For house buyers looking for a distinctive home, the growing popularity of converting a former chapel looks to be continuing.
Often well located within a suburb due to the need to be at the heart of the local residents, a chapel can offer a lot of space and scope to create a unique home whilst saving a period property with local history from a possible slide into dereliction.
Look on any of the online property portals at any time and there are numerous chapel conversions, all showcasing the owners' personal take on what they wanted their home to look like at the end of the process.
Some chapels are completely gutted inside with no remaining hint of the property's former use, some conversions keep a number of original features but add an abundance of modern elements, and then there's Capel Bethesda in Tywyn, Gwynedd .
This chapel dating back to 1820 still has the majority of its original features not only intact but lovingly restored; and it looks fantastic for it.
Through the impressive column flanked wooden front doors and the hallway sets the tone for the main living area of the home. The property boasts so many of its original features, it's almost like the chapel is still operating as a place of worship.
The hallway still has the attractive period Minton floor tiles, radiators, wall plaques, staircase and carved artwork. There's even an original pew still in place, where members of the congregation probably sat waiting for friends or family to arrive.
And then through the inner doors into the main chapel space.
There may be a large leather corner sofa where the downstairs pews once were, and an added log burner to provide heat and ambiance, but the over-riding visual impact is that so little has changed in this incredible space.
The room is dominated by the chapel's pulpit and chancel space and the impressive chapel organ behind.
So often removed from a former chapel being converted into a home, not only is the chapel organ still in place, it has been refurbished and is in working order.
So forget about the television for entertainment, the new owner should definitely learn to play and impress friends and neighbours when they pop round.
The intricately carved pulpit in front of the organ is still in place too, and the raised chancel area is currently being used as a dining area.
Looking up, any visitor will surely be mesmerised by the original ceiling, featuring roof beams that curve up from the walls and two beautifully decorated ceiling roses.
The upper floor chapel seating is still in place and may offer a new owner further potential to increase the living or sleeping space within this home.
Rather surprisingly there's a sleeping area under one of the first floor elevations. Not many people can claim to have such a unique bedroom compared to this home.
Looking closely around the chapel a visitor will spot a variety of more subtle original features still in place and so totally appreciate the appeal of this period chapel turned home.
It's testament to the level of detail the owners have gone to restore the building's authentic features.
The columns holding up the first floor have attractive carved detailing at the top, highlighted by being painted in gold and white to contrast the red stem.
The metal and wood low level screen around the raised chancel has elaborate metalwork inserts, repeated within the first floor railings.
Original doors and wood panelling on the walls give the vast space a warm and welcoming feel.
In the hallway, a beautiful stained glass window takes central stage and the chapel clock is still in place on the elevated first floor.
But the main chapel room is not the only space the property can offer a new owner.
At the rear of the property on the ground floor there is a fully equipped modern kitchen, a bathroom and a second lounge and bedroom area.
The owners have also cleverly created a second bathroom on the ground floor off the main chapel hallway, utilising the space under the stairs.
Much of the restoration work the current owners have undertaken and completed are elements that are important but hard to see.
According to the estate agent the roof is new and there has been the addition of a fire alarm, upvc double glazing on the lower level, gas central heating as well as a wood burning stove, plus new oak flooring.
Located in the coastal town of Tywyn on the shores of Cardigan Bay, the estate agent suggests that the chapel could continue to be run as a spacious and special holiday let.
If a new buyer wants to work from home, there's enough space for the chapel to be a base for a business, subject to achieving the relevant planning consent.
The property could even be converted further into apartments, again when planning permission has been obtained.
According to the website coflein.gov.uk the chapel was built in 1820, with an extension added in 1865 and the classical style entrance added in 1892.
Will the new owner be adding to the property's development journey by adding their own 2019 additions and changes to this unique building?
Capel Bethesda, located on the high street of Tywyn, is for sale for offers in the region of £349,500 with estate agent Welsh Property Services, give their Tywyn branch a call on 01654 710500 to find out more.
