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 250 sq m

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

Add dates for prices

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

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. 110 out of 114 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 114 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 114 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 114 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 114 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Miguel G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful place
Wonderful stay, beautiful property and service was outstanding. We highly recommend this place. Sarah and Peter were very nice and helpful. We got a warm welcoming from their super sweet pets.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Shirley H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet Country Getaway
Beautiful building, location good for exploring the area. Hosts friendly and helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 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

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

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

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

Paul M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this lovely property, it's amazing grounds!
Overall a lovely time away. The property is so nice, and different from the usual! Beautiful grounds as well, and very nice and friendly hosts, could not beat this! We also enjoyed going to lots of National Trust properties, all within easy reach! Just a great week away!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

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

Petra P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Little gem
An absolutely lovely spot. Lots to do and see nearby. Wonderful holiday home with notjing to be missed. Owners' pets are adorable. Would love to stay again.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Astrid H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful stay
We enjoyed meeting the hosts and hearing about their renovations of the old church. Their English garden is beautiful and their home was near to Bath, Avebury, and Stonehenge. Thank you to Peter and Sarah for sharing their home with us. It was the perfect finale to our time in UK.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

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

Robert F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
5 Star apartment in a small village
Spacious apartment with full kitchen! Renovated historical church. Very cozy and warm. Wonderful surroundings with plenty of areas for hiking. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at North Transept with Sarah and Peter! They made us feel welcome and were available for recommendations for sights in the area. 5 star and highly recommended! Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

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

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

Lieuwe Z., Heemstede

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful stay at The Old Church in Chittoe
We (my wife Machteld, our Tollerdog Auke and I) had a wonderful stay in The Old Church in Chittoe, Wiltshire. A very special place, good facilities, a wonderful garden and park fully at your disposal and a host who cares for you and gives you advises where to go. Sara and Peter are wonderful hosts!!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A perfect stay in Wiltshire
The location, the old church is a beautiful and luxurious place to stay. Sarah and Peter are very kind hosts and willing to help and give advice about places you like to visit. The garden is the paradise of Eden, well maintained and for our three Ladies a perfect place to play. We will be back one day, for sure.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Philip T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Gem
We were looking for a peaceful spot in which to relax. This seemed ideal and indeed it was. Sarah was the perfect host and the whole experience has encouraged us to return for another visit, but in the summer next time. Next timed we will probably stay longer.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

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

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

James J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful Honeymoon
The grounds are gorgeous and the building itself has been very meticulously maintained and upgraded over time. The owners have been letting this spot out for a long time and the experience shows in how well everything provided is thought out. Very peaceful location, absolutely beautiful church/house, and fantastic host. Very responsive and full of advice for 2 americans who have never been out of the US before
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

Wonderful, tranquil place to stay.
We stayed here for just two days but wished we had booked a longer stay. The accommodations are just perfect with everything we needed but what we enjoyed most was the location and scenery. We took a daily walk down the road and enjoyed the English countryside. The grounds around the church are beautiful as well. Sarah and Peter were very helpful and welcoming. We hope to come back one day and stay here again! Thanks Sarah and Peter for a lovely stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2017

10/10 Excellent

Maria Celeste C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Too short
Sarah and Peter are amazing...the home peaceful..the grounds priceless...too short our visit..a peaceful restorative stay Thank you xxxoo
Stayed 2 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