Converting An Abandoned 1800's Chapel | Hidden Gems | Architectural Digest

Today on Architectural Digest, contractor Nick Schiffer from NS Builders returns to break down the renovation potential of an abandoned 1800’s-era chapel and museum in New York. Nick takes us through the gutted interior room by room, offering his renovation advice while pointing out the marvelous architectural details worth restoring.


Special Thanks:
The D&H Canal Historical Society

Director: Skylar Economy
Director of Photography: Ian Dudley
Editor: Lika Kumoi
Talent: Nick Schiffer
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Producer: Felecia Hunter
Associate Producer: Brandon Fuhr
Production Manager: Melissa Heber
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Camera Operator: Chris Swenson
Audio: Michael Urban
Production Assistant: Freddy Weller
Post Production Supervisor: Nick Ascanio, Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Diego Rentsch
Graphics Supervisor: Ryan Powell
Graphics, Animation, VFX: Samuel Fuller
Colorist & Finishing Artist: Oliver Eid


ABOUT ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST
The leading international design authority, Architectural Digest features articles and videos of the best in architecture, style, culture, travel, and shopping.

[RSB]

Love this series. Miss the cost breakdown tho... bring it back so we can feel bad about not being able to afford any of it 💗

[jmbwithcats]

Honestly, many times I don't like contractor's ideas, but here, I think I loved every one of Nick's ideas. Really good stuff.

[sfcmac]

I agree with some of the comments. The chapel should be the living room space and the rest the private part of the house. Bedrooms and master baths are very private, so is would be uncomfortable to show the best part of the house by introducing folks to your bathroom and bedroom. One can do a living room, kitchen, dining room in the old chapel and invite visitors in the most dramatic space in the house.

[sophiaisabelle]

That chapel will surely look more out together once all renovation concludes. Thanks for giving us a tour around the property. Seems like the wooden feel to it gives it more depth and authenticity.

[alecjesse]

Nick's arms are the star of the show

[Skorpia]

This home should be a series. With cost updates along the way.

[jennifermarquez]

I think I would try and keep the main entry way and then create a hallway/foyer that leads you to the chapel where I would create a massive family/dining room kitchen space. I would use the rest of the first floor and second floor for bedrooms and baths etc.

[BellaDiLo]

I'm not Christian, however something seems strange about making an altar into a bathroom. I feel like I'd want the chapel to be all common area; it's really beautiful.

[Nadirqm]

use the old chapel space for kitchen/living/dining! Then use the rest of the first floor and upper floor for bedrooms/den/bathrooms etc. You want everyone to enjoy that double-height chapel.

[LeCrenn]

Love this guy, and would be happy to have him put lots of ideas on the table, but I would definitely want that chapel to be the main living space. Plenty of room to put the master bedroom somewhere else.

[ednatucker]

Very much enjoyed the video! Contractor Nick's vision is so extraordinary! Hope to see the Chapel renovation brought to fruition!

[TTbelis]

Yes, yes this is great. Not only presenter give comprehensive overview of property historical context that speaks to its character of possibilities for future project but also as a craftsman pointing limitations that renovation comprise. Packaged production in this episode of hidden gems is excellent, direction, filmography and visuals are telling architectural adventure that this former chapel could have.

[SpanishEclectic]

I can't get past the thought of a stream (maximum flood stage unknown) running under my house!! I would look into diverting the stream around the house, or moving the house itself, enough that the stream won't go under the foundation. I like that Nick wants to put back/save the stained glass. I'm not really a fan of industrial, open concept style, and with this amount of space, would think including a large office space instead of a huge master suite might be more practical. Regardless, I'm happy to see this attempt to publicize the property to potential buyers, and therefore save it from the wrecking ball.

[burnsjohnson]

Fun series. Looking forward to seeing more.

[berkshirecove]

How can I track the progress of the chapel 💒 home 🏠🏡???

[finbear]

imho, this is much better than some of the other ones Nick did, because he seems to be making more of an attempt to restore old features. Granted, this one was already open so there's no need to gut it or tear down walls 😂 but still, thank you for the nod to preservation.

[poprockstar]

I can't even begin to imagine how haunted the place is !!!

[VeeLondon]

♥️ That’s a beautiful chapel.. Love this series.

[sophiejune]

I have a fantasy of that stream below the home flowing and providing clean energy to the whole house. And the glass floor panels to watch it flow and even seeing fish. But that's a dream.

[ronaldharmon]

Nick you always bring a refreshing view, I love this house. Just before you mentioned the glass in the floor so you could view the stream I was thinking the same thing why waste it.