Architects: Evolution Design
Area: 130 m²
Year: 2015
Photography: Chris Humphreys
Lead Architect: Paul King
Project Team: Claudia Berkefeld, Basil Helfenstein, Nicole Gögel, Anna Riekstina
Structural Engineer: Bleasdale Wand
Construction: Francis W Construction
Project Manager: Lee Darvill Architecture
Client: Stefan Camenzind
City: County Durham
Country: United Kingdom
The Chapel on the Hill, designed by Evolution Design in Teesdale, United kingdom, is a nineteenth-century chapel thoughtfully transformed into a modern holiday cottage. Completed in 2015, the renovation restored the original structure, reopening the Gothic windows to flood the interior with natural light and offering panoramic views of the surrounding dales. The addition of a mezzanine and the use of traditional materials blend historic charm with contemporary comfort, creating a seamless connection between the chapel’s architecture and the local landscape.
Located near the North Pennines’ High Force Waterfall, the Chapel on the Hill now serves as a luxury self-catering retreat for up to seven guests. The interior features modern amenities, including a spacious kitchen, cozy living room, four bedrooms, and three bathrooms, two of which are en-suite. The open design, paired with the restored windows, provides a light-filled, expansive atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the building’s historic exterior.
The chapel had fallen into disrepair after being vacant for years. The goal of the project was to revive the building while preserving its historic essence and offering guests a comfortable base for exploring the countryside.
Water damage, caused by years of exposure to wind and rain, had ruined much of the interior and left the roof and rafters in poor condition.
Initial repairs focused on securing the structure and preventing further damage. After these repairs, the design team evaluated the space to determine how best to fit the necessary facilities within the chapel’s limits.
The remote location necessitated the installation of services and sewage treatment before converting the chapel into holiday accommodation.
The original plan for a ground-floor layout with three bedrooms proved too limiting, leading to the decision to add a mezzanine. Architect Paul King explained the importance of ensuring the new ceiling line would not block the chapel’s Gothic windows, a key feature allowing natural light to flood the space.
The mezzanine addition enabled the creation of three bedrooms upstairs, with the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and fourth bedroom on the ground floor. Paul King emphasized that the design maintained the historic character of the chapel, with the main hall remaining the focal point of the space.
The interior design aimed to complement the chapel’s historic character while incorporating modern elements. Paul King explained that the furniture and finishes were selected to balance contemporary and traditional styles, ensuring the design respected the local Teesdale vernacular.
The kitchen and dining area were designed to be open and bright, framed by the Gothic windows and retaining the original roof trusses. Traditional tiles on the kitchen walls highlighted the high ceilings and spaciousness.
The Chapel on the Hill now offers a comfortable and modern holiday cottage for seven guests, nestled in the quite hills of Upper Teesdale. Its location is ideal for walking, cycling, and exploring the countryside, while still being close to nearby amenities in Middleton-in-Teesdale.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Former Ebenezer Methodist Chapel, Forest-in-Teesdale, DL12 0EE, United Kingdom
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
