0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to a very special edition of Escape To The Country.
0:00:05 > 0:00:10Today, I'm in a city that's been home to one of our most important ports since the 12th century.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15We're not embarking on a journey across the oceans, rather more of a spiritual trip
0:00:15 > 0:00:20as we take another look at some of the very best chapel conversions we've had on the show.
0:00:33 > 0:00:39'In today's show we take a look back at a selection of favourite chapel conversions from previous shows...
0:00:39 > 0:00:43'where a former Welsh chapel causes some indecision.'
0:00:43 > 0:00:47I don't know whether to laugh, cry or pray!
0:00:47 > 0:00:51'A master bedroom reveals a masterpiece of stained glass.'
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Oh God.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Well, indeed!
0:00:57 > 0:01:03'And we see how you can never judge a book by its cover with a Victorian chapel in Yorkshire.'
0:01:03 > 0:01:05Whoa!
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Oh, my goodness.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09That is pretty special, isn't it?
0:01:09 > 0:01:14Plus, I get to grips with what it takes to create the chapel effect in your own home
0:01:14 > 0:01:17with a kaleidoscope of colours.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Today, I'm in Bristol, capital of the South West.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25This once grand, now sadly crumbling, building is the first cathedral in the UK
0:01:25 > 0:01:30to have been deconsecrated with plans to turn it into luxury apartments.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33It's an extraordinary project that is now about to begin.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36I can't wait to get inside and see what they've got planned.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46The men responsible for making it happen are over here, Andrew and John. Andrew, you're the architect.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51How do you start to turn this huge cavernous volume into a modern building?
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Obviously, it's listed so you need to be sensitive in your approach,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56and we would always try
0:01:56 > 0:01:59and touch the existing fabric as lightly as possible.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04If we come back here when it's finished, will we still recognise it as the cathedral as it once was?
0:02:04 > 0:02:08I think so. We'll insert the apartments down the central space in between the columns,
0:02:08 > 0:02:13keeping these four high spaces either side which we're going to open the roof up and let natural light in.
0:02:13 > 0:02:14How much of a task will this be?
0:02:14 > 0:02:16A fantastic challenge.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18It's everything you want as a contractor.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23We're not taking it lightly, we're doing extensive research, you have to plan very meticulously.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Thank you very much, guys. We wish you all the best of luck
0:02:26 > 0:02:29with what I'm sure will be a fantastic project.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33Whether you can afford a cathedral, an abbey or fancy a little old church spire,
0:02:33 > 0:02:35stick with us on Escape To The Country
0:02:35 > 0:02:38as we explore all there is to know about chapel conversions.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46Chapel conversions have given us some of the quirkiest homes on Escape To The Country.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49For those looking for real character and country charm,
0:02:49 > 0:02:52an old chapel could be the perfect place to live.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59The most exciting thing about chapel conversions is that they provide an interior space
0:02:59 > 0:03:05which can provide period features with an ultra-modern finish to amazing effect.
0:03:05 > 0:03:10Of course, chapels will often come with graveyards but if those aren't the neighbours you're after,
0:03:10 > 0:03:15you could go for a Methodist chapel which, generally speaking, don't have graveyards attached.
0:03:16 > 0:03:22Over the years, we've seen some truly fantastic chapel conversions on Escape To The Country
0:03:22 > 0:03:26that really have made the best use of the space available.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Picking the best of the best really has been something of a challenge.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33But we're going to start today with an example from West Wales.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38Sue and Alan were looking for a three bedroom property, with a large garden, and nice high ceilings -
0:03:38 > 0:03:43Alan, after all, was 6'2" tall - and all for a budget of £300,000.
0:03:43 > 0:03:49Now, when we started our house tour a chapel conversion certainly wasn't on their list of requirements,
0:03:49 > 0:03:51but by the time we got to the mystery house,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54all of those preconceptions were thrown out of the window.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56Here's what happened.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01'And this gem of a property was to be found in Pentregat.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03'It's just five minutes from Llandgwydd,
0:04:03 > 0:04:07'a seaside village in a narrow valley on the coast of Ceredigion,
0:04:07 > 0:04:12'and has all the elements that conspire to make it a tourist hot spot in the summer.'
