Realtor Simon Krekula and Monica Marklund, a board member of the Åbyns EFS association that owns the property, want the buyer to be prepared to invest in the prayer house.
Off the beaten path in Åbyn, near Byske, stands a majestic building that towers above the surrounding trees.
Sunlight filters through the pines, illuminating the weathered facade. This early 20th-century chapel is now seeking new owners willing to invest in its restoration. Realtor Simon Krekula, who has sold other chapels in the past, was immediately impressed by this one.
He describes his initial reaction as a "wow feeling," believing that this sale would be truly special.
Until today, the chapel has been used for a variety of events, including church services, weddings, baptisms, and children's and youth activities.
– There have been many activities over the years, and even last winter, there were discussions about demolishing the chapel, says Monica Marklund, a board member of the Åbyns Efs association, which currently owns the property.
– Many people in the area feel a connection to it, even if they don't visit it regularly.
The water damage on the ceiling is clearly visible in the large hall.
One reason the association decided to sell the chapel is the high cost of renovating the building. The main hall has significant water damage that needs to be addressed.
– For many years, we've noticed leaks in the roof and have tried to obtain grants, but there aren't any available, and replacing the roof would be very expensive, says Marklund.
– The association's survival shouldn't depend solely on the chapel. It's better for the association to continue operating, even if we sell the building.
The interior.
– We're looking for serious buyers who understand the chapel's potential and are willing to make something special out of it. We'll need to have more personalized interactions with potential buyers because their plans for the chapel will greatly influence who we sell it too.
Krekula emphasizes that the buyer's vision for the building is crucial, as the new owner will have restrictions on what they can do with it. For example, the building must maintain its character, and it must be visible from the outside that it was once a chapel.
– These are the current guidelines, he says.
– If you want to change the building's use, for example, to a residence or a business, you'll need to submit applications. Ultimately, the seller has the final say on whom the buyer will be. The ideal buyer would have a plan that benefits the entire community. The building permit will ultimately determine what is feasible.
"It’s very special," says Monica Marklund about the chapel.
Marklund has her own vision for the future of the chapel and its potential uses.
– If I had a lot of money, I'd convert it into housing, she says.
– We need more housing here in Åbyn, and it could be a really cool project.
Krekula, the realtor, says he has never been involved in such a sale before and found it exciting to list the chapel.
– I haven't seen anything more impressive in Skellefteå municipality, he says.
The opening bid is at 325,000 kronor.
It was built in 1919.
There are several interested parties.
Simon Krekula and Monica Marklund.
The roof was updated in 1945.
The chapel is in need of renovation.
"Most locals have probably had some connection to the church", says Monica Marklund.