Go to church on Vashon after you buy it

Want to really go goth? Buy the Dockton Church on Vashon Island. Built in 1918, its Gothic windows are from a time when Gothic meant a completely different version of fashion.

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Next year is its centennial. It started as a church, with the gracefully arched windows, the serious steeple, and an interior that probably had true cathedral ceilings. Now, the addition of a floor has turned it into a two bedroom, two and a half bathroom, 2,920 square foot residence. It just happens to also have the church bell. Imagine the reaction from your neighbors when you ring it to celebrate your purchase of the $579,000 property.

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For a celebration that is only slightly quieter, sit down at the organ and pump out the sounds, assuming you know how to play.

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After you’ve settled in, you’ll get to enjoy the vast open space downstairs with its kitchen of white appliances, white cabinets, and white tile counters. For the living space, there’s softwood flooring. Something to be more careful with. Find out if it softens the acoustics of a space designed for sermons and crowds.

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Upstairs is a bedroom with dormer windows that act as skylights. The listing doesn’t mention access to the bell tower. Even if you don’t ring the bell, there’s probably a good view from up there. Maybe steer clear during the rare lightning storm.

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As if a church wasn’t enough, there’s also a schoolhouse on the 1.08 acre property. It is a 1,248 square foot space with two bedrooms and a cupola instead of a tower. Ringed in windows, it may act as a vertical skylight, brightening the space.

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Furnishings and decorations may not stay, but if you take a tour, drop in on the tarot room for an example of new uses for old churches and schools.

• 26431 99th Ave SW, Vashon [Zillow]