Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Business
Cat Olley

Inside London's best church conversions for sale, where stained glass comes as standard

Hundreds of the capital's historic churches and chapels have been turned into homes as congregations dwindle and housing demand intensifies.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors has estimated that roughly one hundred of the capital's redundant religious buildings were being converted each year by the mid-Noughties.

The inevitable planning hurdles involved in converting idiosyncratic listed buildings dissuades many developers, and a surprising number have been retained as individual residences after winding up in private hands.

We've hand-picked ten of the best conversions on the market now, from characterful flats under £500k to sensational single homes hidden in plain sight.

Willesden Green, NW2

Anson Road, NW2 (Foxtons)

£450,000

This generous split-level one-bedroom flat is on the ground and lower ground floors of a converted church near Gladstone Park. It has a smart stepped living area, a patio garden and plenty of built-in storage in the bedroom.

Foxtons, 020 3834 8659

Camberwell, SE5

Cormont Road, SE5 (Unique Property Company)

£2.95 million

A one-of-a-kind chapel conversion with almost 3,000 square foot of space, meticulously renovated by interior designer owner Peggy Prendeville. Beyond the cavernous main living space are four bedrooms, plus an extra mezzanine area overlooking rows of stained glass windows.

Unique Property Company, 020 8187 4599

West Hampstead, NW6

Fortune Green Road, NW6 (Savills)

£1.95 million

This turn-of-the-century church hall is yet to be carved up for domestic proportions, so there's plenty of space to add a second bedroom. Highlights include high ceilings and historic parquet, plus proximity to the western edge of the Heath.

Savills, 020 3835 2607

East Dulwich, SE22

Mundania Road, SE22 (Foxtons)

£700,000

A two-bedroom flat occupying the top floors of a particularly attractive converted church near Peckham Rye Park. Gothic-feel beams bring character to the bedrooms, while the cosy living area features wraparound stained glass windows.

Foxtons, 020 3909 8985

Nunhead, SE15

Nunhead Grove, SE15 (The Modern House)

£1.45 million

A bright and beautifully converted chapel with exposed brick walls, a vaulted ceiling and unusual arched windows that draw light deep into the double aspect living space. There are three bedrooms, plus a secluded garden with timber sauna.

The Modern House, 020 3834 8558

Stoke Newington, N16

Alkham Road, N16 (Dexters)

£775,000

This three-bedroom apartment, within a gated conversion on the border with Clapton, has a vast living area with two sets of doors onto the unusual split-level decked garden. Perks include first-come-first-served secure parking.

Dexters, 020 7067 2420

Poplar, E14

Bartlett Close, E14 (Poplar, E14)

£565,000

An enormous stone arch cuts through this two-bedroom apartment in newly converted St Saviour’s Church, which also boasts a sensational arched window. The smart kit out includes herringbone wood floors and black quartz worktops.

Blueprint Properties, 020 3840 3495

Hampstead, NW3

Trinity Close, NW3 (Inigo)

£3 million

This transportive former chapel, set in a serene garden, has soaring ceilings, two further terraces and off-street parking. Currently arranged as a four-bedroom home, it's particularly well-placed for Hampstead Village and the Heath.

Inigo, 020 3909 6732

Maida Vale, W9

Simon Court, W9 (Chancellors)

£475,000

A good-size one-bedroom flat near Paddington Recreation Ground, with a vaulted timber ceiling and mullioned windows. Any potential buyer should be aware that there are currently tenants in situ. 

Chancellors, 020 3869 9446

Bethnal Green, E2

Bethnal Green Road, E2 (Moveli)

£475,000

This two-bedroom flat within a Victorian red brick church in Bethnal Green is on the market without a chain. It's a short hop from Weavers Fields, and not far from east London favourites like Brick Lane and Columbia Road.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.