5 days ago
Victorian chapel home in Hampshire could be yours for £1.4m
A three-bedroom former Victorian chapel in Bramdean, Hampshire is up for sale.
Set in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Woodlands Chapel dates back to 1889 and was a rural chapel under the Portsmouth Diocese until 1982.
It has been lovingly restored by its current owners who have modernised the property throughout, while being careful to retain its unique period features and charm.
The property has stained glass windows, domed wooden ceilings, brick and flint elevations and a bell tower.
Anyone seeking to snap it up will need deep pockets, however, as it has an asking price of £1.395million.
One of the highlights of the home, which is being sold by estate agent Carter Jonas, is a double-height living and dining room.
There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor, and, at present, a further fourth bedroom on the ground floor which doubles up as a study.
There is also an exceptional separate garden room.
The new owner will be able to make the most of the property's Neptune kitchen and a handy separate boot and utility room.
Externally, the property has various terraced, lawned and paved areas, a range of beds and well-stocked borders.
The outdoor spaces have been designed with outdoor dining and relaxation in mind and offer a range of different spaces ideal for entertaining guests.
Naturally, the property benefits from sweeping views of the surrounding rural countryside.
Sophie Richardson, head of residential sales at Carter Jonas Winchester, told This is Money: 'Woodlands Chapel is a truly unique home set in the heart of the South Downs and surrounded by rolling fields, providing far-reaching country views.
'The former Victorian chapel perfectly blends striking architectural heritage with stylish living spaces that combine to create one of the finest private homes in the area.'
She added: 'The characterful home retains original stained-glass windows, a bell tower, and breath-taking rural views.
'Perfect for a young family, downsizers or individuals looking for a stylish home with a story to tell, Woodlands Chapel is also within easy reach of the popular market towns of Alresford and Petersfield.'
Get talking: The outdoor space has multiple dining and relaxation areas
Set in the hamlet of Woodlands in the South Downs National Park the property has views of the Meon Valley countryside.
It is close to Alresford, home of the famous Watercress Line steam railway which runs to the Hampshire town of Alton in Jane Austen country, where there is also fast mainline rail services to London Waterloo.
Amid falling congregation numbers, there has been a marked increase in the number of church and chapel conversions in recent years.
However, if you plan to buy an unconcerted church building - one that is no longer in use for religious services - it is important to get the correct planning permissions in place before starting any work.
Such conversions can be expensive and complex, particularly if the building is listed.
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