Santa Monica landmark church reborn as artist’s loft-like home

This Santa Monica house for sale at $2.995 million was a church in an earlier incarnation.

The more than century-old structure was home to the Methodist Episcopal Church, renamed First United Methodist Church, and later served as the Patriotic Hall for the Women’s Relief Corps.

In more recent years the structure was rented out in 2002 for $3,200 a month and then sold a decade ago for $1.35 million.

Owner Anne Troutman, a former professor of architecture at SCI-Arc and a visual artist, and Aleks Instanbullu Architects restored and preserved the landmark building while transforming it into loft living space. Classic American Gothic architecture elements such as the pointed arch windows and steep gables were retained.

The interiors include two-story living and dining areas under cathedral ceilings, nearly floor-to-ceiling bookcases, a reading nook, a den, three bedrooms, three remodeled bathrooms and an updated kitchen.

The 6,500-square-foot lot has a backyard hot tub.

Linda Semon of Coldwell Banker is the listing agent.

Twitter: @LATHotProperty