0:04:12 > 0:04:16Now, I don't know how religious the pair of you are,
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- or how often you go to church or to chapel.- Right.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23If you have any of that disposition at all...
0:04:23 > 0:04:28There's no excuse for not saying your prayers here!
0:04:28 > 0:04:31It's certainly got the oh-my-God factor, hasn't it?
0:04:31 > 0:04:35Good one, Alan! This chapel is a bit of a risk on my behalf,
0:04:35 > 0:04:40as it's the type of property that either makes you run a mile or you completely fall in love with it.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42'I'm hoping for the latter.'
0:04:45 > 0:04:47What about that for an entrance hall?
0:04:47 > 0:04:52- I kind of feel like we should have a butler in here to greet you. - Yeah. Yeah.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57I don't know whether to laugh, cry or pray!
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Let's start with the living room.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Go through that door there.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04- OK. - And tell me what you think of that.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10Look at that.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Beautiful fireplace.
0:05:12 > 0:05:13Lots of light as well.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- I was expecting it to be darker actually.- Yeah. I was concerned.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19But no, it's fantastic.
0:05:21 > 0:05:22This is nice.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- I think this is lovely. - It's nice. It's wonderful.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27Huge family dining area.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31And it does turn it from a chapel into a home.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33Yes. Absolutely.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37I'm glad that went down well.
0:05:37 > 0:05:43But, there's plenty more to the downstairs, including a study and a family bathroom,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45as well as the kitchen.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53This...this is good.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56You're not sure, are you?
0:05:56 > 0:06:03- Just a bit small, I think, for what I had in mind as a sort of Escape To The Country-type kitchen.- Yes.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06But we're in a chapel anyway, this is not what we were expecting.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08The whole thing is not what we were expecting!
0:06:08 > 0:06:11Bear with me. Stay with me. Don't give up!
0:06:13 > 0:06:18'At the top of the stairs on either side are two double bedrooms with feature stained glass windows,
0:06:18 > 0:06:24'and one also sports an en suite, but it's now time to reveal the piece de resistance.'
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Your master bedroom.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Come in, come in, to your very own private domain.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- Wow. Yeah.- This is another wow.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- I said I wouldn't let you down. Also...- Come on, Jules.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43We have your en suite that you so desperately wanted.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- I'm scared to go in now! - Another en suite?
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Another en suite, but this is all for you.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Look at this.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54'Sue is loving this chapel conversion.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57'There's also a boarded attic space that needs to be utilised,
0:06:57 > 0:07:01'and a garden that I know will receive heaps of praise from Alan.'
0:07:01 > 0:07:02This is a football pitch!
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- It's a good excuse for you to invest in a big boy's toy. Get yourself a nice...- Tractor.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- Ride-on mower in here and keep it all under control.- Yeah.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12So...
0:07:14 > 0:07:15Don't ask me!
0:07:16 > 0:07:18Sue, I'll ask you.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21I want to say over £400,000.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22£400,000.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25If I said that we wouldn't be here looking.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29350.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31350?
0:07:31 > 0:07:33But I don't think I do that justice in the price.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38Not a bad guess. Properties like this do go for that sort of money.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40The good news...
0:07:41 > 0:07:43..is that you could afford this place.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48- Really?- This is on the market for just under £300,000.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51What's wrong with it?
0:07:51 > 0:07:52I've kind of...
0:07:52 > 0:07:57Although it's a lovely place, I kind of dismissed it because I didn't believe we could afford it.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01The chapel...
