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Amazing Unique Church for rent - St. Cecilia by the Sea

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Welcome to St. Cecilia by the Sea
St. Cecilia by the Sea
Welcome!
Front hall
Interior detail

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 1% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Loft Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Main Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master 1/2 bath

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Amazing Unique Church for rent - St. Cecilia by the Sea

Here's a chance to rent an amazing fully furnished house that was once a Catholic church. Lovingly restored complete with spectacular stained glass, murals and breathtaking oak woodwork as well as lots of little treasures we're sure you'll enjoy.

St. Cecilia has two cozy bedrooms each with a queen-sized bed and superior linens. The master, once the choir loft, has a lovely two piece ensuite and is accessed through a staircase off the front hall. The second bedroom is an open loft style that is accessed by an enchanting spiral staircase in the great room.

You'll find everything you need in the well stocked kitchen: dishes, wine glasses, pots and pans, lobster pot, and coffee maker. The main bathroom with a combined shower/tub and stackable washer & dryer is on the ground floor and there is a 1/2 bath ensuite off the master. We provide towels and basic bathroom necessities and we clean to the highest standards.

There is high speed internet and the great room has a large wide screen TV with many popular streaming services (CBC Gem, Crave, Netflix, Disney+, AppleTV, Prime).

Located in beautiful Purcells Cove, only 15 minutes from downtown Halifax, 30 minutes from the Halifax International Airport and less than five minutes from the grocery store, pharmacy, liquor store and other essential amenities. We will share a list of our favorite restaurants and things to do before you arrive.

There is a public tennis court across the street, and access to several beautiful walking trails including the Shaw Wilderness Park. Minutes away from York Redoubt, a National Historic Site with breathtaking panoramic views of Halifax Harbour and lovely, easy walking trails. Crystal Crescent Beach, one of Nova Scotia's most popular beaches is a 20 minute drive. If you are without a car, there is a Halifax transit bus stop right at the foot of St. Cecilia Lane with easy connecting routes to all of Halifax's destinations.

If you want to stick close to home, you couldn't do better than relaxing on the deck overlooking Purcells Cove with your morning coffee or evening wine and watching the boats come and go. The deck's southern exposure allows you to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset over this beautiful little cove.

St. Cecilia by the Sea ...... The right amount of bliss!

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About the area

Halifax

Located in Halifax, this holiday home is by the ocean. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Long Lake Provincial Park and McCormacks Beach Provincial Park, while Museum of Natural History and Rebecca Cohn Auditorium are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Scotiabank Centre or Dartmouth Sportsplex. Kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
Map
Purcells Cove, NS

What's nearby

  • York Redoubt National Historic Site - 3 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Sir Sandford Fleming Park - 3 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Long Lake Provincial Park - 6 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Chocolate Lake Beach - 7 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Halifax Shopping Centre - 11 min drive - 8.6 km

Getting around

  • Halifax Station - 18 min drive
  • Halifax, NS (YHZ-Stanfield Intl.) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Uncommon Grounds - ‬12 min drive

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 152 out of 153 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 153 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 153 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 153 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 153 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessie and Peter L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was perfect about this stay. The church was lovingly restored and uniquely decorated, providing endless fascination to discover. The space was great to hang out in, but the surroundings are gorgeous as well.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I could not recommend this location enough. Hosts were gracious, location is peaceful but close to downtown Halifax, St. Cecilia itself was gorgeous and cozy for the rainy days we were there. I'd be happy to stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

cathy z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So different so beautiful. Well located. Do nit hesitate to book here.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martha C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
St. Cecilia property was amazing! It was spacious, clean, comfortable and beautifully appointed!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Sept 2025
Thanks Martha, We’re glad you have a nice stay. We hope we might see you again. Regards, Brett & Lara
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This unique and beautiful place deserves all the 5-star plaudits it receives from the lucky guests that have stayed here. I can only echo all those reviews. The tasteful curation of each element in the renovation. The East coast warmth of Lara in meeting me to detail the history. The peaceful and scenic location yet only 10-15min from downtown. The cleanliness and comfort throughout. It was a perfect send off for my last Christmas in Halifax!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allyson B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location is gorgeous and the atmosphere unique! Kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms are super comfortable, well equipped and made us feel right at home.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Aug 2025
Thanks for the kind words Allyson. We're glad you enjoyed your stay. Please come back anytime. Best, Lara & Brett
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best VRBO ever! This was the most unique place we’ve ever stayed and it was also incredibly clean and comfortable! Lara was so sweet and very accommodating! We LOVED our stay here ands wish we’d planned to spend more time. We drove the south shore and out to Digby as well! Highly recommend!!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to bask in all the glorious touches charm and embrace this place and the folks who built and run it- seriously stay here if you can!!!
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Sept 2025
Thanks Eric & Hannah, We are so glad you all had a nice week. Please come again. Best, Lara & Brett
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claire M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property

