Own a 1518 Church in Trujillo: €1.5m for an 8,880 sq ft Historic Residence

A rare Spain property: a 1518 church converted into a seven-bedroom residence

Spain property buyers will see an unusual offer: a former church built in 1518 in Trujillo, Cáceres, is on the market for €1,500,000 (about $1,747,000 USD). This is not a small cottage in the countryside; the main building has a footprint of 8,880 sq ft (approximately 825 sq m) and sits on a plot of 0.19 acres (around 770 sq m). It was comprehensively renovated in 2018 under the direction of interior designer Pinto Coelho, and the listing includes a large portion of the furnishings.

This story matters for buyers and investors because it presents a rare intersection of architectural heritage, turnkey luxury, and rural tourism potential. At the same time, historic conversions come with maintenance and regulatory headaches. In our analysis below we explain what this property is, who it will suit, and the practical steps any buyer should take before making an offer.

What the property actually is

The offering is a converted church originally founded as the Church of San Andrés in 1518. The renovation kept the building’s scale and monolithic character while inserting contemporary living spaces.

Key facts at a glance:

• Price: €1,500,000 (approx $1,747,000 USD)
• Year built: 1518
• Renovation: 2018, interior design by Pinto Coelho
• Footprint: 8,880 sq ft (about 825 sq m)
• Bedrooms / bathrooms: 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms
• Plot size: 0.19 acres (approx 770 sq m)
• Materials: stone, terra-cotta tile, wood
• Included: most of the home’s furniture

The estate includes the principal residence and two independent guesthouses, each with its own garage. One guesthouse has its own private garden, living room, kitchen and two en suite bedrooms. The other guesthouse has an open-plan kitchen and two bedrooms with a full bathroom.

Opposite the property is an ancient cistern carved into the rock and fed by natural springs, a historical water feature that adds local authenticity and could be a unique marketing point if the property is used for hospitality.

The interiors and architecture: what you’re buying

The renovation preserves the feeling of an ecclesiastical volume while adding domestic amenities. At the heart of the main residence is an extraordinary grand living hall warmed by two fireplaces. The living hall retains monumentality, which is rare in contemporary conversions.

The main residence layout includes:

• Three large bedrooms in the principal residence, each with en suite bathrooms
• A generously proportioned kitchen with its own fireplace
• Multiple sitting areas and a belvedere that offers views over the garden
• A magnificent garden and outdoor spaces

Construction materials are traditional: stone walls, terra-cotta roof tiles and exposed woodwork, which contribute to authenticity but also mean the fabric needs specialist maintenance. The inclusion of much of the furniture reduces the cost and time to occupy or open as a rental property.

From an architectural standpoint I find the property impressive in scale and ambition. The trade-off is that large historic volumes are expensive to heat and maintain, and any further changes will likely face scrutiny by local authorities if the property sits in a protected area.

Location: Trujillo, Cáceres — context and market relevance

Trujillo is a historic town in the province of Cáceres in the Extremadura region of western Spain. The town has a strong medieval and Renaissance identity and draws cultural and heritage tourists, which matters if you plan short-term rentals or event-based use.

Why the location can work for investors and lifestyle buyers:

• Trujillo attracts cultural tourism thanks to its historic core, including plazas, fortifications and religious buildings.
• Extremadura has a lower price base than coastal provinces and major cities, which lets buyers access larger, higher-quality properties for the same capital.
• The presence of natural springs and historic fixtures like the rock-cut cistern is an authentic selling point for boutique hospitality or experiential stays.

However, prospective buyers should be clear about one thing: this is not Madrid or Barcelona. The local market has lower turnover and the pool of high-paying long-term tenants is smaller. If you want to operate a hospitality business, you must plan to market nationally and internationally to attract sufficient bookings.

Investment cases: how this property can be used

I see three primary use cases for a purchase at this price and configuration.

1. Private primary or secondary residence

• For buyers who want a historic, characterful home with generous indoor and outdoor space. The property is ready to occupy and comes largely furnished.

2. Boutique hospitality: casa rural or small hotel

• The two guesthouses plus the main home provide flexibility for owners who want to operate a small hotel, boutique guesthouse or event venue focused on history and authenticity.

3. Hybrid live-and-let model

• Owner-occupied main residence with the guesthouses dedicated to short-term rentals. This spreads risk and creates cash flow while retaining private use.

Each route has pros and cons. Running hospitality in a heritage building can command premium nightly rates, but it also increases wear and requires compliance with local tourism licensing and safety regulations.

Costs, risks and legal considerations every buyer should check

Historic, large-format properties are not a passive investment. Below I list pragmatic checks and likely cost lines based on experience in Spain’s real estate market.

Due diligence checklist:

• Title and registry: Verify the property deeds with the Registro de la Propiedad and compare with the catastro plan.
• Heritage status: Check whether the property is protected or listed by the regional cultural authority in Extremadura. Listings impose restrictions on modifications.
• Planning permissions: Review the 2018 renovation paperwork to ensure changes were authorized and certified.
• Structural survey: Commission a structural and roof survey that focuses on stone masonry, roof timbers and the condition of fireplaces and chimneys.
• Utilities and services: Confirm water connections, sewage, electrical systems and heating. Historic buildings may need rewiring and modern heating upgrades.
• Energy certificate: Obtain the Certificado de Eficiencia Energética for running cost projections.
• Insurance and maintenance: Get specialist insurance quotes for historic stone buildings and budget for ongoing maintenance of masonry, terracotta tiles and joinery.
• Local taxes and ongoing costs: Factor in IBI (local property tax), community fees if any, and other municipal charges.

Typical risk factors to budget for:

• Higher heating and maintenance bills because of the large internal volume
• Conservation requirements that limit alterations and can increase renovation cost
• Lower rental yield in rural Extremadura compared with coastal or urban markets
• Seasonality in demand if you plan short-term rentals

On the upside, the inclusion of furniture and the 2018 renovation mean the property can be occupied with less upfront spend than an unrestored historic building.

Practical tips for buyers and operators

From my reporting and conversations with property lawyers and restoration architects, here are practical steps and recommended professionals.

• Use a local abogado (lawyer) who speaks your language and specialises in real estate. They will handle title searches, local taxes and conveyancing.
• Hire a conservation architect to assess future works.