A spectacular Grade II listed chapel used for the filming of the BBC series Call the Midwife has been converted into a cavernous four bedroom home. The chapel was built as part of the St Joseph's College complex in north London, now developed by Berkeley into the luxury housing complex St Joseph's Gate.
For over 150 years the college functioned as a training centre for Catholic missionaries, forming an integral part of daily life in nearby Mill Hill until its sale in 2008. Before renovations began, the chapel was also used as the filming location for the Nonnatus House nunnery in the hugely popular BBC series Call the Midwife.
Now crafted into one opulent home of more than 8,000 sq ft, the chapel forms the extravagant centrepiece of this remarkable development. The ground floor nave has been kept as a mostly open-plan space, with the striking guest bedroom set within a glass box overlooking the grand reception area with its 45 ft vaulted ceiling. Furnishings and decor have been carefully chosen to make the most of such an unusual space, including the circular sofa in the chancel – custom-made to follow the curve of the ambulatory.
Renowned interior design firm Alexander James was tasked with decorating and dressing the property, with all furnishings included with the property. The aim was to take a public building and make it feel like a home – successfully achieved through tactile elements such as the herringbone wood flooring, deep carpets and soft silk voile drapes.
A consistent design theme and colour palette brings a harmonious unity to the various spaces on the largely open-plan ground floor. The bespoke Pedini kitchen is set to one side of the nave, while a family lounge area is set cosily underneath the elevated guest bedroom and nooks are designated and styled for use as a music room and study.
Exposed brick arched and porthole windows run along one side of the elegant 49ft orangery, which offers yet another bright and stylish space for entertaining. The spacious master bedroom (above) with dressing area and en suite (below), plus a third double bedroom, complete the layout on the ground floor.
The fourth bedroom is found on the lower ground floor level, along with a generously-sized gym. The hotel-style spa area includes a sauna, steam room and shower area, while the four-seater home cinema room was installed by AV experts Futurehome. Outside, the property includes two private terraces and access to the seven acres of communal gardens surrounding St Joseph's.
The Chapel at St Joseph's Gate is currently available for short or long term let. For full details see our main listing page or contact our Finchley office.
Foxtons North Finchley
811 High Road
North Finchley
N12 8JT
Tel: 020 8432 1700
Fax: 020 8432 1701
