A converted university building becomes a Hampstead mansion, with a price tag to match
The Chapel at the Hampstead Estate is a gorgeous restoration project, completed to the highest standard. Alexandra Fraser takes a look inside.


‘Jewel in the crown’ is a phrase saved for the crème de la crème of an estate agent’s portfolio. It is therefore extremely prudent, especially for those interested in the property market, to pay attention whenever it is applied.
Take The Chapel in the Hampstead Manor estate, for instance. Dating back to 1928, the neo-Grecian property was diligently refurbished by Bowler James Brindley (and Suna Interior Design, alongside A&Q Partnership) and is now on the market for £7.5 million through Mount Anvil and Knight Frank.
Originally a part of the Westfield Women’s College, The interestingly-named The Chapel was always a non-denominational space, originally built as a safe space to reflect and find inspiration. Regrettably, the building fell into disuse in the most romantic sense of the word, complete with ivy roots endangering the foundations and a collapsing roof.
Only a complete disassembly of the building and a diligent rebuild would do, and this is exactly what took place.
An open-plan living, dining and kitchen space with triple height ceilings seemed to do the trick. A separate mezzanine level sits above the kitchen and media room – a bespoke Patrick Schroeter 12 ft art-deco bronze chandelier hangs in the centre.
The master suite is located off the main property. As can be expected of a house at this price point, the suite comes with a large dressing room, en-suite and terrace. Three further bedrooms await up the stairs, two of which benefit from private terraces themselves.
‘Hampstead Manor is located on a leafy road in NW3, one of the most desirable postcodes in London’ say Mount Anvil. The development boasts 156 units, from studios to homes like this one, a mixture of restored, historic buildings and new builds.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
The development comes with a range of amenities – a 24 concierge service, underground parking, a town car service, communal gardens and a leisure complex complete with a pool, sauna, steam room and gym.
‘Being part of an historic renovation like The Chapel is a huge honour,' says Rebecca Hunt, Director at Suna Interior Design. ‘We’ve created a sense of opulence, with several bespoke hero pieces that enhance the striking original features of the building.’
The next owner is sure to benefit from their elegant touches and enjoy living in such a vibrant part of London.
Credit: Strutt & Parker
26 magnificent homes, as seen in Country Life
We take a look at some of the most beautiful homes for sale in Britain right now, including wonderful townhouses
Credit: Strutt & Parker
A seven-bedroom mansion for the price of a south London flat
Many of us dream of swapping a city flat for a mansion in the country - and this extraordinary property,
A chance to live in the Gothic mansion just outside London where JFK and the Queen Mother once partied
This incredible apartment in a huge 19th century house within the M25 has had some astonishing visitors. If only the
Credit: Knight Frank
An eight-bedroom mansion with 28 acres plus fishing rights, at the price of a small London flat
Whether it's sold in its entirety or in four lots, the Glen Lonan estate is as stunning as the Highlands
Credit: Bell Ingram
An eight-bedroom mansion on the shores of Loch Ness for the price of a one-bedroom flat in South London
Foyer's Bay is a majestic 19th century home set in beautiful grounds beside Loch Ness at a price which might
Credit: Savills
The five most expensive homes in London, from a listed townhouse in St James's Park to a palatial mansion in Hampstead
It's mind-boggling to think of price-tags this high, but if there is any place for them, it's London.
Why those 'win a house for £10' raffles should come with a health warning
Too good to be true? Eleanor Doughty investigates the trend for sale by raffle and explains why you should always
-
Why British designers dream up the most desirable hotels
When it comes to hotel design, the Brits do it best, says Giles Kime.
By Giles Kime Published
-
The five minute guide to 'The Great Gatsby', a century on from its publication
'The Great Gatsby' sold poorly the year it was published, but, in the following century, it went on to become a cornerstone of world literature.
By Carla Passino Published
-
Five beautiful homes, from a barn conversion to an island treasure, as seen in Country Life
Our pick of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in recent days include a wonderful thatched home in Devon and a charming red-brick house with gardens that run down to the water's edge.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The finest interiors in Edinburgh? A seven-bedroom townhouse furnished by Robert Kime comes to market
Situated on one of the New Town's grandest terraces, this four-storey property is a collector's dream.
By James Fisher Published
-
A Grade II*-listed country manor with one of the most beautiful drawing rooms in England
If Old Manor Farm in Somerset is good enough for Pevsner, it's good enough for you.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
An eight-bedroom home in Surrey where an army of robots will look after your lawns
Do not fear the bladed guardians of Monksfield House. They are here to help.
By James Fisher Published
-
A French castle for sale on the banks of the Dordogne? With a swimming pool? Where do we sign?
This chateau in Lalinde is nothing short of a historical delight in the south of France. And it comes fully furnished.
By James Fisher Last updated
-
Sip your morning tea where Churchill once paced, as his former Pimlico home comes up for sale
The five-bedroom flat in Eccleston Square offers ‘historical gravitas and modern comfort’ in a leafy pocket of London.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
Live a life of Tudor fancy in this five-bedroom London home with links to Cardinal Wolsey and Henry VIII
Fans of Wolf Hall rejoice, as a rare chance to own a Tudor home inside the M25 comes to market.
By James Fisher Published
-
Murder, intrigue and 'the magic of a bygone era' at this eight-bedroom home set in 25 acres of Devon countryside
Upcott Barton is a family home steeped in history and comes with more than 5,000sq ft of living space.
By Penny Churchill Published