For those dreaming of a home designed for entertaining and conversation, a new selection of unique properties has hit the market across England. These aren't your standard new builds; they are characterful conversions and period homes with spaces made for gathering, from vaulted chapel ceilings to open-plan barns with natural swimming pools.
Historic Chapels Reborn for Modern Living
In the village of Marshfield, Gloucestershire, a piece of local history is now a stunning private residence. Grade II*-listed Marshfield Chapel, originally built in 1752, was converted into a home in 2020. Tucked away down a quiet lane, it boasts an open-plan living area under dramatic vaulted ceilings, with light streaming through original arched windows. The space is flanked by panelled galleries, perfect for addressing guests, and a magnificent spiral staircase leads to the main bedroom. This unique slice of history is on the market for £850,000.
Another ecclesiastical conversion can be found in Trewarmett, Cornwall. This 19th-century chapel enjoys sea views from its elevated position near Tintagel. The layout is inverted, with bedrooms on the ground floor and a large, open-plan reception room taking over the first floor and galleries. Warm wood panelling and floorboards create a cosy atmosphere, while quirky features include arched windows and a guest shower hidden in a cupboard. Trebarwith beach is a 30-minute walk away. The guide price is £500,000.
Eco-Conscious Design and Period Grandeur
For buyers seeking a blend of sustainable living and sociable space, School Farm Barn in Maxstoke, Warwickshire, is a compelling option. This former grain store was transformed into a five-bedroom eco-home in 2021. Set on half an acre, its standout features include a natural swimming pool and a ground-floor open-plan area where glazed panels slide back to connect the interior with the garden. A mezzanine landing under a vaulted ceiling adds to the sense of space. The property is listed at £2 million.
Those drawn to classic English charm might prefer Westcott House in Rockbeare, Devon. This Grade II-listed period home sits on the edge of the village, seven miles from Exeter. Guests enter directly into a dining room with an open fireplace, leading to a snug and a country-style kitchen in soft mint green. The sitting room overlooks a lawned garden surrounded by mature trees. It is marketed at £950,000.
Capital Convenience with Communal Space
For urbanites who love to entertain, a recently decorated second-floor apartment in Pimlico, London, offers a prime location. The two-bedroom flat is just minutes from Pimlico Underground station and features a galley kitchen opening into a snug with sash windows overlooking St George's Square. A significant bonus is access to a communal roof terrace, providing outdoor space in the heart of the city. The asking price is £875,000.
This diverse portfolio, curated by agents like The Modern House, Inigo, Knight Frank, and Dexters, showcases the enduring appeal of homes with character and spaces designed for social living. Whether it's the history of a converted chapel or the modern ethos of an eco-barn, these properties prove that a home can be both a personal sanctuary and the perfect venue for a gathering.
