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
-
Vertigo at Victoria Falls, a sunset surrounded by lions and swimming in the Nile: A journey from Cape Town to Cairo
Why do we travel and who inspires us to do so? Chris Wallace went in search of answers on his own epic journey the length of Africa.
By Christopher Wallace Published
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River Tay
Carnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
By James Fisher Published
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River Tay
Carnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
By James Fisher Published
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country Life
We take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producers
Stormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in Kent
North Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
By James Fisher Published
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streets
This six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
By James Fisher Published
-
A tale of everyday life as lived on Britain's most expensive street
Winnington Road in Hampstead has an average house price of £11.9 million. But what's it really like? Lotte Brundle went to find out.
By Lotte Brundle Last updated
-
Damon Hill's former home in Marbella is the perfect place to slow down
The glorious Andalusian-style villa is found within the Lomas de Marbella Club and just a short walk from the beach.
By James Fisher Published
-
A 327-acre estate in the heart of 'England’s Côte d’Or', with a 26,000sq ft Georgian style home at its heart
Stokes Hall in the Crouch Valley is an inspiring property looking for a new owner.
By Penny Churchill Published