Abode
Standing proudly along Waratah's historic main street, St James Church is one of the town's most recognisable and storied buildings. Built in 1880, this graceful Gothic church has long been part of the landscape, its tall windows, steep roofline and warm timber façade offering a striking glimpse into another era.
Deconsecrated in 2013 and heritage listed, the building retains the quiet beauty and atmosphere of its past. Inside, coloured light filters through stained glass windows and falls across warm Baltic pine walls and soaring timber ceilings. The original proportions of the church remain intact, creating an expansive open interior that feels both peaceful and inspiring.
The generous grounds further enhance the sense of space and privacy. Framed by a magnificent blackwood hedge believed to be more than one hundred years old, the property feels almost like its own small park within the township. A traditional white picket fence, thoughtfully installed in recent years, echoes the historic boundary that once framed the church.
In 2022 the property was purchased by host and entrepreneur Sarah Andrews, widely known for the celebrated retreat Captain's Rest and the international hosting program The Hosting Masterclass. After searching extensively for the right building, she recognised something special here. Many churches are either too small to be practical or far too large to be comfortable, yet St James offered a rare balance. With its strong stone foundations, elegant Gothic character and manageable scale, it presented an ideal canvas for a thoughtful new chapter.
Significant preparation for that future has already been completed. Detailed building and wastewater plans have been prepared and approved by council, and heritage approval has also been granted for the proposed works. During the current ownership the subfloor has been renewed where required, sections of flooring carefully repaired, and the original boards polished to reveal their natural warmth.
The building has already demonstrated its natural ability to bring people together. Since being deconsecrated it has hosted weddings, exhibitions and community events, and it can currently operate as a venue for gatherings of up to fifty guests without further permits. With ample street parking nearby and public amenities located directly across the road, the foundations for events are already in place.
Like many historic buildings, St James also carries a story that locals still enjoy telling. At the very first wedding held here, legend says the groom failed to arrive. From among the guests, a gentleman stood and declared that he had always loved the bride and would gladly marry her instead. The two were wed that day and remained together for the rest of their lives. It is the kind of story that feels perfectly suited to a place like this.
Today, St James Church stands ready for its next chapter. With its history, its remarkable character and the thoughtful groundwork already completed, it presents a rare opportunity to create something truly distinctive. Whether imagined as a private residence, boutique accommodation, a memorable event space, or a considered combination of these possibilities, the stage is beautifully set for a new story to begin.
Area
There is a quiet sense of history in the small township of Waratah. Mist often lingers on the surrounding hills in the early morning, visitors pause beside the lake to photograph the famous falls, and the road that winds west leads travellers toward the wild edge of Tasmania.
From St James Church it is just a five minute walk to Waratah Falls, where water spills dramatically through the centre of the village. Few towns in Australia can claim such a striking natural feature at their heart, and it remains one of the region's most photographed landmarks.
Waratah also sits at the threshold of some of Tasmania's most remarkable wilderness. The ancient forests of the Tarkine stretch beyond the town, offering vast landscapes of rivers, rainforest and rugged coastline waiting to be explored.
Only forty five minutes away lies Cradle Mountain, widely regarded as Tasmania's most visited natural destination. Each year travellers from across Australia and around the world come to experience its alpine scenery, iconic walking tracks and remarkable wildlife.
Despite its proximity to such celebrated destinations, Waratah retains a gentle and unhurried pace of life. It is a place where travellers stop, linger and reconnect with nature, drawn by the dramatic landscapes of Tasmania's northwest and the quiet charm of the township itself.
For those with vision, St James Church offers a rare opportunity to be part of this remarkable region, welcoming visitors and creating something truly memorable at the gateway to Tasmania's wild west.
