Seven houses that are completely divine - in more ways than one

Ask house-hunters what they're looking for in a property, and certain things come up time and time again: space, light, high ceilings and character.

The obvious solutions include barn conversions, Georgian rectories or loft apartments. But there's one rather less obvious alternative: a converted church.

Churches and chapels often have lovely locations, in city centres or the heart of old villages. They generally have huge windows, double-height spaces and plenty of original features.

Here's our pick of the seven best church and chapel conversions on the market right now.

Dover, Kent

There's a real loft apartment feel to this five-bedroom chapel conversion in Shepherdswell, with large, airy spaces, soaring ceilings and a simple pared-back decor. The nave is now one enormous entertaining space, the kitchen's huge, and there's a mezzanine library, as well as three studios that could make a fantastic annexe. Outside, there's gated parking and charming terraced gardens on three sides. It costs £650,000 through Purple Bricks.


Keith, Moray

Built in 1771, this Scottish kirk was converted 30 years ago but has recently been renovated and is now in perfect condition. It has a farmhouse kitchen and several reception rooms - one with a horseshoe galleried landing - along with five bedrooms and four baths. Outside, the acre of land includes a paddock and a hot tub - ideal for those chilly Scottish evenings. Oak doors, gothic windows and stained glass abound, along with cast-iron radiators. Online agency Tepilo is looking for offers over £400,000.

Abergele, Conwy

This cute nineteenth-century chapel conversion has gothic arched doorways, soaring ceilings and amazing arched windows - though the pine-clad ceilings in some of the rooms might be a bit much for some. There are lovely rural views from the windows and skylights in the four bedrooms and a large, attractive garden with a garage and lots of parking. It costs £375,000 through agent Settled.

See also: Seven homes for outdoor entertaining

See also: The manor house that time forgot

Hett, Durham

You get a proper steeple with this former church - although it's on the small side - along with a pew and a clover-leaf leaded window. Inside, it looks a lot less ecclesiastical than many of the other properties on our list, though, with most of the four bedrooms and two receptions looking pretty conventional. There's a good-sized garden and lovely views; it costs £275,000 through agent Your Move.

Bowdon, Cheshire

If a whole church is too much for you, there's this three-bedroom flat in a newly-converted Sunday school in Cheshire. One of nine, it's been built to a high spec, with accommodation spread over three floors. While it has a sleek and modern feel, the designers have kept original features such as leaded and stained-glass windows and multi-coloured brickwork. There's parking - although it doesn't have a garden. It costs £850,000 through agent DTB Land and New Homes.

Ottringham, Hull

The highlight of this converted Wesleyan chapel is the massive living/dining/kitchen on the first floor. With a high vaulted ceiling, it has a very distinctive island unit made from reclaimed timber. The three bedrooms are on the ground floor, and there's a courtyard garden - the downside of this property is it's rather small. Agents Beercocks are looking for offers over £200,000.

London N16

Most of the character in this three-bedroom duplex apartment comes from the outside of the building - inside, it's a standard modern flat. What makes it a bit different is the enormous 31-by-18-foot reception room, which has huge windows and exposed brick walls. Outside, there's a patio and small garden area, along with secure parking, although this is on a first-come-first-served basis. It costs £785,000 through Purple Bricks.