The Chapel Rooms
Gislingham, Suffolk

SOLD

Architect: Andrew Hughes

Register for similar homes

This is a remarkable transformation and extension of a 19th century chapel by the architect Andrew Hughes. It can be found in the historic Suffolk village of Gislingham, close to the attractive market town of Eye. Bury St. Edmunds, Ipswich and Norwich are all within easy driving distance.

Accommodation includes four bedrooms (including a master bedroom with en suite shower room), a study (occupying the original chapel choir gallery), a kitchen / dining room and a spectacular double-height living room which takes the place of the original chapel nave. There is a single garage and two parking spaces to the front of the property and a level, lawned garden to the rear.

Hughes has retained a number of original features, including the timber choir gallery (inset with a clock that replaces the original that was there) and timber ceiling details. The main space will be finished with oak parquet flooring and a large wood-burning stove. Handmade kitchen units will have Carrara marble worktops and there will be underfloor heating throughout the ground floor (heated via an air source heat pump).

To allow for a four bedroom home, the original 19th century chapel building has been given two timber-clad additions by Hughes – one housing the kitchen/dining area and the other accommodates the bedrooms and bathrooms. These structures, which feature large picture windows, echo the shape of the chapel but provide a striking contrast to the red brick of the original building with black stained timber.

Hughes is an architect trained at The Bartlett School of Architecture in London who is a specialist in contemporary interventions into historical buildings. Before moving back to his native Suffolk, he worked on many widely acclaimed projects with David Gibson Architects that similarly combined the old with the new. To see a previous chapel conversion completed by Hughes, and sold by The Modern House, click here.

Gislingham is a small rural village in the heart of Suffolk that dates back to at least the time of the Domesday Book. Facilities include a beautiful church (parts of which were built in the 15th century), an “outstanding” primary school, a village shop and pub, The Six Bells.

The nearby town of Eye has an “outstanding” secondary school, Hartismere, as wells as a broader range of shops and dining opportunities. Further afield is Bury St. Edmunds (approximately 15 miles), a large and lively town with a rich history that was recently highlighted by The Times as one of “the best places to live in the UK”. The larger towns of Norwich and Ipswich and within easy driving distance. The nearest train stations are Diss and Stowmarket (approximately 8 miles) which run direct services twice hourly to London Liverpool Street in approximately 1hr 19mins to Stowmarket and 1hr 31mins to Diss.

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.


Related stories


Related sales


Recently Viewed