Harrogate gem to feature on TV's the Restoration Man

Mark Hinchliffe outside the Sunday school and chapel on Grove Road

The former Sunday school of Grove Road Methodist Church will feature on C4’s popular programme ‘The Restoration Man’ at 9pm tonight (Thursday, January 28).

The school and chapel originally formed one large grade II -listed building which has since been split and completely renovated into two residential properties.

Mark Hinchliffe started the mammoth project on the church building in 2013.

The Sunday school will feature on the Restoration Man tonight at 9pm

He said: “The thing is about The Restoration Man is if you had seen the state of this building before you wouldn’t believe it.

“A lot of people just used to come to the scouts club here. Today when you look around you think it’s turned out nicely, without blowing your own trumpet too much.

“The whole project is so interesting – not often in the centre of Harrogate would you get the chance to convert this type of building in this way.”

The programme will show the transformation of the property from a disused community building to a spacious four bedroom house, complete with large modern kitchen, dining and lounge areas.

Currently work is still ongoing at the chapel which is forecast to be converted into a luxury home and bed and breakfast.

The property will have six bedrooms, a library, kitchen, lounge, open plan dining room, an inner courtyard conservatory style area and even a boudoir-style side room. Mark, who has collected art and design pieces for more than 30 years is making sure every detail inside is just as magnificent as the building on the outside.

The original stain-glass has been kept in every window and in some cases even re-leaded to their new condition.

Mark has also had a number of pieces imported including dozens of reconditioned antique radiators from France and commissioned the creation of a chandelier which towers nearly 10ft.

The task is enormous but work is hoped to be completed by June this year.

For Mark, this project has allowed him to express his life’s passion.

He said: “I have had a design and art love since I was dragged around the antique fairs by my mother.