Apartment

North Transept - part our converted Victorian Gothic church

Photo gallery for North Transept - part our converted Victorian Gothic church

Living area
Room
Interior
Interior
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2538.2 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Chittoe, ENG
  • Bowood Golf & Country Club
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Lacock Abbey
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Bowood Garden
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Bristol Filton Airport (FZO)
    ‪64 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

North Transept - part our converted Victorian Gothic church

The North Transept is a self-contained annex of our Victorian Gothic church, The Old Church. The church was built for the local country house estate in the mid 19th century and was deconsecrated in 1980. We have been converting the church since 1988 - it is our family home.

It is located on a small country lane which is no through road so there is very little passing traffic. It is very peaceful with little light pollution making it great for stargazing (except when it’s cloudy!). We are located midway between Chippenham and Devizes, and about 15 minutes from Chippenham mainline railway station. In case you’re worried, the graveyard has been closed to burials for over 30 years! We think it is a very tranquil space with some lovely old headstones and Celtic crosses.

The North Transept has its own private separate step free entrance from the outside into its own lobby which is a good place to leave your coats, shoes and boots. This then opens into the double height North Transept space.

On the ground floor there is:
- a comfortable living and dining area with a sofa, easy chair and a table for two
- a fully equipped kitchen with electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge, kettle, bean-to-cup coffee maker, toaster and plenty of worktop space; there is a full complement of crockery, glassware, cutlery, cookware, cooking utensils
- a bathroom with bath and shower; 'Simple' brand shower gel, shampoo and conditioner are provided

Stairs lead up to a mezzanine which has a comfortable king size bed with hanging space and drawers. At this level there is a large beautiful Gothic window which looks out onto the old graveyard and beyond to open fields.

The whole space has beautifully high ceilings with exposed beams but is warm and cosy with underfloor heating under the stone ground floor.

The North Transept has Wi-Fi, smart TV and an audio system with bluetooth.

There is a small terrace outside the North Transept front door with a table and chairs for the exclusive use of guests.

There is a washing machine and tumble dryer in the laundry room in the main house that guests are welcome to use.

We will welcome you on arrival and take you round to the North Transept where house manual details are available to explain about the space and surroundings. We also provide information on things to do and where to eat locally. There will be someone around or contactable in case of any problems, or to advise you on local amenities or provide any other help.

We provide items so you can make your own continental breakfast – there are: various teas, bean-to-cup coffee maker, sugar, granola, milk, orange juice, sliced bread and croissants In the icebox, preserves and butter.

We have a golden retriever called Taya and and a ragdoll cat called Titan. They are both very friendly and sociable and good with other animals.

The Old Church is set in its own two acres of landscaped gardens with mature trees and shrubs, pond and summer house which guests are free to explore and enjoy. There are lots of lovely places to sit and to make yourself comfortable.

Dogs are welcome. The entire garden perimeter is fenced. With the main gate shut, the property is completely enclosed.

There’s loads of off- street car parking in our drive and parking area. There is a covered area for motorbikes and bicycles.

The North Transept is located in Chittoe a quiet hidden valley with lots of lovely walks directly from the church and many others just a short drive away. It is in hamlet of less than 20 houses and on a no through lane so it's very quiet and peaceful (apart from the sounds of the owls, pheasants and Muntjac deer!).

As well as enjoying the peace of the countryside there are loads of things to do in the area. Nearby are:
• Lots of local walks straight from The North Transept
• Market town of Devizes with the Kennet and Avon Canal with its Caen Hill flight of 29 locks
• National Trust village of Lacock with Lacock Abbey
• Bowood House with its Capability Brown gardens
• Market town of Corsham with Corsham Court
• Picturesque village of Castle Combe
• Great Chalfield Manor
• Neolithic stone henge monument at Avebury, Silbury Hill, and the West Kennet Long Barrow
• Market towns of Marlborough, Tetbury and Cirencester
• Bradford On Avon – picturesque and historic town with nice cafés and restaurants
• The Courts Gardens at Holt near Bradford on Avon
• Georgian City of Bath
• Stonehenge
• Westonbirt Arboretum – The National Arboretum with over 18,000 trees in over 600 acres
• Cathedral city of Salisbury

There are a variety of places to eat nearby including village and town pubs and a range of restaurants.