0:08:01 > 0:08:04is wonderful. It's huge.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Loads and loads of space.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08I began this experience
0:08:08 > 0:08:14with a pretty firm idea of what I thought I wanted and needed.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19This house has completely blown that sky high.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Well. Happy faces, I like.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Slightly confused, I suspect.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Yeah. Incredibly confused.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- Yeah.- Messed heads.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38Perhaps one of the most prominent features of many church and chapel conversions
0:08:38 > 0:08:40is this stuff, stained glass.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44Whether you fancy restoring some, or creating some of your own,
0:08:44 > 0:08:47you may be surprised to learn it's not as hard as you think.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51Eddie here from the Creative Glass Guild will show me how it's done. It looks very difficult.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Not as hard as you might think, Jules.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57I think even you might be able to have a go at putting something together.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- Where do we start?- Picking some glass would be a good place to start.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Lead on.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09'And there's certainly a lot of glass to choose from.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11'Having started in 1979,
0:09:11 > 0:09:16'the Creative Glass Guild is now one of the biggest stain glass producers in Europe.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20'They promote all types of glass, art and education,
0:09:20 > 0:09:24'including glass restoration for sympathetic replacement in listed buildings.'
0:09:26 > 0:09:32If you're thinking about restoration of some sort, then this would be what you might use.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36As you can see, it has a lot of movement in it, it's not perfectly flat.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40That sort of mimics what an old sheet of glass would look like.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Obviously this isn't stained.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45But that would just be a...
0:09:45 > 0:09:50The obvious point is that much glass today is coloured as it's made, isn't it?
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- Yes.- Whereas original stained glass would have been stained,
0:09:54 > 0:09:57it would have started off clear and then coloured later?
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Yeah, it would have been clear or tinted and then painted on to.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02A nice piece to start with.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Let's go and make something.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08Here we go. This is the workshop.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- Brilliant.- This is where we put this panel together.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14What are we going to try and make - is this the plan?
0:10:14 > 0:10:18This is the plan. This is a cartoon of a basic diamond window.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20We have blue glass here?
0:10:20 > 0:10:24Yeah. This is Bristol blue glass. What a lot of people know as Bristol blue glass.
0:10:24 > 0:10:32It's cobalt blue, but it was used to make all of the kind of blown glass objects, decanters and bottles.
0:10:32 > 0:10:37- Bottles and so forth. We couldn't be in Bristol and not touch Bristol blue.- There you go.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40What are we going to use the blue for? Is that going around the edge?
0:10:40 > 0:10:43That's for the border to introduce some colour.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- OK.- And then the restoration glass will go in the middle here.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Nice. What are we going to start with?
0:10:48 > 0:10:50We should start by cutting the glass.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52'I have to admit by being a bit worried,
0:10:52 > 0:10:56'as glass doesn't seem to be the most forgiving material to work with.'
0:10:56 > 0:10:57- Perfect.- Enough?
0:10:57 > 0:11:01Easier than I thought it might be.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04'This is all looking rather too easy.'
0:11:04 > 0:11:06Oh. Now, that's a major error.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10You went off course a little bit there.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12I knew that was going to happen.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15'Luckily, Eddie tells me there is a margin for error,
0:11:15 > 0:11:19'and apparently medieval craftsmen weren't always accurate either.'
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- That's my version of your blue border.- Let's have a look.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- A bit of quality control. - Yes, indeed.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28It's not bad for your first go.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31'I've passed the first test but, with the Bristol blue border done,
0:11:31 > 0:11:36'let's hope my teacher is as forgiving as we move on to the clear restoration glass.'
0:11:36 > 0:11:42Now all the pieces of glass are cut, we need to put down a frame to hold all of the elements together.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44It keeps it square, really.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50It gives you something to push it all together against.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55'Eddie explains that the lead is specially shaped to fit snugly around the glass on both sides,
0:11:55 > 0:12:00'and because it's very soft, it fits almost any shape, and it's easily sliced with a lead cutting tool.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04'It's one of the beauties of this very malleable material.'
0:12:04 > 0:12:06But despite the fact it's newly-produced lead,
0:12:06 > 0:12:10it comes with all the hazards that lead has always had, presumably?
