A 200-year-old former chapel once at the centre of the Welsh Revivalist movement has found a new owner to revive its fortunes after selling at auction.
Tucked away in the sleepy South Wales valleys village of Bedlinog, closed Salem Chapel offers scope for a new life as a spacious home or outdoor recreation centre, subject to planning consent.
The detached, white washed the grade II listed chapel, which dates from 1830 and rebuilt in 1876, is presented for sale almost as it served its last worshippers.
Listed with a guide price of just £11,000, far less than the cost of a decent second hand car, the lot sold for £14,500 attracting 13 bids.
Sean Roper, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions said: “The towering former chapel is at the heart of the semi rural village. It is in desperate need of an uplift for it to attain its full potential.
“The chapel has a wealth of wooden fixtures and retains its pews and pulpit however there is clear evidence in parts, particularly in some areas of the ceiling and roofing, that there is a need for some attention.
“The historic chapel, on the main road through the village, is in a stunning location surrounded by some awesome countryside.
“It’s in a great location in the village and falls within the Cwm Felin designated conservation area. The village itself is surrounded by a wealth of popular walks and cycling routes. The Rock UK Summit Centre is at Trelewis.
“There is an entrance foyer with stairs from it on both sides leading up to a seated gallery, pulpit and store room. Outside is a graveyard to the front and access to the vestry.”
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