There is a well stocked farm shop about 5 minutes away and a range of supermarkets within 15-20 drive.

Property manager

Sarah
Premier Host

Languages

English
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Amenities

Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
Well behaved pets welcome. We have a friendly dog
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No muddy shoes in the main North Transept - lobby available for wet coats, shoes and dogs
No dogs on the furniture, bed or carpet on the stairs and mezzanine
Use table mats and coasters to protect the tables, sideboard and bedside tables

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Chippenham

Located in Chippenham, this apartment is in a rural area. Calne Heritage Centre and Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Bowood Golf & Country Club and Wadworth Brewery. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Melksham Assembly Hall or Hardenhuish Park. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking and other activities like birdwatching.
Map
Chittoe, ENG

What's nearby

  • Bowood Golf & Country Club - 9 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Lacock Abbey - 11 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Kennet & Avon Canal - 12 min drive - 7.1 km
  • Bowood Garden - 13 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Castle Combe Circuit - 21 min drive - 19.3 km

Getting around

  • Melksham Station - 18 min drive
  • Bristol International Airport (BRS) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Water Meadow - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Bear - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪George & Dragon - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Herb Garden Restaurant - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is North Transept - part our converted Victorian Gothic church pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at North Transept - part our converted Victorian Gothic church?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at North Transept - part our converted Victorian Gothic church?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is North Transept - part our converted Victorian Gothic church located?

Situated in a rural location, this apartment building is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Webb's Patch and within 6 miles (10 km) of Lacock Bakery and Lacock Abbey. Bowood Playground and Bowood Garden are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 111 out of 115 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 115 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 115 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 115 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 115 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Di F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable Stay in Idyllic Setting

Attractive chapel conversion in a peaceful, rural setting. The welcoming owners have provided everything you could need - a comfortable bed, well equipped kitchen, continental breakfast ingredients and access to lovely garden. Lots of interesting towns and places to visit, as well as pubs and restaurants nearby.villages to explore nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Second Visit/Stay

Having visited briefly two years ago we returned for a longer stay. The North Transept was just as lovely and Sarah and Peter were perfect hosts. Although the location is very rural, there are lots of interesting things to do within a 30 minute drive: Devizes, Castle Combe, Bradford on Avon and Laycock are just a few. Here's hoping we'll be able to stay again in the not too distant future.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Derek G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful country stay

This is a beautiful quirky property in a wonderful setting. We received a very warm welcome and were made to feel at home. The garden is beautiful and we really enjoyed exploring it. The interior was clean and had all we needed including a very comfortable bed. A most enjoyable short break.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring break

Well equipped comfortable accommodation with friendly hosts (and their pets!) We hope to return
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeni B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highly recommended

Fabulous place in fascinating area! 5star!!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and stunning

The property is a stunning converted church keeping all of the atmosphere and beauty of the original building. The north transept is a wonderful place to stay and the hosts ensured we had everything you could want, even down to supplying breakfast ingredients. Sarah the host is lovely and if we had needed anything else I would have had no problems approaching her. A peaceful and idyllic place to spend a couple of days.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jon M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique & wholesome getaway

What a unique find! A beautiful corner of the world and plot with gorgeous walks around it. The stay was immaculate, well furnished and a good distance from the cotswolds, we even managed to visit stonehenge during our stay. There's lots of history provided about the church renovation. Would recommend to anyone looking for a cosy and wholesome countryside reset.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Fern R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic gift for parents

I bought my parents a trip away for Christmas and they absolutely adored their stay. They loved the uniqueness of their accommodation and had nothing but great things to say about Sarah and her partner. My mum was extremely happy and grateful for the hosts generosity as she found a fridge and freezer full of breakfasts foods which made their stay at the church even better. As hosts they directed my parents on where’s best to go for walks and things and my parents took them up on their recommendations and thoroughly enjoyed their stay! I now would like to go visit based off of my parents experience! Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quality

We loved our short stay, and enjoyed the property, gardens and countryside. The owners made us feel most welcome and we were very interested in the history of the church and how it was converted. The gardens are absolutely beautiful. We found lots to do and would very much like to stay again. There are lovely walks from the property and the village is very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Maria G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good stay and lovely grounds

Impressive converted church and lovely grounds. Internet could be much better but overall a great stay. The owners were very nice and welcoming. I highly recommend
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marcus Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A little bit of heaven