0:12:10 > 0:12:14Yes. You have to be careful when you're using it. You have to wash your hands a lot.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19It won't make its way through your skin and into your bloodstream like this.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23But if you were to ingest it, that where you would get in trouble.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27'Now this jigsaw of glass and lead has been assembled,
0:12:27 > 0:12:31'it's time to fuse all of the joints today with a soldering iron,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33'another skill I haven't yet mastered.'
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- It's more fiddly than you think, isn't it?- Yes.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39Oh my goodness me, I have made a bit of a hash of that.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42I don't think I would have got a job on Westminster Abbey!
0:12:42 > 0:12:44No, possibly not.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46'Thanks, Eddie. Nothing like a bit of flattery.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50'But I'm sure he's right. Maybe it's best to let him finish it off.'
0:12:50 > 0:12:52Very neat.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56Very neat. You are using the edge of the iron which is clearly a top tip.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59'Finally, I think it's done.'
0:12:59 > 0:13:01The moment of truth. Pick it up.
0:13:01 > 0:13:02It's not falling apart.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- There you go.- Brilliant, Eddie.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- Yeah.- Well done. That's absolutely fantastic.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11My own bit of stained glass.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- Good job.- You were absolutely right, it is easier than it looks.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Do you think that would work in a chapel?
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- I'm sure it could work in a chapel, yeah.- Believe it or not, chapel conversions aren't for everybody.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25Down in Somerset, Jeanette and John had £450,000 to spend
0:13:25 > 0:13:29and we were pretty sure that John, being the son of a vicar, would really go for it,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32particularly as it did contain some wonderful stained glass.
0:13:32 > 0:13:39'The village I took them to was in Seavington St Mary, just a few miles from Illminster.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43'The church is at the centre of this hamlet in a beautiful peaceful setting.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47'Although I knew John wouldn't mind, Jeanette said she wasn't keen on chapels.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51'But as this was such a beautiful conversion, I was hoping I could change her mind.'
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Have a little look at this.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Now, as I recall,
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- one thing you weren't interested in were converted chapels?- Yes.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Which is why I've brought to you a converted chapel!
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Because this isn't just any old chapel.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13I'm hoping I might convert you to the idea because it has been really beautifully done.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17The good news is that there are no graves and no ghosts that anyone knows of.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19OK. All right.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- Be open minded?- I'll try.- Come on.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23She never has been before!
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Given what I have learned about John and Jeanette,
0:14:26 > 0:14:31'this house is a real wild card, but it has all of the accommodation they're looking for.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33'Here's hoping I may have got it right.'
0:14:33 > 0:14:38Kitchen diner you wanted, kitchen diner I have got you. What about this one?
0:14:38 > 0:14:39It looks like a tearoom, doesn't it?
0:14:39 > 0:14:43- It does look like a tearoom. It has that summer feel, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47As you can see, recently refurbished to a really high standard.
0:14:47 > 0:14:48Absolutely.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52This is what...I'm not sure how to pitch this house to you,
0:14:52 > 0:14:55because this doesn't need anything doing to it.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59You don't need to pick up a screwdriver or a paint brush or lay any carpets or anything.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- All you have to do is move in. - Yes. I can see that.
0:15:03 > 0:15:08'I was really hoping that this would be a selling point, but they don't seem too impressed.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13'Let's hope the separate dining room will take their fancy.'
0:15:13 > 0:15:17I know you said you didn't really need a separate dining room.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- But I've got you one anyway. - Yes.- It's very nice.
0:15:21 > 0:15:27Beneath this rug is great parquet flooring which leads us through to the main living room.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31The main living room.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35- Yeah. It's nice.- It's big.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39A big span of ceiling space, this.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44I mean, you're being very polite about all of this, but I'm not sure it's really grabbing you, somehow?
0:15:44 > 0:15:45Er...
