The Chapel, Chequers Road, Manningtree, CO11 2QE

Built in 1863 as Little Bromley Methodist Chapel, this is one of those homes that simply couldn't be mistaken for anything else.

Behind its unmistakable chapel façade is a wonderfully individual three-bedroom home, sensitively modernised while keeping the architecture and history that make it special.

The showpiece is undoubtedly the double-height sitting room, where tall arched windows, a vaulted ceiling and galleried landing retain the scale of the original chapel.

Add an extended kitchen/dining room, flexible ground-floor accommodation, a private courtyard and parking for three, and The Chapel combines genuine character with a surprisingly practical way of living.

The Property The original chapel entrance opens straight into the most impressive part of the house.

The sitting room makes full use of the building's heritage, with soaring ceilings and tall arched windows flooding the space with natural light.

The first-floor gallery overlooks the room above, while an exposed brick fireplace creates a natural focal point below.

Parquet-pattern lvt flooring gives a nod to tradition while remaining practical for everyday life. The history hasn't been polished away either.

Original and reclaimed brickwork has been incorporated throughout the later additions, including detailing that marks the position of former windows.

The original 1863 date plaque remains proudly displayed to the front.

The kitchen/dining room was created as part of the 2019 extension and gives the house a generous everyday living space alongside the drama of the original chapel.

Extending to approximately 23 ft, it's fitted with solid oak Shaker-style cabinetry, generous work surfaces, an induction hob, extractor, integrated dishwasher and fridge-freezer.

Multiple rooflights bring plenty of daylight into the room, while there's comfortable space for a large dining table.

A concealed coat and boot cupboard is a useful addition near the entrance, with a separate utility room taking care of the laundry. Two of the three bedrooms are on the ground floor.

One sits alongside the family bathroom, which has a whirlpool bath and shower over. The third is currently arranged as a substantial home office and is perhaps the most versatile room in the house.

With exposed brickwork, rooflights and French doors directly onto the courtyard, it could work equally well as a bedroom, snug, studio, hobby room or additional reception space.

Upstairs, the galleried landing is a reminder that you're living somewhere a little different, looking back over the double-height sitting room below.

From here, the principal bedroom forms its own private suite, with rooflights bringing in plenty of natural light and ample room for freestanding storage.

Its generous en-suite includes a large glass-enclosed shower with rainfall head and useful built-in cabinetry. Comfort has been considered as carefully as character.

Air conditioning and an air-to-air heat pump system provide heating and cooling throughout the year; the system was most recently serviced in 2026.

The Outside The front is every bit as distinctive as you'd hope, with its chapel façade, pointed arched windows, original date plaque and traditional entrance giving the house real kerb appeal.

A block-paved driveway provides private parking for three vehicles. To the rear is a private, secluded courtyard garden which isn't overlooked.

French doors connect it directly with the ground-floor bedroom/home office, while a pathway provides access back around to the front.

The Area Chequers Road has a peaceful rural feel, surrounded by the open countryside and farmland of Little Bromley.

There are walks straight from the doorstep, while The Haywain, the village's country pub, is around a mile away and serves food as well as providing a local meeting point.

For a small village, Little Bromley is particularly well placed. Manningtree is only a short drive away, giving access to its High Street, everyday amenities and mainline railway station.

Manningtree station provides direct connections towards London Liverpool Street, while Little Bromley itself is also served by a bus connection from the station.

It gives you the best bit of village life – countryside, space and a quieter pace – without feeling cut off.

Colchester and Ipswich are also within straightforward driving distance, making the location practical for work as well as weekends.

Further Information The Chapel was originally built as Little Bromley Methodist Chapel in 1863, with a schoolroom added in 1898.

It ceased use as a chapel in the late 1990s and was converted to residential use in 2005. The current owners have continued to improve the property considerably.

The roof was replaced in 2016, followed in 2018 by the parquet-pattern lvt flooring and replacement hot-water cylinder.

The extensions, kitchen, utility room and ground-floor room were completed in 2019, with the driveway added in 2021. The air-conditioning/air-to-air heat-pump system was serviced in 2026.

The property is not listed and is not within a conservation area.

Tenure: Freehold Council Tax: Band B EPC Rating: D Services: Mains electricity and water Drainage: Private drainage Heating & Cooling: Air-to-air heat pump/air conditioning Hot Water: Electric hot-water cylinder Broadband: Full-fibre connection; speeds of up to 2 Gbps available Parking: Private driveway for three vehicles