Lawrence's former Presbyterian church has been transformed from a weed-infested ruin into an altogether more uplifting kind of space.
Rotorua-based owners Mike and Jo Romanes do not want to think about how much money they have spent restoring the 122-year-old building since they bought it in 2002, but when they look at the property now, they cannot help but smile with satisfaction.
The fruits of their labours are now available for all to see, for all to indulge in to and spoil themselves in.
Luxury boutique accommodation, with a touch of the monastery, has arrived in Lawrence.
Local real estate agent and friend of the Romanes Mary Trifunovich and Century Farms national co-ordinator Kelly Aitken take care of the Churrch and ensure it is ready to host overnight guests.
Every time they wander through the building, they are awestruck as they immerse themselves in the atmosphere.
The Romanes have spared no expense, totally restoring the building which once had its roof and floor missing and housed only weeds.
Former parishioners say they are amazed at the transformation.
There has even been a newly engaged couple checking it out with a view to placing a marquee on the lawns, and having a party indoors.
Outside, it is hard to see what has been achieved.
No-one notices much apart from the spacious grounds and the masses of daffodils and other flowers sprouting.
It is inside where what has been accomplished is apparent.
Things have come a long way from when the couple first saw the building six years ago.
After convincing themselves the project was worth pursuing, they started the massive clean-up, stabilising the building and finding a new roof and floor to replace the timbers destroyed by fire.
Family "holidays" were spent in Lawrence, Mrs Romanes said.
"During this time, we fell under the spell of Lawrence and towards the finishing stages, upgraded our earlier plans of providing a modest South Island base for family adventures to becoming a unique luxury corporate retreat, available as a dinner, bed and breakfast property, with exclusive use by small groups".
Mrs Romanes said "a large part of the charm" of staying in the Churrch is Lawrence itself: the locals with their hospitality and southern humour as well as the impressive collection of other heritage buildings dotted around the historic town.
The Churrch is a mix of old and new.
There are two-storey high walls of rustic brick, stained-glass windows everywhere and original timber still in place.
Then the modern elements begin to appear, like new carpet, paintings, a fully-equipped chef's kitchen, luxurious bedding and bathrooms that would not be out of place in any five-star accommodation.
Downstairs are four bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open-plan living area including foyer, spacious lounge with leather suites, LCD television and a kitchen.
Then up two gentle flights of stairs to a mezzanine area to the other two bedrooms.
Even the lime-green walls do not look out of place.
They seem to blend in with the brick and rustic feel of the building.
A slow walk across a carpeted deck, boasting glass panels on both sides, leads to a two-level ladder that takes you to the bell-tower area.
To one side is a door that leads out to a small deck overlooking the town.
As Mrs Trifunovich says, the whole place is just heavenly.
And that is just the inside.
Outdoors, a spacious lawn occupies two levels with sprawling low-maintenance gardens featuring daffodils, shrubs and other plantings.
It is here where the Romanes have organised a special summer concert as part of January's Lawrence Summer Arts Festival.
Mrs Romanes said the "Off Broadway at the Churrch" production was being held not only to thank the supportive Lawrence community for their help and efforts over the years, but also to add another special event to the festival which has become an established annual celebration.
The summer concert will be free to as many people as can pack the Colonsay St grounds on Saturday, January 17.
The performance starts at 7pm but Mrs Romanes said the grounds would be open earlier to allow people to bring their picnics, rugs and blankets before settling in to enjoy performances from some of Broadway's best-known musicals.
Mrs Romanes is confident those attending the concert will also appreciate all the Churrch has to offer.
"For us, a trip to Lawrence, with a few nights staying in the Churrch, is extremely therapeutic. You feel as though you are a world away from the hubbub of your normal lives.
"Generally, we end up changing our flights and squeezing in just a few extra days away."
