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

Eye-catching brick extensions
For those considering building an extension, one of the key decisions to make is the choice of materials for the final exterior finish. While the material you select will come down to a number of different

17 things to know when Converting a barn
From tracking down the right property to creating a design that's sensitive to the original structure, we share the dos and don'ts of converting a former agricultural building

8 STEPS TO BUYING A HOUSE AT AUCTION
If you're considering buying a house at auction, it's vital that you understand the process

HOW TO SOUNDPROOF A LOFT CONVERSION
Create a peaceful retreat in your loft by ensuring you soundproof it effectively with these tips from our experts

HOW MUCH DOES INTERNAL PLASTERING COST?
It's a key element when it comes to renovation, extension and self-build projects, so here is everything you need to know when budgeting for plastering walls and ceilings

Self-build for beginners PLOT-BUYING MISTAKES
Our self-build expert explains some of the most common mistakes that people make when looking to buy a plot for building on. Be forewarned so that you don't inadvertently make the same costly mistakes

PLANNING COMMITTEES
Understanding the ins and outs of how planning committees work can prove the difference between the success and failure of your planning application, as Simon Rix explains...

Material gains
With a strong focus on its fabric and finishes, as well as bespoke features, this mid-century home has been cleverly reimagined as a light-filled, modern space

À la mode
A rear and side return extension allowed Holly Wadsworth and François-Xavier Geslin to create a French-inspired kitchen and dining space fit for the whole family

How to design an extension
Don’t know where to start? Follow these steps to ensure you set off on the right track and create a space that meets all of your needs