Right now it still looks much as it did when it opened more than a century ago
Rummage around on Rightmove or Zoopla at any one time and you are likely to find a few disused chapels or churches for sale. Some are abandoned and empty and some can offer a range of features from its religious past still inside.
Although usually priced at an eye-catching figure for the size of the building, or an auction guide price that might tempt a punt, most chapels and churches on the market do not offer something very valuable – planning consent for conversion.
Wander along the main road through the Carmarthenshire village of Penygroes just a few miles north of Llanelli and at the crossroads you will find the Welsh independent Capel Pengroes.For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.
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According to website Coflein the site’s first chapel was built in 1825 and then extended and rebuilt in 1842, 1883, and 1914. So the location has seen a lot of change and is about to maybe see some more as the building is for sale for £180,000 with planning permission to create seven dwellings inside.
The present chapel, dated 1914, was built in the Arts and Craft style with a gable entry plan, rubble stone walls with a plaster facing, a slate roof, two storeys, and flat-headed windows with coloured glass and it still looks remarkably similar all these decades later to the day it opened.
Inside the chapel offers a frozen-in-time vibe, with pews, pulpit, and the impressive organ still present as well as an eye-catching barrel ceiling with fancy plasterwork and decorative coving.
All the pews are still in place as though still waiting for the congregation to turn up and take a seat and the pulpit sits below the very impressive organ.
In 2024 a planning application was submitted by Daniel Davies of DJ & ME Davies Rental to convert the now unused chapel, which closed in 2002, into seven flats.
Mr Davies noted at that time on the application that there is another chapel, Calfaria Chapel, on the same site but in a different area, which is currently being used by residents and is not part of the submitted plans.
The proposal stated that the application respected the building’s history and location and treated it as if it were listed despite it not being so. This is due to its visibility from surrounding areas and its historical use as a cemetery.
The plans did not include any changes to the surrounding area or the addition of a car park. Instead there are provisions for bike storage and encouragement for residents to utilise public transport given the proximity of local amenities.
In June 2025 the final set of plans were granted full planning permission under the application reference PL/06099, which can still be viewed on Carmarthenshire County Council’s planning portal.
Now this major hurdle has been cleared the chapel offers the next owner to make the plans into reality and create the seven homes inside while retaining as much of the chapel’s character and charm as possible.
The approved plans include three spacious flats on the ground floor, three on the first floor, and a large penthouse-style flat on the top level providing a variety of layouts to appeal to investors and owner-occupiers.
The estate agent selling the chapel says: ‘This unique property is being sold as seen, retaining a wealth of stunning period features including original pews, a magnificent pipe organ, and beautiful architectural details that reflect its rich heritage. These features provide the perfect foundation for a sympathetic restoration blending historic character with modern design.
‘Set within a desirable location the chapels present an exciting development prospect with enormous potential for creating luxury residences full of charm and individuality. A truly rare opportunity to bring new life to an iconic landmark property.”
The chapel is now on the market for £180,000 with John Francis, Ammanford. Call 01269 790034 to find out more. For more property, renovation, and interior design stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.
