Stapehill Abbey , Wimborne Road West

UNDOUBTEDLY A "GRAND DESIGN" CONTENDER, The Old Chapel is a UNIQUE HOME that has been SKILLFULLY AND IMAGINATIVELY CREATED from the CHAPEL AT STAPEHILL ABBEY. This STUNNING property has been EXPERTLY REFURBISHED to create an EXCEPTIONALLY SPACIOUS residence EXUDING QUALITY AND CHARACTER throughout.

Seamlessly merging old with new, many original features have been lovingly retained, whilst the high specification of internal finishes offers superb modern day living.

Mezzanine floors have created spacious open plan living, whilst still enjoying the beautiful and visually stunning vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. Even the original chapel doors have been restored to their former glory.

This outstanding home offers over 4,000sq ft of versatile accommodation briefly comprising of four double bedrooms all with ensuite facilities including an impressive master bedroom suite on a mezzanine floor overlooking all the open living space. There is also a fabulous separate one bedroom annexe accessed via a passage way from the family room with full height picture windows overlooking the courtyard.

The Old Chapel is indeed the centre point of an outstanding landmark development set in grounds approaching 70 acres. A gated exclusive private estate of exceptional quality ensuring peace, tranquillity and a unique lifestyle. Careful consideration has been given to all aspects of this superb home which offers every modern convenience, yet embraces and enhances the original architectural features throughout.

It's former life as a place of sanctuary and worship has been imaginatively preserved with many features retained and exhibited throughout this historic building which now provides a stunning home to suit all ages and abilities.

Outside to the front of the property you can find a generous private garden to enjoy plus a further separate wall enclosed courtyard style garden providing the perfect spot to relax peacefully with a glass of wine in the sunshine. Immediately adjacent to the property is an extra large double garage.

The extensive communal grounds offer a peaceful haven of established planting, historic landscaped gardens and a tranquil lake - to be enjoyed by the residents at their leisure. Having lain dormant for a number of years, this landmark site has been lovingly restored to its former glory and further enhanced to create a truly stunning environment in which to live. History will be preserved for ever within the bounds of this outstanding development yet with the benefit of modern living conveniences. Mellow flagstones and terracotta tiles intertwine with quality brickwork and reclaimed roofing materials, whilst the grounds have delightful original features strategically situated for the enjoyment of residents.

Stapehill Abbey was built in the early 19th century and was home to the Holy Cross Abbey order of Cistercian Trappist nuns from 1802 to 1991. The founding group of women was led by Madame Augustin de Chabannes, a professed sister of the Parisian Abbey of Saint Antoine. She had been imprisoned in the Bastille, narrowly escaping the guillotine when the Bastille was stormed, and fleeing to Switzerland and a brief respite at La Val Sainte, before joining the monastic odyssey, which took the refugees across Europe in search of asylum. The church was built in 1847-51 and designed by Charles Hansom and the cemetery contains a memorial cross of 1844 by Pugin, commemorating the abbess Mde.de Chabannes.