Newham Bottom, Ruardean

Nestled in a peaceful rural hamlet and surrounded by open woodland, this one-of-a-kind three-bedroom detached chapel conversion offers a rare opportunity to own a character-rich home in a truly idyllic setting. With generous, level gardens, a private driveway, garage, and beautifully maintained interiors, this property blends timeless charm with comfortable, practical living. Believed to date back to the 1830s, the building once served as both a chapel and schoolhouse and is now a distinctive, much-loved home, perfect for those seeking a property with genuine soul and history. Original features, including stained glass windows, exposed beams, and stone fireplaces, are preserved throughout, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially during the cooler months. In the summer, the home opens beautifully to the outside, creating a seamless indoor/outdoor lifestyle ideal for entertaining or quiet enjoyment. 

Outside, the property is approached via a quiet, no-through country lane. To the front, a neat lawned garden with patio pathway leads to the main entrance. At the rear, the home opens onto a beautifully landscaped and enclosed garden with a large patio area accessible from both the garden room and sitting room — ideal for alfresco dining or relaxing. Beyond this is a generous lawned garden complete with a pond, duck coop, and a wonderful selection of mature plants, shrubs, and trees. A driveway and garage with power and lighting sit to the rear, providing ample parking and storage.

Located in Newham Bottom, near Ruardean Woodside, the setting is peaceful, picturesque, and truly immersed in nature. Woodland walks begin right from your doorstep, with no need for a car. Ruardean Woodside itself is a vibrant village with a strong sense of community, offering amenities such as a village hall, sports and social club, and both infant and primary schools. There's also a twice-weekly mobile post office, nearby health centre, and access to Dene Magna School, one of the area’s most sought-after secondaries.

For those needing to commute or explore further afield, the property is ideally situated with regular bus links to Ross-on-Wye, Cinderford, and Gloucester (approximately 14 miles). The M4, M5, and Severn Crossings offer convenient routes to London, Bristol, Cardiff, and Cheltenham, while the Forest of Dean itself offers an abundance of outdoor pursuits — from riverside walks to panoramic views at Pan Tod, the highest point in the forest, looking out across the Malvern Hills.

Stepping in, a welcoming storm porch provides sheltered access into the home, offering a charming first impression and a practical space for boots and coats.

Full of character, the sitting room features a beautiful stone fireplace, exposed ceiling beams, and windows to both the side and front, filling the space with natural light. A built-in storage cupboard adds convenience, and a staircase leads up to the first floor. This central space offers a warm, sociable hub with access to both the kitchen and inner hallway.

The kitchen/diner is a wonderfully practical and charming space, the kitchen is fitted with a range of units at both eye and base level, topped with generous worktop space and tiled splashbacks. There’s room and plumbing for a dishwasher, space for a freestanding fridge-freezer, and the centrepiece is a Rangemaster cooker with grill, twin ovens, gas hob, and extractor hood above, perfect for family meals and entertaining. A breakfast bar offers casual dining, while exposed beams, tiled flooring, and a window to the front aspect enhance the character. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining area and utility room, making it a sociable and functional space. Bright and inviting with tiled flooring, Velux windows, and French doors opening directly onto the rear garden, the dining area is the perfect spot to relax or entertain. A unique internal stained glass window adds a touch of charm, while the space also provides access to the utility area.

A utility room is practical and well-laid out with tiled flooring, and space for both a washing machine and dryer. It also serves as a great spot for additional storage or laundry tasks.

Back into the sitting room, from here, you have access to the living room, study, and downstairs WC, helping to divide the home naturally for both everyday living and work-from-home needs.

The study is a cosy and characterful workspace that has exposed brickwork, original ceiling beams, a side-facing window, and radiator, ideal as a home office, reading nook, or hobby room.

Moving into the sitting room, a warm, relaxing space with more exposed ceiling beams, radiator, and windows to the side aspect. French doors open out to the rear garden, making this a calm and versatile space for entertaining or unwinding.

From the sitting room, stairs lead to a central landing with access to all three bedrooms and the family bathroom.

The principal bedroom is a spacious and characterful main bedroom with exposed beams, dual aspect windows to the rear and side, radiator, and ceiling fan. It also benefits from its own walk-in wardrobe and access to a private en-suite. Finished with tiled floors and walls, the en-suite includes a WC, wash hand basin, and a freestanding bath with mixer taps. A window to the side aspect brings in natural light.

Bedroom two is another light and airy double room with a window and Velux to the front aspect, and a radiator. There is ample space for wardrobes and additional furniture. 

Also front-facing, bedroom three has both a window and Velux, plus a radiator. Ideal as a guest room, child’s room, or additional study.

Finished to a high standard, the family bathroom features a WC, wash hand basin, and a panelled bath with glass screen, shower attachment, and mixer taps. Tiled walls and a Velux window to the front complete the space.

Outside- The property is approached via a quiet, no-through country lane, offering peace, privacy, and a true sense of rural seclusion. To the front, patio slabs guide you to the main entrance, creating a welcoming and well-presented approach. To the rear, a spacious patio area, accessed directly from both the garden room and sitting room—creates a perfect setting for indoor/outdoor living, whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying quiet moments in the sun. Beyond the patio lies a generously sized, well-maintained lawned garden, complete with a charming pond, duck coop, and a variety of mature shrubs, plants, and trees, all enclosed for privacy and ease of upkeep. A private driveway provides convenient off-road parking to the rear, along with access to a detached garage fitted with power and lighting, ideal for storage, hobbies, or workshop use.