The Chapel’s heavenly new incarnation

Dating back to the 1700s, a group of North Leigh villagers attended Wesleyan meetings (the earliest Methodist movement) in a meeting house on Chapel Lane. The Cotswold stone chapel which exists today was built on that site in 1873. It remained in ecclesiastical service until recently, when, complete with change of use permissions, it was sold to our clients.

The plans at the point of sale, whilst being functional, involved cutting across the wonderful stone chapel fenestration with a mezzanine floor and included a multitude of staircases and level changes, which took up precious space. As such, our clients decided to go back to the drawing board.

The project team: Palmer + Partners Architects, Last Interior Design, Barr Build, and structural engineers SWJ Consulting, had worked together previously on the large-scale renovation of the chapel owners' original home and, as such, had strong relationships and a good understanding of each other's processes and practices.  

“Our main constraint was that nothing could change externally, so a certain amount of ingenuity was required, not only to completely reconfigure the two-storey internal layout, but to make sure that the existing fenestration worked within the new spaces,” says Stefania, Project Architect, Palmer + Partners.

The design process began with the decision to relocate the mezzanine so the main arched window could be fully appreciated. To create the double-height hallway, with its beautiful link bridge and central staircase, lit by two symmetrical rooflights, we needed to punch through between the trusses, joining the two roof masses. This inspiring design intervention was pivotal to Stefania's plan for the project. The position of the convergence was denoted by the roof trusses and the desired mezzanine depth, all part of an incredibly detailed architectural jigsaw.  

“The roof trusses helped us define not only the walkway but the shape of the entire first floor, as each partition wall segmenting the walkway, bedrooms, bathrooms, and dressing rooms had to sit directly under a truss,” says Stefania. “The rest of the trusses would remain visible, in celebration of The Chapel’s original form.”

Even the smallest structural detail was considered. Only noticeable to the most eagle-eyed observer, the mezzanine floor depth is subtly tapered so that its endpoint precisely meets the height of the Crittall doorway and preserves the full curved shape of the arched apertures opposite. Similarly, the ground floor bedroom ceiling precisely aligns with the end of the window’s curve, preserving its full form and elegance. Throughout The Chapel, similar small but critical interventions take the project from good to truly exceptional.

Last Interior Design worked closely with the Palmer + Partners team from the earliest design phase, forming the perfect collaboration of ‘architecture meets interiors’. “When the notice boards and panelling came away and the stonework was revealed, we knew that the texture of the stone in the entrance hall and staircase would bring beautiful warmth and character to the dwelling and tell a visual story of The Chapel’s history,” says Rachele Bowley, Director at Last Interior Design. 

“Building on the structural plans, we introduced the black steel reveals, which finish the junctions of stone and plastered walls. We didn’t want a country cottage look with the wiggly plaster line against the stonework. The clean steel lines add drama to the walkways, bringing balance to the strong, dark trusses above. Also, for balance, we introduced the deep stone sills, which respect the chunky proportions of the wonderful stone window surrounds.

“We specified a combination of tactile neutral finishes, creating a base palette which would blend with the Cotswold stone,” says Rachele. “For the staircase, we specified matt black metal balustrades against a honed smoked oak handrail and stair treads, reflecting the structural contrasts of the building between the neutral textured stone and the dark painted timber trusses above. Just as the stonework informed the tonality and texture of wall finishes, the diamond-leaded windows inspired our choice of Zellige (handmade Moroccan tiles) in the bathroom. Each tile is slightly different, echoing the imperfect beauty of the glass."

Further touches of Last Inter Design creative inspiration meet you round every corner — simple bespoke bench seats at the front and back doors give visitors a moment to reflect whilst removing their footwear in comfort (both are simply adorned with bespoke tan leather seat cushions and have space for boots and shoes beneath). Plain handmade flat-fronted cabinetry throughout steps back to allow The Chapel’s original structural detailing to sing.

Of course, as well as ensuring that the workmanship throughout met the highest aesthetic requirements, the Barr Build team were responsible for excellence in all behind-the-scenes functionality. Sustainable air source heating (the ASHP unit is discreetly positioned away from view) is supported by a wood fibre insulation system, finished in lime plaster. The result is an airtight, breathable structure, set for efficient and low-carbon living. No stone left unturned, having carefully stripped The Chapel back to bare bones, the team set to work on a high specification refit throughout, including a complete M&E overhaul. “The craftsmanship and attention to detail of The Chapel have completely surpassed our expectations,” says our client. “We couldn’t be happier with the result.”

By means of carefully considered design, the use of honest materials and excellent craftsmanship, the team has created a dwelling true to its history, with a divine aesthetic and a restful soul. We thank our clients for their support in sharing The Chapel’s ongoing structural story. The Chapel is now available to rent here.