From Chapel to Home

The day I decided on buying this church, I was on my way to the estate agents to make my informal offer on a rather boring semi-detatched house official. I'd passed the church countless times in my lifetime but it was different; it had a 'For Sale' sign outside. It was delipadated and looked abandoned, with an overgrown garden, rotten window frames, and the gutters and fall pipes had fallen away. But still I thought what a lovely building, it would make a nice home. It felt like a rare chance to build something meaningful with our own hands.

Where We Stand Today

Converting a historic structure takes time and patience. Here is what we have done so far and are actively working on right now.

Clearing out

Planning and assesments

Window Replacement

We learnt that the previous owner had passed away after starting some alterations to the building. The church was full of clutter and some personal possesions which we had to sort and dispose of. It did however, have a few treasures!

A prospective purchaser had already applied for and obtained planning consent for change of use to residential a few years prior. We did however make some changes to the plan, so had to make our own application, which was also granted.

All the windows were rotten. The large Gothic arch windows in particular had literally fallen to pieces. They had broken panes, some of which had slipped down to where the cills originally stood.

Practical Renovation Lessons

Expect Hidden Surprises

Something

Pace the Work Honestly

Behind century-old plaster lie brick voids and historic repairs. Budgeting extra time for structural prep is essential on every wall.

Something

Doing the physical work yourself means taking steady steps. Focusing on one room and one detail at a time keeps energy high.

Moments from our ongoing journey bringing warmth, comfort, and purpose back to old brick and timber.

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