This former Baptist chapel in Salcombe was transformed into a contemporary coastal home that honours its architectural heritage while introducing warmth, comfort and modern functionality. With Designed by Woulfe, our interior desingers London approached the project with sensitivity, retaining the chapel’s volume and character while layering natural materials and refined detailing throughout.
The result is a calm, light-filled home that feels both grounded and quietly uplifting - a thoughtful balance of old and new.
At the heart of the design was a desire to preserve the chapel’s sense of openness and verticality. Double-height spaces, original proportions and architectural features were celebrated, while new interventions were carefully integrated to support modern family life.
A restrained palette allows the building’s form to remain central, with natural textures softening the scale of the interior.
The main living area embraces the chapel’s generous volume, softened through layered textiles, bespoke upholstery and carefully considered furniture placement. A central fireplace anchors the space, creating warmth and intimacy within the open plan.
Large windows and glazed doors flood the interior with natural light, reinforcing the connection to the surrounding Devon landscape.
The kitchen was designed as a functional yet understated space, sitting comfortably within the chapel’s architecture. Clean-lined cabinetry in muted tones is paired with natural materials to create a kitchen that feels timeless rather than overtly modern.
Open sightlines ensure the space remains visually connected to the living areas, supporting both everyday use and entertaining.
A sculptural staircase forms a key architectural feature, guiding movement through the home while maintaining a sense of openness. From the mezzanine level, views across the living space emphasise the chapel’s original scale and proportions.
This vertical connection enhances flow while preserving the integrity of the building’s original structure.
The bedrooms offer a more intimate counterpoint to the open living spaces. Soft, neutral palettes and layered natural fabrics create restful environments that encourage calm and retreat.
Tailored joinery, subtle textures and carefully chosen lighting ensure each bedroom feels both practical and considered, without detracting from the simplicity of the design.
Bathrooms throughout the chapel conversion were designed as serene, spa-like spaces. Natural stone, textured finishes and refined fittings introduce a sense of quiet luxury, elevating daily rituals while remaining timeless.
Each bathroom balances function and atmosphere, complementing the wider material palette of the home.
The Old Baptist Chapel Conversion reflects Designed by Woulfe’s commitment to thoughtful, enduring design. By working sensitively with the building’s history and layering contemporary elements with restraint, the project results in a home that feels timeless, grounded and deeply connected to its setting.
Whatever the scope, the approach is always bespoke. A few more of them.
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