In the past, chapels were dotted around the UK in abundance, and were busy buildings serving the needs of a regular bunch of local parishioners. Things have changed, however, and many small chapels are no longer able to keep going, due to dwindling numbers. As the buildings have become redundant, many have been sold off to become private houses.

Although perhaps not an idea loved by everyone, at least selling off the chapel buildings has allowed some of their charm, architecture and original features to be preserved, rather than being left to deteriorate and fall into ruins. In fact, many of the chapels have been converted exceedingly well and have become stunning homes in their own right.

If you want to convert a chapel yourself, then you need to be aware of the potential issues surrounding listed buildings. Many chapels have of course already been converted – often into truly stunning homes – and buying a ready converted property at least means you don’t have to face the job of converting it yourself!

Converted chapels on the market

Aby, Lincolnshire
In the village of Aby, in Lincolnshire, you could purchase this Victorian chapel which has been converted into a four-bedroom house.

Many of the original features of the chapel have been retained, including Gothic arched windows and doors.

Under its Welsh slate roof, the property boasts an impressive entrance hallway and a large open-plan first-floor lounge. The chapel also comes with a lake, orchard and woodland. It’s on the market for £499,000.

East Grinstead, West Sussex
This stunning property in East Grinstead, West Sussex, was originally the chapel in the Old Convent.

A Grade I-listed convent, it was of important architectural and historical interest and the conversion, in the 1980s, was undertaken sensitively, in order to preserve as many of the original features as possible.

The four-bedroom, four-bathroom house has impressive Gothic arches, a stained-glass window, a pulpit, two large stone fireplaces and a fab old oak staircase, which was salvaged from the Bishop of Lincoln’s Palace. £995,000.

Mayfield, Kent
This is a home that definitely makes you go ‘wow.’ The Grade II-listed chapel in Mayfield, Kent, has been restored to form a two-bedroom apartment.

It has retained its stunning stained-glass windows, stone carvings and gold patterned ceilings, and the new additions have been added in a way that doesn’t deter from the original aspects.

The building is light and airy, with a spiral staircase leading up to a mezzanine with two en-suite bathrooms. Downstairs, there’s a modern kitchen and large open-plan living area. An amazing conversion, it’s on the market for £1,300,000.

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