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.
Have alookat this stunning, futuristic family home that's currently on the market.
If you've ever wanted to live in a home that resembles a spaceship, then boy oh boy have we got the home for you.
This is Bennetthorpe House over in Doncaster, a truly impressive architect designed family residence that's so swish it even featured on one of the very first episodes of Grand Designs.
Now that's an accolade.
Images: Rightmove
Set across three floors, the home has a whopping five bedrooms and three bathrooms as well as a gorgeous light-filled reception room. In fact, the whole home is flooded with light due to the sheer abundance of windows.
Designed to impress, the entrance hall doubles as a dining area and showcases some of the property's most eye-catching architectural features, including a striking glass staircase and a dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass block wall.
Images: Rightmove
Upstairs, the lavish bedroom suite comes complete with a walk-in dressing area and a sleek en-suite shower room.
The lower ground floor features a large bedroom, dedicated sitting area, en-suite bathroom and provides direct access to the property's double garage.
Certainly, it's not the sort of home to snuggle in front of the fire with a good book and get all cosy - but if you're a fan of all things modern and contemporary then it doesn't get much better than this.
Images: Rightmove
The best part? It can be yours for just £850,000...how can one resist? It's a small price to pay to feel like you're the star of Grand Designs every single day of your life.
To have a proper nosey at this one-of-a-kind property then take a look at the listing on Rightmove here.
Featured image - Rightmove (Fine & Country, Bawtry)
Property
Inside the £1.75m Horsforth farmhouse complete with its very own cottage and five acres of land
Clementine Hall
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?
Sophie Smith -
17th March 2022 
