Before Holywell Chapel in Malvern Wells, Worcestershire, could be converted into a unique residence its occupants needed to be rehoused.
The congregation had long since abandoned the place of worship where Malvern’s most famous son, Edward Elgar, played the organ.
However, a colony of bats had moved in and had to be carefully persuaded to vacate.
The chapel was being developed as part of project that also saw the conversion of neighbouring Wells House, the former school where Elgar taught music, into 18 apartments and two coach houses.
“The chapel had been left until last because we had an issue with bats and we needed to sort out the bat licence,” says Steve Dodd, of developers Elevate Design Build.
“We were granted one and built a bat roost up on the hillside. We have got a two metre concrete box in the ground with the roost sitting above it. We have seen bats up there so I am hoping they are in.”
Wells House dates back to the 18th century and began life as a coaching inn.
In the 20th century the building was used as a boarding school until 1991.
Sir Edward Elgar taught music and played the chapel organ there for many years.
But the chapel was in a very sorry state by January 2013, when work to restore it began.
All that remained of the music room, down the hill from the chapel, was the chimney.
“I remember going up to the chapel and hacking our way through the undergrowth to the front door,” said Steve. “The vandals had been in and the floor was gone. It was just bare wood.
“That was how we found it. But I just knew there was an amazing view there.
“I think the music room had blown down. Everything had collapsed into the foundations and all that was left was the chimney breast.
“We had to rely on the footprint of the building that we found.”
But the calm feel of the property plus the unsurpassed views convinced him that together they could make a spectacular home.
The timing for the beginning of the conversion was less than ideal as work started in the middle of winter.
“The weather was awful. The first couple of weeks were okay and then it turned cold and snowy and there was snow up there for about a month to six weeks.
“It was a bit stop/start, a bit limited because of the cold conditions but we kept going. We finished it in 20 weeks.”
Ideas for how the chapel (which has an open plan living space/kitchen, three bedrooms and two bathrooms) and the music room (which has another open plan living room/kitchen, two more bedrooms and a bathroom) – should be laid out were thrashed out between Steve, his architect and the structural engineer.
Early designs didn’t included the glass walls to one side but Steve felt that they were worth the extra expense and work that would be required.
“You have got this elevated position and that view...It was a rare opportunity and we did the job properly.
“The building takes on a different dimension throughout the day. It is facing due east so there is sunshine until about four in the afternoon when it disappears over the hill. Then, as the sun is setting over the other side, it casts a shadow.
“We have spent a fair bit of money on the ambient lighting and it takes on a whole different dimension in twilight.
“It was interesting during the floods as I could see the river from the balcony. It usually sits in the river bank and you can’t see it but I have been able to see it from Worcester right the way to Upton on Severn.”
Steve had originally planned to develop the chapel for himself and his family to live in: “But I live in Solihull and my children go to school there so I am going to let it go.
“It is a shame really because with that view it is absolutely ‘wow’. Everybody who visits here goes ‘Oh My God! I want to buy it’.”
Holywell Chapel in Malvern Wells was a derelict ruin that had lain untouched and unloved for decades.
Its remarkable transformation is the work of Elevate Design Build in Henley-in-Arden.
The design is the work of Worcester architects Boughton Butler LLP and the final result, in the opinion of estate agent Richard Ashton of Allen Morris, delivers “the finest high altitude residence in Worcestershire, a luxury five-bedroom property with views that go on seemingly forever’’.
He adds: “Elevate Design Build has converted not only the old chapel but also redeveloped on the footprint of what was the school’s music room a brand new contemporary structure with a cantilevered concrete slab giving the impression of a concrete box protruding out of the hillside.
“Combined together, this extraordinary property currently offers five bedrooms and three bathrooms but could be configured according to the requirements of the purchaser.”
The conversion of the old chapel and music room into a versatile dwelling on two levels has been carried out in a sympathetic fashion which retains not only the character of the old chapel, but also delivers additional modern contemporary features.
The original timber structure and roof trusses have been left exposed and conservation roof lights have been installed to bring light into the mezzanine bedrooms.
The ground floor of the chapel features an open living space incorporating the kitchen, by Kensington Kitchens of Hagley, through to the open plan lounge and dining area.
There is a master bedroom with en suite just off the lounge area and two double bedrooms upstairs served by a ground floor bathroom.
This main living area is open to the apex and benefits from underfloor heating and a central log burner, but it is the location of the property that has provided its unique selling point.
The entire east elevation of the building has been replaced with a bi-folding glazed doors providing spectacular views and natural light.
They open out on to a large deck area which has some of the best views across Worcestershire.
Holywell Chapel is in Holywell Road, Malvern Wells, which lies on the eastern slopes of the Malvern Hills, south of Great Malvern, and takes its name from the Malvern water issuing from springs on the hills from the Holy Well just 400 yards away.
Wells House was built in 1748 as a coaching inn and later converted into a small hotel for visitors who enjoyed the pure spring Malvern water available in the grounds. The building was later converted into a private school.
The first record of spring water being bottled in the UK comes in 1622 and was from Holy Well.
In the 20th century the building was used as a boarding school.
Richard adds: “Holywell Chapel is probably one of the most unique properties to come to the market in Malvern in recent years. You have the Malvern Hills right behind you and immediate access to the bridleway, cycle and footpaths and hill forts which are all within easy walking distance.’’
Commuters are well catered for with access to the M5 and M50 nearby and railway station at Great Malvern.
Local schools include Malvern Wells CofE School and the Wyche CofE School that feed the two Malvern secondary schools of The Chase in Barnards Green and Dyson Perrins in Malvern Link.
Guide price: £800,000. Agents: Allan Morris and Ashton. Further details are available at www.holywellchapel.co.uk