What a treasure we loved our stay in St Cecilia. Brett and Lara were great hosts and the property was clean comfortable and well equipped
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Aug 2025
Thanks Claire. We're glad you enjoyed your stay. Please come back anytime. Best, Lara & Brett
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Terri C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place. Loved it so much. Beautiful. Nice sitting area overlooking a small marina.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Sept 2025
Thanks for the kind words Terri. We're glad you enjoyed your stay. Best, Lara & Brett
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Terry L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quite unique, wonderful hosts whose communication was perfect. Well stocked place, clean and comfy with a great view.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Aug 2025
We're glad you enjoyed your stay Terry. Please come back anytime. Best, Lara & Brett
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

Great Stay
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Oct 2024
Hi Ryan, Thanks for making the trip all this way and finding St. Cecilia. Best, Lara & Brett
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catherine F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lara and Brett have created a very special sanctuary. The little church has everything you need and loads of stories. We’ll be talking about our stay for years to come.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Sept 2025
We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay Catherine. Please come back anytime. Best, Lara & Brett
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jean W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay in a Church

Unique place (chapel) with beautiful views and great location. Hosts were very accommodating and gracious.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Aug 2025
Thanks for finding us Jean. We hope you'll come back again. Regards, Brett & Lara
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joanna N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A MAGICAL PLACE

Brett and Lara, Thank you for creating this wonderful sanctuary and sharing it with strangers and making us feel like friends.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Aug 2025
Thanks Joanna. Very kind. We love it when folks get to enjoy the church. Please come back again. Best, Lara & Brett
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carol D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property is beyond superlatives! Even the photos don’t do it justice. Brett & Lara have taken extreme measures to make sure every eventuality/need is met and surpassed! Their recommendations for cafes, restaurants, and activities were spot-on! The care they have taken in making their guests comfortable is amazing! We want to come back and stay longer!
Several beautiful stained glass windows
Ceiling painted a la the Sistine Chapel
Spacious double-sink bathroom
An outdoor deck, perfect for morning coffee, overlooking the water including a lobster shack & boat
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2025
Hi Carol, We're so glad you got to enjoy St. Cecilia after so much effort! We hope you'll come back again. Best, Brett & Lara
Verified

10/10 Excellent

rosemarie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
St Cecelia was an absolute pleasure to stay at. The house was completely stocked with all essentials a person would need to live comfortably for a week. Lara and Brett were wonderful. They helped with any information and were very accommodating to your needs. I would definitely recommend this interesting home/church for anyone to stay at.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Sept 2025
It was so nice to meet you both. Please come back again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wow! You can’t miss this one! I have been to 17 states staying at VRBOs and this is my favorite by far! The church was just gorgeous and Brett came over and explained the history and reconstruction of the church and that was fascinating! The kitchen was stocked with everything we needed. The beds were so comfortable and our stay was just lovely. Best location to explore Nova Scotia! We even had our own harbor and cool seating to view it. These were also the best hosts I have ever had. Don’t miss the unique experience of staying at this church with the beautiful furnishings and stained glass!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best ever!!!

St Cecilia was magical!! The location was wonderful. We so enjoyed meeting Brett and Lara. It would be our first choice in the future!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 June 2025
Thanks Linda, We hope you come back again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jim R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

East coast beauty

The church was amazing. Such a unique experience. Everything you need is supplied, I would recommend to anyone. Brett is a very knowledgeable and cool guy. We will definitely stay there again
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 June 2025
Thanks Jim, We're glad you enjoyed your stay. It was a pleasure sharing stories.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mindi S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Vacation Rental!

Brett and Lara's place is incredible! They've spared no expense making sure the place is A+++.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 June 2025
Thanks Mindi. Glad you enjoyed it.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The view down the short hill of the property is amazing. The house was really clean except for a few crumbs in the refrigerator and drawers. It’s in a nice area. We saw people walking every day. One of the best parts was the amazing communication from the owners. They never made us feel silly for asking questions. (Like when we couldn’t turn the volume up on the tv) The history of the church and the area is pretty neat.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dave L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very unique place in a quiet cove by the sea

This place is a real treasure, we stayed 3 nights and was convenient for touring Halifax. The owners are great people and made sure our stay was enjoyable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 June 2023
Thanks Dave, glad you enjoyed your visit. Come back again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melanie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place

We had such an amazing stay. This place has some great history. Brett and Lara are awesome hosts. You definitely won’t go wrong by choosing to stay here.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 June 2025
Thanks Melanie, We're glad you enjoyed it.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best VRBO we have stayed at.

Great location, wonderful hosts, very interesting old church remodelled and full of interesting things. Would stay here again in a second.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Dec 2022
Thank you for the kind words Thomas. Please come back anytime! Lara & Brett
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