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.
If you’ve ever fancied living in something that feels halfway between a fairytale cottage and a period drama set, this one might do it.
Tucked away in Gledhow, The Clock House isn’t your typical Leeds terrace. In fact, calling it a terrace feels a bit like calling a castle 'a nice semi'.
Built around 1657, the two-bedroom property is part of the historic Gledhow Hall Estate, a site once owned by none other than Queen Elizabeth I.
It's a beautiful home, inside and out, with Yorkshire stone walls, cobbled courtyards, and the striking clock tower that gives the home its name.
With wrought iron gates and space for up to four vehicles, it feels like you're miles away from the city, while still being firmly in LS8 (and just moments from vibrant shops, bars and restaurants).
The interiors of the clock tower home have been beautiful renovated, with plenty of character but modern comforts, like a deVOL-designed kitchen with quartz worktops, vaulted ceilings, and Crittall-style doors that open straight onto the garden
Other features include a marble fireplace, oak flooring, and calming sage tones.
The clock tower over the house in LeedsThe courtyard spaceThat incredible kitchenInside the clock tower house in LeedsInside the clock tower house in Leeds
Upstairs, there are two bedrooms, including a principal suite with its own spa-like ensuite, plus a second bedroom complete with dressing area.
And then there’s the garden - south-west facing, private, and complete with a sun house that could double as a home office, studio, or just somewhere to hide with a coffee.
The property is currently on the market for offers over £500,000, which, for a Grade II-listed home with this much character and history, feels like it could be a real steal.
Inside the beautiful converted chapel with a hidden library on the market in West Yorkshire
Daisy Jackson
A jaw-dropping five-bedroom converted chapel in the Yorkshire hills has been listed for sale - for a cool £895,000.
If you’ve ever fancied living somewhere that looks like it belongs in a period drama but also on the front page of an interiors magazine, then this one in Mill Bank might be worth a nosey.
Tucked away in the scenic Ryburn Valley, this five-bedroom Grade II-listed home is serving Sunday-best-meets-Grand-Designs energy.
From the outside, it’s all stone walls, arched windows, and a proper storybook belfry perched on top. But push through those grand double doors and things take a turn.
We’re talking a triple-height living space, with a bespoke helical staircase, exposed trusses overhead, and natural light pouring in.
Originally designed as an art gallery, the main space is massive and dramatic, with a sunflower-yellow kitchen.
The main bedroom upstairs stretches across the front of the building, with huge arched windows giving you uninterrupted valley views.
There’s even a mezzanine level currently doubling as a yoga and cinema space.
This amazing home actually has three staircases - the main one through the home, another hidden spiral staircase leading to a cosy, timber-lined library; and a third heading from the master bedroom to the mezzanine (which some people in the Rightmove comments have described as the 'staircase of death').
The library is hidden behind a concealed staircaseThat 'staircase of death'Stunning views from the master bedroomBeautiful arched windows throughoutThe main living spaceThat gorgeous kitchenMore light-flooded living spacesGorgeous colourful windows in the bathroomCredit: Rightmove / The Modern House
Outside, you’ve got around an acre of gardens - lawns, rose beds, apple trees, and even a rewilded section - plus space for six cars.
Location-wise, you’re deep in countryside calm but still within easy reach of Leeds.
Whether you can afford this place or not, I think we can all agree it's a scroll-stopper, and a really beautiful conversion.
Sophie Smith -
17th March 2022 