0:15:45 > 0:15:47I don't know yet.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49I think I'm not sure myself.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- OK. John?- Well, I'm always very amenable to a bit of chapel.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57It's a building that is very unique. It's certainly a place you would remember.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02The next thing is to go upstairs and see if that grabs you.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06'There is a chance that I might be able to persuade John that this could be the right property,
0:16:06 > 0:16:09'but I'm not sure I'm going to win over Jeanette.'
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- This is roomy, isn't it? - It's a nice room.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20Of all of the properties I have shown you, this house has the best bedrooms.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- Absolutely. - This is a great master bedroom.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26It looks terrific and beautiful views over the fields.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- Suppose I told you this wasn't the master?- OK.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32How about that?
0:16:32 > 0:16:35This is currently a guest room.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40- If the next one is bigger than this, wow!- You get these lovely roof beams that are original.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43This isn't the only bedroom. Have a look through here.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47'Along the landing are a modern family bathroom and a small single bedroom
0:16:47 > 0:16:48'which is currently used as a study.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52'Opposite there is another double guest room, but wait until you see the master.'
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- Oh, God.- Indeed!
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- Oh, yes.- I don't think this really needs any explanation.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- No.- It's a very good window. You pay a lot for one like that, I think.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12It's a brilliant window. Lovely. It is nice actually.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- It's great. It's fantastic.- Really?
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- Yeah.- I didn't think you'd like that?
0:17:16 > 0:17:22It doesn't look ecclesiastical, it looks like a designer window.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- It doesn't look ecclesiastical? - No, I don't think so.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28No crosses and virgins and all that sort of stuff in there.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30It's very...yes, it's nice.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34When the sun comes in, you've got all these different lights.
0:17:34 > 0:17:39'Another feature of note is that this bedroom also comes with a handy en suite.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43'But it's time to see what Jeanette and John make of the outside.'
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Come out of these French doors.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50We can start to explore the garden.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52There's this nice turfed area here.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57It's a very formal garden here but very low maintenance, that's what is so good about it.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02This gravel and a nice patio area over here. It's a bit of everything.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Have a look over here.
0:18:06 > 0:18:13As you can probably now get the feel, this garden is sort of divided up into lots of little rooms.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16I mean another lawned area here, probably the main lawn,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19and through there, you have another gravelled area.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21How much do you think it's worth?
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- I'd say 500.- 500.
0:18:24 > 0:18:30You are saying half a million, you're saying 450 on your budget.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Supposing it was £460,000.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- I'm surprised. - Would it be of interest?
0:18:35 > 0:18:41I was thinking how much they were charging, but not how much it was worth to me.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43It is worth £460,000.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45That's what it's on the market for.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47You could walk in tomorrow,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50and you don't have to pick up a paintbrush, a hammer.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- I know!- Or re-carpet it or anything, just walk in.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- That's true.- No, thank you?
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- No, thank you.- I've tried really hard with this place.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00I thought it was perfect.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02It is perfect for someone else.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04Perfect for someone else...
0:19:04 > 0:19:11I can see the battle to try and win your hearts over with this place is one I've probably lost, in fairness.
0:19:11 > 0:19:16I don't think there's in point in wasting your time by saying go and have another look,
0:19:16 > 0:19:18because you've made your minds up.
0:19:18 > 0:19:19I'm afraid so.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28Now, as I'm sure you will agree, we have reviewed some wonderful properties
0:19:28 > 0:19:30over the course of this programme.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34But no surprise we are saving the very best until last.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39Where better to introduce it than outside Bristol's very own, very big and very beautiful cathedral.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Some time ago we took two young doctors, Sam and George,
0:19:42 > 0:19:47up to West Yorkshire armed with a healthy budget of £700,000.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52For that, they were looking for a nice spacious home they could entertain in,
0:19:52 > 0:19:53with at least three bedrooms,
0:19:53 > 0:19:58and husband George was after about an acre of land to undertake a bit of hobby farming.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02Of course, we took them to a chapel, but boy, what a building.
