Live in a late-medieval Kent chapel for less than £1 million

In the UK, one in five homes predates 1919, yet a historic building as habitable as this Grade II*-listed Kent chapel is a rare thing indeed. Built in the 15th century, St Andrew’s Chapel once kept a relic of its patron saint (his finger, clad in silver). But 50 years of neglect prompted the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings to purchase the derelict property six years ago for £60,000, as part of its pioneering Old House Project. Using traditional techniques, local materials and some 100 conservation professionals, SPAB transformed the half-timbered Gothic building into a charming and comfortable three-bedroomed home.

The late-medieval structure dates to 1484 (with some timbers tree ring-dated to 1430) and was built with high-quality ragstone and oak from nearby Boxley Abbey. After surviving the dissolution of the monasteries, it was passed to Sir Thomas Wyatt of Allington Castle, and thereafter served as a cottage, smallholding, grocery and post office. True to the principles of SPAB founder William Morris, the expert craftspeople used a light touch, choosing to repair rather than replace.

‘By understanding a building’s history, using traditional techniques and preserving as much original fabric as possible, SPAB have demonstrated that old buildings can be both sustainable and adaptable to modern living,’ says SPAB’s CEO Matthew Slocombe. ‘This project also serves as a model for anyone with a property built before 1919, providing practical advice for historic homes of all scales and addressing contemporary needs.’

Conservation work was carried out using chalk from the North Downs for lime and Maidstone Hermitage ragstone as aggregate; clay peg-tiles were handmade to help repair the irregular peg-tiled roof.

Meanwhile modern innovations allowed workers to employ sustainable features and contemporary engineering — like Warmcel wood fibre insulation, secondary glazing and an electric air source heating system. They added a new kitchen, bathroom and wireless lighting system. And a new ancillary building was constructed as storage space and a garage — it’s linked to the main house by a rammed earth acoustic wall.

Inigo has the project listed for sale at £950,000.