A gorgeous converted chapel in a beautiful position close to the north Cornish coast.

Situated in a lovely position in the small village of Pendoggett which is within easy reach of some of north Cornwall’s most famed beaches.

Description

Owned by our clients since 2000, The Chapel was built in 1894 and was still in use as a Methodist Chapel before its conversion in 1991 by the highly regarded architectural practice of Evans Vettori who were extremely imaginative with their vision. As a result of their efforts, The Chapel won the ‘Best Converted Property’ award at the 1993 Cornwall Buildings Group awards – the foremost architectural award in Cornwall. The Chapel has also appeared in a national exhibition of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Maintaining the ceiling height was paramount and upstairs accommodation was created by a custom-made staircase that uses some of the original wood from The Chapel.

An exceptional conversion, The Chapel is a wonderfully light and spacious building, with 16’ high ceiling in parts, exposed roof trusses and large stained glass windows with wooden shutters inside, all combined to create a splendid entertaining space whilst also being ideal for families. Accommodation at The Chapel extends through a doorway where once the pulpit stood, into the converted former stable. This constitutes a private wing with a study and what could be the main bedroom and bathroom, or a guest suite. It features the old beams of the stable with high ceilings.

Some of the furniture in The Chapel was bespoke, such as the large dining table which can seat up to 12 easily, with the old pews placed around three sides. A large historic display cupboard from a Welsh outfitters is a feature in the living room, dividing it from the locally designed kitchen, which features granite on the countertops from the famous De Lank Quarry in Cornwall and a floor of slate flagstones from the equally known slate quarry at Delabole. One is aware of the close proximity of the sea through glimpses from the downstairs windows whilst the upstairs main bedroom looks out over the surrounding countryside and farmland to the sea.

The Chapel boasts just over 1,800sq.ft. of accommodation, approached via a contemporary glass and steel entrance at the front, a generous space for a morning cup of coffee and spacious enough for summertime meals and drinks. The front door opens to an entrance vestibule with wooden panelling and a further door opens to the large high ceilinged open-plan living room, with dining space and kitchen beyond, all with wonderful natural light from the tall stained glass windows. The dining area is adjacent to the kitchen, which is one step down, and two further steps lead through a door to the hallway of the ‘Stable Wing’, with its utility area, study/TV room, bedroom and family bathroom/shower room. A small glazed garden room is an additional space for sitting/reading/games. From the kitchen/dining area the architect designed staircase ascends to the first floor landing and is itself a thing of beauty. Upstairs are three further bedrooms, one of which enjoys views to the sea, and another, views to the surrounding countryside, and a family bathroom, which boasts a splendid freestanding copper bathtub.

Outside, The Chapel is unusual in terms of its acreage, acquired by the present owners, and planted over 24 years with shrubs, trees and wildflowers, creating a wonderful natural habitat. Over 25 kinds of wildflowers grow in the meadow including wild orchids in the Spring. Methodist chapels had no graveyards and were situated where they would be visible and easily reached by villagers, hence The Chapel is elevated, with garden continuing to rise behind it, leading to a charming wooden pavilion set amongst trees, with views right out across farmland to the sea. A small barn where swallows nest, and two log stores are on the edges of the field, while close to The Chapel are borders of hydrangeas, which flourish in this climate. Hydrangeas also surround the large gravel parking area.

Location

The Chapel is situated in the small, picturesque village of Pendoggett in North Cornwall, within very easy reach of some of north Cornwall’s most stunning beaches. The famous and charming small harbour of Port Isaac is also nearby. There are a number of water sport activities easily accessible with swimming, kite surfing and surfing available at many of the aforementioned beaches. There are nearby golf courses and tennis clubs, as well as organisations that specialise in kayaking and coasteering. There is boating from nearby Wadebridge and sailing at Rock and, of course, there is also the beautiful countryside to explore with a large network of paths, Bodmin Moor is a short distance away.

There is a pub in the village, though the highly regarded St Kew Inn is about a 5 minute drive away or a very pleasant 45 minute walk over the fields. Trevathan Farm Shop is nearby, St Endellion Hall, a short walk away, holds art exhibitions and events. The local market town is Wadebridge, with a wide range of shops, good schools, plus a very good cinema. The capital city is Truro, an hour’s drive, the main commercial and administrative centre for the county, with schools at all levels, including private.

Trains – the Great Western Cornish Riviera – are regular from London Paddington to Bodmin Parkway, which is about a 40 minute drive away (there is even a night sleeper train). Cornwall Airport Newquay is 40 minutes away, with regular flights to London and other UK and overseas destinations. The A30 is easily accessible and remains dual carriageway all the way to Exeter, where it links with the M5 to Bristol and the A303 to London.

Summary of Accommodation

Ground Floor Entrance vestibule, open-plan living room, leading to dining area and kitchen, utility area, bath/shower room, garden room, study/TV room, double bedroom.

First Floor Landing, 2 bedrooms, family bathroom, dressing room/bedroom 4.

Outside Custom designed, modern glass and steel entrance and seating area, landscaped gardens, wildflower meadow, gravelled drive and large parking area.

In all, about 1.86 acres.