High praise

Photographer Alice Deuchar and her musician husband, Daniel Schamroth (known as Shammy), were despairing of ever being able to buy their own home when they came across a disused gospel hall that had just come onto the market in the small Devon town of Bradninch.
"We're both self-employed and the mortgage offer had fallen through on a chapel conversion at the start of the pandemic," says Alice. "We only had enough money to buy a tiny flat, and so were looking for a renovation or conversion project in the area." P The couple had searched for a while without finding anywhere they liked but were the first people to view the former gospel hall, designed in 1930 by Sir Oswald Archer, which was later used by the Salvation Army. "The last service was held there about four months before, but the building was in a sad state, with carpet stuck over floorboards and dead flies everywhere," recalls Alice. "Despite its dilapidated condition, I instantly fell in love with the light and space, and we were lucky enough to have our sealed bid accepted."
PLANNING THE SPACE
The derelict lower-ground floor meeting room and toilets were damp and hadn't been used in years but overall, the brick building was dry and solidly built, with a fairly new flat roof.
Using CAD software to play around with options and draw up the plans herself, Alice could quickly envisage how to make best use of the large double-height hall and smaller rooms at the rear.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In

Self-build for beginners GUIDE TO BUILDING REGULATIONS
Confused by how to navigate the ins and outs of Building Regs? Our in-depth advice from experts is here to make the process easier

HOW MUCH DOES A RENOVATION COST?
If you're about to embark on a renovation, having an accurate budget in place is key to the success of your project, so here's what you're likely to need to spend

Stunning Sunrooms
Even without the presence of sunshine, a room that's always filled with natural light can be a welcome addition to your home

History in the making
Preserving and extending their listed Victorian house in Lyme Regis has given Alan Dodkins and Suzy Gallina a unique and sustainable home where they can enjoy far-reaching sea views

How to design your outdoor space
Give your garden the attention it deserves with our guide to creating a space that's functional, looks good and is packed with year-round interest

GUIDE TO RENOVATING
Improve a dated layout with our practical low-down on the most common remodelling jobs involved in a renovation project

FOCUS ON BUILDING A GARDEN ROOM
From rules and regulations to the best type of foundations for your space, here's what you need to consider when adding an outdoor room

BUYING A LISTED BUILDING
Choosing a listed property can bring complications you hadn't anticipated. Our homes expert reveals what she's learned after buying a Grade II-listed cottage

CAN YOU USE SOLAR PANELS TO POWER UNDERFLOOR HEATING?
Our energy expert dives into the maths to answer the question of whether solar power alone is sufficient for your underfloor heating

14 ways to add space without extending
If you've run out of room with little possibility of building outwards, don't despair - there are many ways you can better utilise the space you have