Why go on holiday to visit a stunning chapel when you can stay in one?
Here in Yorkshire, we're blessed with a wealth of historical buildings.
From thatched roof cottages to ancient pubs that have been around since our grandparents' grandparents were young, there are so many stories from generations ago that lie between the four walls of our old buildings.
In Leyburn, North Yorkshire, just a 90 minute drive from Leeds, one staycation property offers the rare opportunity to stay in an old converted chapel. The building has carried its original charm into the present day and features like the stunning stained glass windows have been left inside, making this the perfect weekend escape for anyone in Leeds looking for a piece of history to make their stay truly unique.
Inside, visitors can take advantage of the open-plan living space. Natural light pours in through authentic stain glass windows and unique décor tastefully marries contemporary high-end amenities and furniture with the grandeur and elegance.
Set in a spacious manicured garden, the Old Chapel is a freestanding building with its own entrance through the original chapel doorway. Both bedrooms are on the ground floor, each with an en-suite bathroom and freestanding bath tub.
Upstairs, guests are welcomed by the open-plan living space, abundant soft seating and an engineered wood-burning stove to keep that warm, cosy ambience going from evening well into the twilight hours
According to the owners, The Old Chapel has an, "aesthetic emphasis is on minimalism, with uncluttered, light-filled space, clean, confident architectural lines, and classic, pleasing furniture", making it an ideal spot for those looking for a private escape in a beautiful location- we're really struggling to find any reason not to book a stay here.
Image: Cool Stays
If you're not sold on the buildings amenities: the optional in-house chef will have you convinced this is far better than a travelodge. The owner is a professional cook, and can provide 1-3 course meals with advance communication.
The Blue Lion, an award-winning gastropub, is just a stone’s throw from the Old Chapel for those that don't wish to cook during their stay.
The old chapel itself sleeps a maximum of four across two bedrooms but as the owners run the bed and breakfast next door, so an additional pair can be accommodated in the bed and breakfast with prior liaison. The dining table, sofas, and crockery all allow for six guests.
Popular with walkers and artists, the area draws couples, groups of friends, and families from all over the UK and beyond. Guests at The Old Chapel are encouraged to visit the Jervaulx Abbey, the oldest intact abbey in the country, with delightful tearooms just across the road, amongst other exciting local points of interest.
Go behind the doors of this truly beautiful house on the market in the leafy suburb of Horsforth.
Now this one really is a thing of beauty.
Located on Scotland Lane in Horsforth, The Rookery is an absolutely stunning former Georgian farmhouse dating all the way back to the 19th century.
It occupies a whopping 5,000 sq ft as well as its very own cottage amongst 5.5 acres of land, as well as five double bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Images: Rightmove
And guess what? It's only on the market for a mere guide price of £1.75 million. Pocket change.
In the main house you're welcomed with a grand entrance hall and staircase leading through to a series of reception rooms on the ground floor, how posh. Here you'll also find a wet room and an orangery which attaches to the kitchen, even more posh.
Images: Rightmove
Upstairs there's five double bedrooms, three bathrooms and a study - that should be plenty room for us we think.
But the exterior is where it gets really interesting as here you'll find five acres of beautifully maintained gardens featuring an orchard, kitchen garden and a tennis court.
Image: Rightmove
There's also 'stabling suited to equine use, adding further appeal for those with equestrian interests'... we couldn't have put it better ourselves.
Beyond that The Rookery features it's very own detached two-bedroom cottage as well as a garage with mezzanine accommodation.
Images: Rightmove
The entire property looks like something out of a fairytale, so if you're looking to live your best 19th century Bridgerton-esque life, then dig deep and get hold of that £1.75 million.
But if you do buy it, can we please live in the cottage?
Leeds city centre set for hundreds of new flats after council agrees sale of ‘prime’ development site
Clementine Hall
It looks like even more new flats could be popping up in Leeds city centre.
The land in question is located near Leeds' Aire Park development, next to The Adelphi Pub in a prime location smack bang in the city centre.
It's looking like over 240 flats could be built on the site after the council has agreed to sell the coveted plot of land to a housing developer.
The current land that is surrounded by heritage assets has been sold by Leeds City Council to property developer Glenbrook.
A planning application from Glenbrook proposed mostly 246 one and two bedroom apartments in a whopping 24 storey development.
Around 20% of the homes would be classified as affordable housing, being rented out at 80% of the current private market rate.
The application will be discussed when the council's City Plans Panel meets next Thursday 14 May.
A council planning officer’s report said: “The emerging proposals present a significant opportunity to regenerate a prominent vacant brownfield site within the city centre.
“The development would deliver a substantial number of new homes, alongside the provision of some employment opportunities.”
A council decision report when selling the plot back in 2022 said: “It is surrounded by heritage assets in an area undergoing rapid regeneration and is widely considered to be a prime plot capable of supporting a high quality residential development.”
Well then Leeds, what do you make of these plans then?
Sophie Smith -
17th March 2022 