0:20:02 > 0:20:08'For this next house, I took George and Sam to the pretty conservation village of Mill Bank,
0:20:08 > 0:20:11'five miles from Halifax and a 30-minute commute from Leeds.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15'Hovering on the side of the wooded Ryburn Valley above Ripenden,
0:20:15 > 0:20:20'this delightful village's surprise feature is that it has its own award-winning gastropub.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25'It was time to find out if I was on to a winner with our next offering.'
0:20:26 > 0:20:29You've moved, you've got money in the bank.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31You need a place to live?
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- Yes.- This could be it.
0:20:33 > 0:20:34I thought we'd start with the land.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38If there's no land with it, George, you won't be interested?
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- That's true. - You wanted an acre or so.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43There is an acre or so.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- Wow. Is this it?- This is it. Is that the sort of thing you had in mind?
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- Yeah. That's just great, isn't it. - The land's all right?- Perfect.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53I want to get the land thing out of the way,
0:20:53 > 0:20:57because I want all of your attention for the property I'm going to show you,
0:20:57 > 0:20:59which is quite extraordinary.
0:20:59 > 0:21:05'It is a real find, and certainly has the wow factor.'
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- This is what I want you to feast your eyes upon.- Wow.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11It's massive.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16It's absolutely enormous. Any ideas as to what it is?
0:21:16 > 0:21:17- No.- A school, maybe?
0:21:17 > 0:21:22- Actually, it's a converted Methodist chapel.- Wow.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- Could you ever have imagined you would be looking at a place like this?- No.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- Is it too much?- We'll see.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31It looks great from the outside, doesn't it? It looks fun.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35- Is it going to be for you, I wonder? - Well, we already know the land's pretty good.- Yep.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- So I suppose we will find out when we go inside.- Come on then.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- Wow.- Whoa.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- Oh, my goodness.- Come on in, George.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Don't be shy.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Oh, my goodness.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52That is pretty special, isn't it?
0:21:52 > 0:21:54That is so cool.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56You don't expect it, do you, from the outside.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- It couldn't be more different, could it?- No.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Wow. The spiral staircase is very cool.
0:22:01 > 0:22:07- This is a pukka white canvas to play with.- A real pad, isn't it?
0:22:07 > 0:22:13You're young groovers, you're 27, it's a young person's home, this.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- Wicked.- Yeah.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- It goes right up, can you see the beams up there? - They're beautiful as well.- Good.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Let's have a look at the kitchen.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24Come through here and look at these toughened glass doors.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Have a look at that. That is...
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- Whoa, really cool. - Yeah, it's a really good kitchen.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33You've also got lovely slate floor running throughout.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36You have a kitchen-diner area and a cosy snug area down there.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39Look at this. You're going to love this bit.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41- Look up there.- Wow.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43That is special toughened glass.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46That's part of the floor upstairs.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50It's beautiful, isn't it? It works so well.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- The whole place feels so cool.- Yeah.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00What do you think of this? What a way to go to bed up here.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02It's an amazing staircase.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05What about the view?
0:23:05 > 0:23:07Wow.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Don't know where to look.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Can you take it all in, I wonder?
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- It's just incredible.- Yeah.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22'Just off the spacious landing is the bathroom,
0:23:22 > 0:23:25'which retains the original parquet from the chapel floor.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30'Off the bathroom is the first of five bedrooms.'
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Now, come in here.
0:23:39 > 0:23:44- This is...- A whole other house?
0:23:44 > 0:23:46It is, isn't it?
0:23:46 > 0:23:52At the moment, technically, it's the kind of sitting room for the master bedroom, if that makes sense.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- Yes. - You're in the master bedroom wing.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- Right.- Or end of the property.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59But, yeah, it's pretty special.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00It's amazing.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04- Sam, you're very quiet? - It's beautiful. It's really nice.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07There are so many rooms I wouldn't know what to do with them all.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10You would have plenty of time to figure it out.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Is this working for you?
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- It is, yeah.- In there.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Wow, an en suite.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Really lovely. Amazing bath.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24Isn't it great? A huge wet room with three showers in it.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- Triple shower.- Triple shower.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31This is interesting in here because you get a sense of what colour does to this building.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35I think these really lovely earthy neutral colours...
