Take a look inside the stunning £1.5m Harrogate chapel which is up for sale now

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The Chapel, located on Grove Road, was built in 1896 and is a Grade II listed building, built in an Italinate style.

Originally a 1,000-seat Wesleyan Methodist chapel, it has since been converted into a six-bedroom house which is currently used as a luxury bed and breakfast.

Owner Mark Hinchliffe, who acquired the building in 2013, spent four years converting the property, which has featured on television series’ Restoration Man, Salvage Hunters and Four in a Bed.

The 7,850 sq ft space includes a vast marble atrium, six bedrooms, a ladies’ boudoir and a mens’ club room and a library.

But after years of pouring his heart and soul into the project, Mark has decided it is time for pastures new and has listed The Chapel with Knight & Frank for just shy of £1.5m.

He told the Harrogate Advertiser: “When I first saw the interior of the building, I fell in love with its features.

“I have been collecting all my life and it was a great space to house my art and furniture.

“I took the old chapel and the Italianate style and twisted it with a contemporary touch.”

The ground floor boasts an impressive marble atrium with underfloor heating, as well as restored stained glass windows and Victorian cast-iron radiators.

He also used local suppliers for many of the features, including sourcing his marble from a tradesman in Knaresborough.

He added: “It has been an incredible task and I have just loved it.

“It really is such a beautiful place and I think you have to come in and have a look around to appreciate the scale of it.

“It looks fantastic on the pictures, and that’s why people book to come and stay with us, but I don’t think it ever prepares you for the real thing.

“When people walk in and see it all laid out in front of them their jaws literally drop and they don’t hear anything you’re saying, you have to leave them alone for a few minutes just to take it all in.

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“It completely takes your breath away.”

Although Mark has loved living in Harrogate and restoring the chapel, he now has ‘itchy feet’ and feels it is time to move on to a new project.

He is currently looking at taking on a renovation somewhere in Italy and wants to take on an even bigger property challenge.

“When you’re a creative person you get bored very easily and you feel like you need to do better every time.

“I am just ready for a new challenge and I know I still have a big project left in me.

“This has been such a wonderful time and The Chapel is the biggest project I’ve ever undertaken, but I need to move on now and spread my wings.

“I’m hoping to do something double the size next.”

He says The Chapel’s location is perfect for anyone who is looking for a vibrant town lifestyle, with lots of independent shops, bars and restaurants on their doorstep, but the option to escape to the countryside at the drop of a hat.

And with new developments on Grove Road, including an antiques shop and cafe, as well as lots of unique businesses on Kings Road, he says the area is really an up-and-coming part of the town.

Mark said: “This side of town is taking on a real bohemian vibe and I think that’s great. It’s almost like London living, but with so much natural beauty right next door.

“Where else can you be on a train to the big city within ten minutes one way and in the middle of the Dales the other?”

Despite being ready to move on, Mark hopes The Chapel will have a lasting legacy and will make its new owners very happy.

He added: “So much work has gone into the renovation and no expense has been spared. With marble bathrooms to every bedroom and an internal courtyard, it really is the dream property for someone new to take on.

“It is now time for a new caretaker to enjoy it and look after this amazing listed building.”

Features

The incredible converted chapel on Grove Road features six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a huge marble atrium and an internal courtyard and orangery.

It is entered via a beautiful Italianate portico that protects two sets of double front doors, opening into a welcoming and impressive entrance hall with original tiles and dark wood panelling.

On either side of the hallway are two cloackrooms and doors leading into parallel reception rooms. These rooms are currently used as a ladies’ boudoir and a gentlemens’ room but the space is flexible and they could be used for a variety of purposes.

Current owner Mark Hinchliffe said: “There is a room in the basement which would be perfect for a cinema room.

“There are just so many options to change it round and make it your own.”

Call Knight Frank on 01423 578071 for more information or find the property on Zoopla.

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Don’t miss our special 8-page property pull-out inside the Harrogate Advertiser this week: Pages 41-48.

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