Work began on this chapel, an 1886 Methodist church, towards the end of 2016. A key challenge of the conversion was to adhere to the many constraints (Grade II Listed/Change of Use/Conservation area), keeping as many of the original features as possible and preserving the character and history of the building, such as the original organ and the pulpit.
To add interest to the main hall, a contemporary glass and steel staircase with mezzanine gallery was put in place above the front door, juxtaposing the history of the building with contemporary living. This also created openness and another space to sit and admire the grand scale and atmosphere of the room below.
A warm, rich interior was chosen and this was achieved using textures such as jewel coloured soft velvets, Kilims, Little Green’s deep Attic II with Farrow & Ball’s Drop Cloth distemper for the lime plaster walls, Emerald Green Barnaby Gates Boxing Hares wallpaper and accents of copper throughout. The vestry was reconfigured into a luxurious and spacious kitchen with stairs leading up to two double bedrooms and a bathroom, featuring one of the original arched windows in the stairwell.
A huge cast iron candelabra was suspended from the ceiling and this fills the main space adding an element of drama and grandeur. There are many references to music with the grand piano, state of the art sound system and carefully sourced artwork to reflect the owner’s musical background.
