‘Breathtaking’: Historic Junee church listed after decades-long transformation

ONE of Junee’s most remarkable and recognisable historic buildings has been listed for sale, offering buyers a rare opportunity to own a piece of the town’s rich heritage.

The former Presbyterian Church on Gallipoli Avenue, transformed over decades into an extraordinary family residence, has officially hit the market through Ray White Junee and is already generating significant local interest.

Known as “Hankirk”, the property traces its origins back to 1888 when it was constructed to serve Junee’s Presbyterian congregation. The church remained in use until the early 1930s, when a new Presbyterian church was established on the opposite side of the railway line.

Image: Ray White Junee

The building was subsequently acquired by the Catholic Church and went on to serve the community in a variety of roles over the following decades, including as a hall, classroom, preschool and later the Junee Tennis Association clubhouse.

By the mid-1980s, however, the once-proud building had fallen into disrepair.

That changed in 1984 when local couple Greg and Mandy Hanson purchased the former church and adjoining tennis courts, embarking on what would become a decades-long labour of love.

Today, the result is one of the most unique residential properties in the Riverina, a sprawling five-bedroom home that seamlessly blends historic architecture, locally sourced heritage materials and modern comforts.

Image: Ray White Junee

“If you’re looking for a home with character, it’s hard to miss this extraordinary residence – a place with history and craftsmanship coming together to create something unforgettable,” the property’s listing states.

“Rarely does a property of this calibre arrive on the market, let alone one with such a remarkable story to tell.”

From the street, the former church retains much of its historic character.

Inside, however, visitors are greeted by soaring ceilings, restored stained-glass windows, Gothic arches and an array of carefully repurposed materials sourced from across the region.

Image: Ray White Junee

Image: Ray White Junee

Among the home’s many unique features are French doors salvaged from the former Junee Railway Station, leadlight windows from the old Junee Catholic Church and structural elements sourced from historic Riverina buildings.

The property spans three expansive levels, featuring multiple living spaces, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, an underground wine cellar, extensive entertaining areas and a spectacular cathedral-inspired lounge complete with a built-in cedar bar.

The renovated kitchen combines heritage charm with modern functionality, while upstairs accommodation includes a spacious master suite with a Juliet balcony and spa bathroom.

Image: Ray White Junee

Image: Ray White Junee

Outside, the grounds have been transformed into a private resort-style retreat, featuring a mineralised in-ground swimming pool, extensive entertaining areas, a historic pizza oven and landscaped gardens.

The property’s impressive collection of outbuildings is also steeped in history. The main garage and workshop was formerly the Presbyterian Church at Illabo and has been relocated to the site, where it now provides storage, workspace and vehicle accommodation.

Set on a 1,176-square-metre block in a central Junee location, the property offers extensive garaging and carport space while remaining just minutes from the town’s main street and services.

Image: Ray White Junee

Image: Ray White Junee

For many Junee residents, the sale marks another significant chapter in the story of one of the town’s most recognisable heritage buildings.

Described in the listing as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to secure a living piece of local history, the property is a carefully preserved part of Junee’s past.

Ray White Junee agent Jason Barrett said decades of restoration and craftsmanship had transformed the former church into a remarkable residence unlike anything else on the market.

Image: Ray White Junee

Image: Ray White Junee

The listing continues a run of high-profile heritage property sales for the local Ray White office, which attracted widespread attention last year after marketing Junee’s iconic Monte Cristo Homestead for sale with a $1.9 million asking price.

For further information on 1 Gallipoli Avenue or to arrange an inspection, contact Mr Barrett on 0412 898 437.

To view the full listing online, click here.