Collected my wife after a 10 day meditation and wanted somewhere quiet and dog friendly. Here was perfect combining a converted church to an exciting annex for us, the most sumptuous grounds located in an area of beauty with the required drinking holes too. Thank you Sarah
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible quirky space with beautiful gardens

The North Transept is a lovely and quirky part of a converted church (the main part of the church belongs to the host). The church is set within incredible gardens with a stunning view. The space is brilliant with the mezzanine floor above the bathroom and kitchen, with brilliant high ceilings and completely cozy. The kitchen has all the utensils to cook (if you choose to)! We didn't use the bath, but the shower was lovely and hot, ideal to start the day with. A very highly recommended stay.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay

Sarah makes you feel like you are home. It’s absolutely fantastic place and is perfect. Our second stay and hopefully will be a third. Highly recommend
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Old Church

We had a lovely, relaxing couple of nights away for our 13th anniversary. A beautiful building set in lovely grounds.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing holiday

We were looking for a special location to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, The Old Church didn't disappoint and we loved our week there with our dog. The house and gardens are beautiful and Sarah & Philip were perfect hosts. We will be going back for sure. This was a 10 / 10 holiday.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chloe H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place

Great hosts, incredible property. So unusual and beautiful
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karla F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect break away

What a wonderful unique place to stay it’s been done up over the years by the owners. So much love and hard work must of gone into what they have today. The north trancept was so warm and cozy perfect for a relaxing stay which was what we wanted. Spotlessly clean and full of everything you’d need. Sarah was so helpful right from the start and there golden retriever was adorable our dog certainly made a friend. Thank you for having us
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adrian L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Holiday

I stayed here for 3 weeks and had a great holiday. Sarah and Peter were excellent hosts and I found the accommodation very comfortable and cosy. It is great walking country and I particularly enjoyed visiting the Neolithic sites around Avebury. I would give North Transept a strong recommendation
Stayed 21 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wiktoria P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location and peaceful stay

This property was amazing, it was a very cosy stay with great views. The hosts were incredibly accommodating, meaning that we had everything we needed and more. Highly recommend :)
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ben N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

Amazing building, beautiful gardens, superb location, fantastic hosts, warm and stunning inside the property - really couldnt ask for more. 100% would like to stay again the next time we are in this area of the country.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gwyneth M., Poole

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A haven of tranquility

An absolutely stunning property, beautifully maintained by the owners. Host Sarah was warm and welcoming and ensured we had everything we needed for our stay. The peace and quiet of the area was exactly what we were looking for, but shops, pubs and restaurants are all within a 10 minute drive. We particularly liked the George Inn at Sandy Lane for food. We plan to come back to the North Transept next year as it was such a relaxing stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

Very clean, well equipped and comfy
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Douglas M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquil

Beautiful, very tranquil peaceful relaxing that's just the outside... inside is at it appears on the photos..lovely.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debbie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved every second of our stay

We had three nights and will be back for a week next time. Sarah and Peter were perfect hosts and would do anything for you. The North Consept was fantastic and the gardens were beautiful. We spent a lot of our time in the gardens with our border collie. Our break was so relaxing and just what we needed. Lots of lovely places nearby so its a perfect base. We loved it!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Steve C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning Property and location

Lovely welcome from Sarah, Pete and the dogs. The church is a stunning building set in lovely gardens. The North Transept is a really nice place to chill out but still within easy reach of the villages around 10 mins away. It's well equipped and really quirky. Would love to come back when down this way again as we and our two chihuahuas loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Sarah

Host profile image
We’re originally from London but moved to Wiltshire over 35 years ago. We love hosting as it enables us to meet people from all over the UK and of the world. We will welcome you on arrival and take you round to the North Transept where house manual details are available to explain about the space and surroundings. We also provide information on things to do and where to eat locally. There will be someone around or contactable in case of any problems, or to advise you on local amenities or provide any other help.

Why they chose this property

We bought a deconsecrated church in 1985 and used to come down from London and stay in an old mobile home that weekends. We eventually decided that Wiltshire was much nicer than London so started the conversion work in 1988. The locality is glorious with beautiful countryside and lots to see in the local area.

What makes this property unique

The North Transept Is quite unique – a beautiful self contained annex to a really lovely Victorian gothic church

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests