Former chapels to go under the hammer at auction

Prospective buyers dreaming of converting a disused church or chapel into a home or business could find their opportunity at a Shropshire auction next month.

Two former Methodist places of worship with conversion potential are among 16 lots in a property and land auction being held on 1 May.

Both properties are being sold on behalf of Shropshire & Marches Methodist Circuit.

Bettisfield Methodist Church, near Whitchurch, has a guide price of £30,000 to £40,000, while the value of Blackford Methodist Church, near Ludlow, has been placed at £10,000 to £20,000.

Allen Gittins, chairman of auctioneers Halls, said both buildings had "great potential for a variety of alternative usages", including homes, holiday accommodation, office space, a gym or meeting rooms, subject to planning permission.

Bettisfield Methodist Church is a former Primitive Ebenezer chapel, built in 1879, and still has original features like a vaulted ceiling and timber pulpit.

Its height gives it scope for a second floor, subject to consent, the auctioneer said. It has a chapel space, vestry, kitchen and bathroom, with outside parking and a patio garden area.

The village of Bettisfield is known for its walks, the auctioneer added, and is within eight miles of Ellesmere, Wem and Whitchurch.

Grade II-listed Blackford Methodist Chapel dates from 1869, and is set in a quiet location on the side of Brown Clee Hill.

Measuring 5.23 x 7.67m (17 x 25ft), the chapel has original features like stained glass windows, timber panelling, pews, a timber pulpit and Calor gas lighting. It also has a porch.

The nearest towns, Ludlow and Bridgnorth, are about 11.5 miles (18.5 km) away.

Gittins said both properties had "great potential" for development.

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