Converted chapel is blessed with high specification features

Tealby is one of the most picturesque and sought after villages in the Lincolnshire Wolds and our featured property, The Old Chapel on Front Street, sits in one of its prime locations.
Balancing work and home commitments is always a challenge but the current owners of The Old Chapel, Mr and Mrs Aspin are enthusiastic advocates of this lifestyle. They found the perfect location in this charming village from which to run their business and relish the tranquillity of their surroundings.

“We had been running our creative/web agency, City Graphics Partnership, having moved from Leeds and I really wanted a creative space close to Tealby,” explained Mr Aspin.

“We only ever wanted to live in Tealby, so when the Chapel held its last service in 1997 it was exactly the opportunity for us to move our fast growing business into this inspiring environment. At the same time we moved into the Old School House making our daily commute a pleasurable walk. We always knew one day we would turn it into a beautiful home but as the business grew, our priorities changed. We had The Chapel as an open plan studio for two decades. We applied for change of use four years ago when working from home became more popular and after eighteen months of renovations moved in last summer.”

First impressions were of how cold and neglected the building had become in the time that it had been locked up. Even though the blue walls didn’t help and it was chilly and damp, Mr Aspin could see a vision of what it could be. Once all the pews were removed he could see even more the amazing space on offer.

The building was a Methodist Chapel and dates from 1819. “This property has been at the centre the village and local community for the best part of 200 years. Local residents have been christened here and there’s something quite lovely about that. We have been proud custodians of such an historic building.”

The couple wanted a workspace for their creative talent but were ahead of the trend by investing in an open plan design. “In 1997 open plan was so not on trend. We were working with some household names and we wanted our staff to want to come to work because they enjoyed the open plan team creative environment. We also wanted clients to understand why we were different in our approach.

“The central location has always been a benefit and the classic proportions, ceiling height and large windows which feature in these Victorian places of worship give a space where the light beams in, which in itself is inspirational and uplifting. Our friends love coming to stop. It’s like being on holiday they say – great walks and fab pubs, company and tea rooms.”

To create their stylish home the Aspins virtually started again, putting in a second floor and sourcing everything new including the latest technology.

“We are all about the attention to detail and have spent weekends sourcing the best specification and used all local craftsman – we waited six months for our handmade bespoke gate but love it!”

The property has been completely redesigned to offer modern luxury living accommodation while original period features such as stained glass windows and elegant doorways have been retained. Entrance on the ground floor is via a hallway leading to an open plan, full height living/dining kitchen, a utility room and wet room/shower room. Steps lead up to a dining and lounge area with further steps up to two bedrooms. A spiral staircase leads to a mezzanine master bedroom with glass balustrade and en-suite.

Outside a low maintenance courtyard garden to the front has been created and there is land to the side but there is an option to purchase extra land if someone wants a bigger garden and garages. The adjacent land would make an ideal cottage garden for the chapel with space for a double car barn and off road parking. Mr and Mrs Aspin have sought full planning permission to build a flexible three/four bedroomed cottage.

The Old Chapel is in the heart of a conservation area and is Grade II listed. “We have sympathetically restored the charm and beauty of the original building. My husband is the creative and I add to that the interior design and homely elements – I love a good cushion.

“Some of my favourite features are the curved brick wall that my husband designed and the amazing light that floods through the original windows. The property is open plan but we have used shutters and blinds to be able divide if required.

“I have loved the peace and tranquillity of this location. The village has no light pollution, the most amazing stars can be seen from all the windows. It’s the heart of the community and you never feel lonely – there is always someone passing by for a chat or a walk.

“This is a picture postcard village which has got everything: a thatched pub, vintage tea room, OFSTED outstanding primary school with a super friendly community. Every day could be a holiday!”

Indeed, one of the potential appeals of The Old Chapel would be as a holiday home.

Once a purchaser has been found, the couple will probably look for their next project in or around Lincoln. “We love history and listed buildings so are looking for another historic building we can add our individual stamp too. Maybe an old school or farmhouse would be a challenge!

“Having lived here twenty-plus years, we have loved the unspoilt location and the safe community. Every house is individual and so are the residents. We will struggle to match the memories of such a special village.”

The Old Chapel, Front Street, Tealby LN8 3X is being sold with the added benefit of no onward chain at a price of £425,000. The adjacent building plot with full planning permission for a three bedroom detached stone cottage is available at a price of £150,000.

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