Interior designer Peggy Prendeville has transformed this Edwardian ecclesiastical building into a stylish modern home that oozes wow factor

WORDS SHARON SMITH PHOTOS COLIN POOLE

The conversion of Peggy Prendeville’s stunning Edwardian chapel was completed in 2018. But her journey began back in 1999 when she realised she’d need to relocate to a larger home that could better accommodate her young family. “We’d converted an apartment in a former dog biscuit factory and I loved the place,” says Peggy. “I thought we’d be there forever –however, with two young children, I realised it wasn’t practical.”

Out of the ordinary

Peggy knew that she didn’t want her next property to be totally conventional. “A neighbour introduced me to an agent who sold unique houses,” she says. “He asked me what I was looking for and I suggested a former factory, church or school that I could convert. It had to have high ceilings – the warehouse off ered a lofty 6m – so I wanted to match that.” One of the buildings on the agent’s books was a former teacher training college chapel in Southeast London. “I walked in on the first viewing and my initial impression was of how huge it was,” says Peggy. “It was massive and had stained glass windows, plus the main ceiling was 10m high.”

FACT FILE

NAMES Peggy Prendeville

OCCUPATIONS Interior designer

LOCATION Southeast London

TYPE OF PROJECT Conversion

STYLE Edwardian chapel

PROJECT ROUTE Owner project managed & hired trades

PROPERTY COST £415,000

BOUGHT 1999

HOUSE SIZE 279m2

PROJECT COST £215,000

PROJECT COST PER M2 £771

TOTAL COST £630,000

BUILDING WORK COMMENCED 2003

BUILDING WORK TOOK 15 years, in several phases

CURRENT VALUE £3,500,000

Right: The brick walls of the curved entrance stairwell are now polish plastered and the damaged concrete staircase was carpeted. Below: From the outside, the traditional appeal of the Edwardian chapel gives no clue as to the stylish, contemporary interiors that greet you upon stepping through the front door