The Old Chapel, Bisley, Stroud

“A wealth of original features remains, including Gothic Revival arches, stone carvings, hand-carved beams and stained glass, and harmoniously merges with sensitive contemporary interventions”

This endearing converted Methodist chapel stands at the centre of Bisley, a charming Cotswolds village near Stroud, within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Built in the 1840s and spanning 2,000 sq ft internally, the home’s ecclesiastical vernacular is exceptionally well preserved, celebrating soaring heights and elaborate Gothic Revival detailing, yet it has been updated for excellent modern comfort. Outside, Bisley sits in an elevated position, surrounded by the scenic Stroud valleys, natural springs, and flowing streams.

Setting the Scene

The current owners have undertaken a considerable renovation of The Old Chapel, with much care and attention towards the original fabric. The church’s facade is equally impressive; a striking example of vernacular Gothic Revival architecture, it features finely coursed local stone, a triple-arched centrepiece window that floods the interiors with light, flanking windows around the entrance, and a deep-set double doorway with a pointed Gothic arch and stepped stone mouldings. The building’s steep gable roofline hints at the towering double-height living space within, while a short flight of stone steps enclosed by wrought-iron railings, previously the church courtyard, fronts the entrance.

The Grand Tour

The entrance is through the original Chapel doors, where stained-glass flanking windows cast diffused shades of blue and green onto the interior corridor. Large, heated flagstone flooring runs underfoot throughout the ground floor.

From here, the corridor continues into the living room, a tremendously voluminous space beneath the original vaulted ceiling, with its full-height pointed arches, exposed trusses, and stone carvings. Cream walls and golden-sand-hued flagstones add warmth while complementing the original aesthetic. A wood-burning stove delineates the sitting and dining areas, while windows on all sides bathe the room in natural light.

Directly ahead lies the kitchen. Bespoke, handcrafted units are painted a dark green shade and topped with marble and hardwood surfaces, with integrated appliances. The room lends itself to communing and entertaining, with ample space to gather around the kitchen island.

Beyond the kitchen, a hall provides an alternative entrance and connects to a bedroom that doubles as a snug or at-home office, and a shower room. A double bedroom completes the ground floor, lit by a beautiful stained-glass window and adjoined to an en suite shower room.

An arresting hardwood staircase rises to a wonderfully composed sitting room, set beneath the triplet of tall, lancet-style arched windows. The balcony overlooks the double-height living area below, providing a satisfying sense of circularity between the spaces. Another wood-burner has been installed here.

Another set of stairs ascends to the main bedroom, creating dramatic staggered volumes beneath the vaulted ceiling. It has a designated dressing room and an elegant en suite bathroom, with a roll-top bath, a separate shower, dark patterned floor tiles, and a sultry purple shade on the ceiling.

The Great Outdoors

An atmospheric landscaped garden sits at the rear of the building, with herbaceous borders and towering trees. Here, a paved terrace provides a secluded, tranquil spot to dine or read, while at the front, a second, generous terrace is well placed to catch the sun throughout the day. A private lane leads to a large gravel parking area, with space for several cars.

Out and About

Bisley is a quintessential Cotswold village centred around the village’s rich heritage, including its famous 11th-century church and surrounding rolling valleys within the Cotswolds National Landscape. The surrounding countryside is perfect for nature-lovers, with an abundance of scenic footpaths, bridleways, and wooded valleys right on the doorstep, including the Cotswold Way.

The longtime home of novelist Jilly Cooper, and a sought-after location still, the village has two traditional pubs, the Bear Inn and The Stirrup Cup, right in the heart of the village, with an award-winning farmshop also nearby. Day-to-day essentials and wider amenities can be found in the nearby historic market towns of Stroud and Cirencester. Stroud is particularly renowned for its award-winning independent Saturday farmers' market and diverse selection of independent shops, cafes, eateries, and cultural events.

Stroud mainline station provides direct services into London Paddington in around 90 minutes, while the nearby A419 and A40 provide convenient road links to Cheltenham, Gloucester, and the wider motorway network (M5 and M4).


Tenure: Freehold | Council Tax Band: G