0:24:35 > 0:24:37- Very warm in here.- Very warm.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41If you can imagine some of that going in downstairs.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43It would really soften the white a lot.
0:24:43 > 0:24:44Definitely.
0:24:44 > 0:24:50'In this architecturally ingenious renovation, there are a further three bedrooms.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55'One is a single, the other two are for children and there is a huge play area next door.'
0:24:55 > 0:24:58Just watch yourselves on the steps, there is no rail.
0:24:58 > 0:25:04'Wait until they see the views from up here, another flights of stairs takes us to the master bedroom.'
0:25:04 > 0:25:06OK.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10How about being up here?
0:25:10 > 0:25:12Really nice. Very unusual isn't it?
0:25:12 > 0:25:14- Beautiful.- Really unusual.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18- The lighting's quite interesting. - It's like light...
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- Light from the panels.- Yes.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Let's go back downstairs to the main entrance hall
0:25:24 > 0:25:27and have a think about how much it's going to cost you.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- I hate to think.- Come on.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Now, would you like to live in a place like this?
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Yes!
0:25:40 > 0:25:44Are you going to take a bit of persuading, Sam, do you think?
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- I just need a bit of time to think about it and see the local area and things like that.- Sure.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52£700,000 is your budget. Is that the maximum, maximum you could go to?
0:25:52 > 0:25:57We might be able to push up for the right place.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00I suspect we would have to for here.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04You have your acre as well at the back which is all part of it too.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07A great location. So...
0:26:07 > 0:26:10Put you on the spot, Sam.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15I'd say 760.
0:26:15 > 0:26:21- I'm going to guess 850, 900.- 850?
0:26:21 > 0:26:27If it was 850, would you be utterly distraught?
0:26:27 > 0:26:31- Erm...- Yeah, because we couldn't afford it.- Yeah!
0:26:31 > 0:26:33OK. You don't have to be distraught.
0:26:33 > 0:26:39- Wow.- I might just put a smile on your face and take the pressure off your concerns a bit.
0:26:39 > 0:26:40It's on the market for...
0:26:42 > 0:26:47..695.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51Whoa! Amazing. I'm really surprised by that, I have to say.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55It's a pretty competitive price for here.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57It's style, it's scope...
0:26:57 > 0:26:59It's great. We are close to Leeds.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03We're in the countryside but it feels like city living inside.
0:27:03 > 0:27:08I can't see many downsides apart from we might struggle to fill it initially.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Go away and have a wander around and see how you would fill it,
0:27:11 > 0:27:14What you'd put in it, where you'd live and the space you'd use.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17I will come and find you later, if I don't get lost myself.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20Go on, go and check it out.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24It no way has that country feel.
0:27:24 > 0:27:30But it gives us a completely different angle to work from.
0:27:30 > 0:27:31It's a lot of fun.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35You get this country feel from the outside and this imposing house.
0:27:35 > 0:27:41Inside, it's sort of ultra-modern, loft living environment,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44with what has to be the best room to throw a party!
0:27:44 > 0:27:46- We might struggle to use it all. - I totally didn't expect it.
0:27:46 > 0:27:53I didn't even think that there was houses like this in West Yorkshire that were so modern inside.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05From one glorious example of style and engineering to another, Brunel's bridge here in Bristol.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10Sadly, Sam and George felt that the chapel was going to be a little bit too big for them,
0:28:10 > 0:28:12despite the fact they could certainly afford it.
0:28:12 > 0:28:17But it was a remarkable opportunity to take a look around a truly stunning conversion.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21Sadly, that's it from me today here in Bristol.
0:28:21 > 0:28:26I do hope our trip down memory lane has inspired to you undertake your own escape to the country,
0:28:26 > 0:28:28and who knows, maybe even a chapel conversion.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30I'll see you next time.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:48 > 0:28:52E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk