We Found a Church for sale and a Craftsman Home for $350,000!

OK, I know this isn’t technically Door County – but it’s just too cool not to share.  The most rewarding part of real estate is matching an extraordinary property with a visionary client. Today, we celebrate the closing of one of the most unique properties to hit the market: the magnificent former Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in the historic Norman countryside. This was not just a house sale; this was the acquisition of a dream, a piece of architectural history, and a compound of limitless potential.

My clients came to me with a goal that was ambitious, to say the least: they needed a substantial, inspirational structure for their next great endeavor, coupled with a comfortable, private home to live in. When the Norman Church Estate appeared, we knew we had found the Holy Grail of adaptive reuse. And here is the truly remarkable part: we successfully secured this entire dual-property package—a 5,000+ square foot church, a 2,280 square foot Craftsman home, and 3 acres of land—for an astonishing price of just $350,000.

This sale is a testament to the fact that exceptional value still exists for those with the foresight to look beyond the ordinary. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the history we’ve preserved and the future we’ve unlocked for the new owners.

The Sanctuary’s Second Coming: A 5,000+ Square Foot Canvas

The central jewel of this three-acre estate is the massive church building itself. For decades, the Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church served as the bedrock of the Norman community. Though the congregation closed its doors in 2010, the spirit of craftsmanship and soaring architecture remains breathtakingly alive.

At over 5,000 square feet, this structure offers a scale rarely available in the residential or commercial markets. Imagine stepping inside and being greeted by the spectacular flood of light filtering through the original, towering stained glass windows. These majestic panels are not just windows; they are functional works of art, casting ever-changing patterns of color across the nave and illuminating the new owner’s vision.

My clients’ excitement centered on the unparalleled potential of this space. Where others might see an imposing structure, they saw an open, voluminous canvas perfect for:

• A Grand Scale Workshop or Studio: The sheer height and footprint allow for projects that require vertical space and room to breathe. The natural light from the high windows is an artist’s dream.

• The Ultimate Private Collection Space: A secure, temperature-controlled environment ideal for exhibiting large artifacts, artwork, or equipment.

• A Future Event Destination: The acoustics and inherent drama of the structure, combined with the convenience of the adjacent one-acre parking lot, make it an ideal candidate for transformation into a singular wedding venue, concert hall, or retreat center.

The building retains all the architectural elements expected from a structure of this vintage—including the high ceilings, incredible solid framework, and even some of the original pews—providing a unique foundation that simply cannot be replicated today. Finding a structure of this magnitude, in such good condition, and for this price, is a feat we were incredibly proud to secure.

The Home and Hearth: A Grounded Retreat

What makes this acquisition truly singular is the dual nature of the property. The monumental church is beautifully balanced by the charming, completely separate, and self-contained 2,280 square foot Craftsman home standing proudly alongside it.

Built in 1923, the residence is the perfect, warm counterpoint to the dramatic scale of the sanctuary. After a day of planning or working on a monumental project, the new owners can retreat to a space that feels instantly comfortable. The interior is characterized by classic Craftsman charm: beautiful open staircases, rich original woodwork, and the quintessential built-in bookcases surrounding a cozy wood-burning fireplace.

The main floor is designed for easy, bright living. The oversized dining room and large, brightly lit kitchen offer sweeping views of the rolling green countryside—a peaceful backdrop for everyday life. With a dedicated first-floor office and a half-bath, it perfectly accommodates modern remote work needs. Upstairs, three spacious bedrooms all feature the sought-after convenience of walk-in closets, providing ample storage rarely found in homes of this age.

The practical amenities continue outside with the expansive 3.05 acres of land. The new owners have not only a church and a home but also a haven for hobbies, including a deep, detached three-car garage with one stall converted into a desirable heated workshop—perfect for year-round projects. The property also boasts peaceful garden areas with raised beds and raspberry bushes, promising bountiful harvests and simple, pastoral pleasure.

Celebrating the Visionary Buyer

To secure a property of this complexity and potential for $350,000 is a remarkable achievement. This sale represents more than a transaction; it represents a commitment to history, architecture, and a huge, creative vision.

We are thrilled to have helped our client take the reins of the former Saint Joseph’s Church, ensuring this magnificent structure embarks on its exciting new life. The Norman Church Estate is officially off the market, and a new chapter in its long history has begun. We cannot wait to see the incredible transformation that lies ahead for this special piece of Wisconsin heritage!