least, with over 100 bodies buried in an active cemetery that forms part of the 2012sq m property.

The site, which also features a 1860-built chapel-turned-Airbnb, passionately restored by owner and Hills identity Mikyla Gilbert over the past 25 years, has now officially been listed for sale with a price guide of $849,000.

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

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

“We put a lot of work and money into this place. When we first bought it, the cemetery was completely overgrown …(now) we still have people visiting graves.

“It’s a little unusual for a backyard but it’s such a calming place to sit … but we’ve also had many fun Halloween parties here.”

The Hay Valley property is at 778 Nairne Rd. Pic: realestate.com.au

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It has a cemetery in the backyard. Pic: realestate.com.au

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It’s been renovated inside. Pic: realestate.com.au

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It certainly doesn’t look much like a church anymore, but there are reminders of its past throughout. Pic: realestate.com.au

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Ms Gilbert, a Hills businesswoman and media identity known for her colourful hair and glasses, said she first stumbled across the church as a young 21-year-old on the hunt for phone reception.

She recalls the site being heavily overgrown with weeds and a wall missing in the decayed old building.

Despite this, Ms Gilbert and her then partner were quick to realise the site’s potential, spending years of blood, sweat and tears transforming the property as it stands today.

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This includes adding a sizeable extension at the rear of the chapel to accommodate a kitchen, dining area, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a laundry.

The original part of the church now features a light-filled living space with a combustion heater, while outside a private courtyard with room for a spa awaits.

The residence also boasts under floor heating throughout the contemporary extension, reverse cycle airconditioning, handcrafted mesh joinery in the kitchen, a new bitumen driveway, a solar system and a dog run.

It’s an Airbnb now. Pic: realestate.com.au

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The kitchen is large and spacious. Pic: realestate.com.au

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The property has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Pic: realestate.com.au

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What a spot to entertain. Pic: realestate.com.au

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Ms Gilbert said with her daughter having officially flown the nest, it was time to start a new adventure.

She said she was open to the idea of selling the property on a walk-in-walk-out basis.

“Having already turned it into an Airbnb part time, it gives people an idea of what they could do with this place as an investment, especially if they travel or want to go on holiday for a little while,” she said.

“But it’s also been a great family home. My daughter always thought we had the best backyard in the world … and only recently we had another wedding here.

“On top of that, you can walk to Lot.100 and Green Valley Strawberry Farm and all the best wineries are just a short drive away.”