A woman with a soft spot for 'old tatty buildings' turned an abandoned 1930s abbey into a multimillion-dollar property — check it out

Maria NoyenJul 15, 2023, 19:10 IST

An exterior shot of The Abbey in Hudson, New York.Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

In 2016, Laurel Oztemel bought a condemned church in Hudson, New York, for $775,000.
Abandoned by its previous owners, the 1930s property got a new lease on life, thanks to Oztemel.

Laurel Oztemel was ready for a change of scene when she happened across Hudson, New York, nearly a decade ago.

Warren Street in Hudson, New York.Phil Haber Photography/Getty Images

Oztemel said she was instantly taken with Hudson because it felt "familiar," almost like a "perfect-fitting coat."

Colorful buildings on Warren Street in Hudson, New York.Barry Winiker/Getty Images

A year after relocating to Hudson, Oztemel came across a project she could really sink her teeth into: The Abbey.

An exterior shot of The Abbey in Hudson, New York.Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

Oztemel bought The Abbey for $775,000, even though the property was so dilapidated it was considered condemned.

An undated black-and-white photo of The Abbey.Courtesy of Laurel Oztemel.

Before Oztemel, owners had used the building for a variety of purposes.

An undated black-and-white photo of The Abbey.Courtesy of Laurel Oztemel

Thanks to Oztemel, the church is no longer falling apart. It's now on the market for $2.9 million.

Wooden beams criss cross the high vaulted ceiling.Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

But bringing her vision for the Abbey to life "took years to complete," Oztemel said.

The church now has an open floor plan.Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

The first thing they did, Oztemel recalled, was stripping the 8,300-square-foot property back to "its bones."

The abbey during the construction.Courtesy of Laurel Oztemel

The bathroom, located in what is likely The Abbey's former confessional, is just one example of how Oztemel put a modern twist on the old building.

The bathroom.Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

But for the most part, Oztemel felt strongly about maintaining the property's nearly 100-year history.

Weddings have been hosted in The Abbey.Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

Throughout the renovation, Oztemel's vision for the church and what purpose it would serve also changed.

The acoustics are perfect for music recording.Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

Now, "it kind of lends itself to entertaining," Oztemel said.

The kitchen.Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

Oztemel thinks the building's acoustics mean it could also be a great spot for musicians.

The lighting is beautiful.Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

Getman said Oztemel's sophisticated aesthetic and meticulous approach to the renovation ensured The Church is suitable for modern living.

The style is eclectic, thanks to its current owner.Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

Oztemel said what she'll miss most is the family gatherings she hosted at The Abbey and the memories shared within its hallowed halls.

The outdoor terrace.Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

Although Oztemel knows The Abbey isn't "for everybody," her hope is that a new owner appreciates it like she does.

An exterior shot of The Abbey in Hudson, New York.Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

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A woman with a soft spot for 'old tatty buildings' turned an abandoned 1930s abbey into a multimillion-dollar property &mdash; check it out

Laurel Oztemel was ready for a change of scene when she happened across Hudson, New York, nearly a decade ago.

Oztemel said she was instantly taken with Hudson because it felt "familiar," almost like a "perfect-fitting coat."

A year after relocating to Hudson, Oztemel came across a project she could really sink her teeth into: The Abbey.

Oztemel bought The Abbey for $775,000, even though the property was so dilapidated it was considered condemned.

Before Oztemel, owners had used the building for a variety of purposes.

Thanks to Oztemel, the church is no longer falling apart. It's now on the market for $2.9 million.

But bringing her vision for the Abbey to life "took years to complete," Oztemel said.

The first thing they did, Oztemel recalled, was stripping the 8,300-square-foot property back to "its bones."

The bathroom, located in what is likely The Abbey's former confessional, is just one example of how Oztemel put a modern twist on the old building.

But for the most part, Oztemel felt strongly about maintaining the property's nearly 100-year history.

Throughout the renovation, Oztemel's vision for the church and what purpose it would serve also changed.

Now, "it kind of lends itself to entertaining," Oztemel said.

Oztemel thinks the building's acoustics mean it could also be a great spot for musicians.

Getman said Oztemel's sophisticated aesthetic and meticulous approach to the renovation ensured The Church is suitable for modern living.

Oztemel said what she'll miss most is the family gatherings she hosted at The Abbey and the memories shared within its hallowed halls.

Although Oztemel knows The Abbey isn't "for everybody," her hope is that a new owner appreciates it like she does.

A woman with a soft spot for 'old tatty buildings' turned an abandoned 1930s abbey into a multimillion-dollar property — check it out