Historic chapel up for sale in Harrogate district by auction

An historic stone-built former chapel with the potential for conversion is up for auction in an unusual sale.
Built in 1835 on land released from the Forest of Knaresborough for a National Day and Sunday School, the ex-chapel is being sold by auction.Built in 1835 on land released from the Forest of Knaresborough for a National Day and Sunday School, the ex-chapel is being sold by auction.
Built in 1835 on land released from the Forest of Knaresborough for a National Day and Sunday School, the ex-chapel is being sold by auction.

Located in the heart of the picturesque village of Timble, on the slopes of the Washburn Valley and close to Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs, the quirky building is being marketed by the Otley branch of Dale Eddison estate agents with the possibility of conversion into a ‘fantastic holiday cottage’.

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Built in 1835 on land released from the Forest of Knaresborough for a National Day and Sunday School, it is being sold by modern method of auction with a starting price of £110,000 plus reservation fee.

The interior of the former Methodist chapel up for sale in the Harrogate district.The interior of the former Methodist chapel up for sale in the Harrogate district.
The interior of the former Methodist chapel up for sale in the Harrogate district.

The single-storey building has an internal dimension of 7.04m x 5.38m (23ft 1in x 17ft 8in) and comprises of a central aisle flanked by a raised platform on one side and a stepped seating area to the other. It has double doors and two large windows to the front, and a high window to the rear.

Gary Shankland, Dale Eddison’s Otley branch manager, said: “This is certainly one of the most unusual properties we have brought to market in a number of years, and one that is attracting quite of a lot of interest.

“Whilst it was purpose built as a Methodist Chapel more than 180 years ago, subject to gaining the required approvals, the building offers potential to be converted into living accommodation.

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“It has already been suggested that it has enough height to create a first floor with two bedrooms and a ‘jack and jill’ bathroom, and the ground floor could become ‘open plan’ incorporating a sitting room and dining kitchen.

“And unlike other Yorkshire religious buildings of a similar era, it doesn’t come with any listed status.

"However, I must stress permission from Harrogate Borough Council will need to be sought before any work to convert it begins, and a buyer must satisfy themselves about any potential changes before bidding on this property.

“Situated in the heart of this lovely village and a short walk from the superb Timble Inn, it would potentially make a fantastic holiday cottage let or an ‘Airbnb’.

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“Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs are just on the doorstep, England Football team manager Gareth Southgate is a near neighbour, and Harrogate, Otley and Skipton are all a short distance by car.”

Further information about the former Timble Methodist Chapel is available from Dale Eddison, https://www.daleeddison.co.uk/ or by calling its Otley branch on 01943 465465.

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