The Old Chapel, The Hill, Cumbria, LA18 5JN

Welcome to The Old Chapel, The Hill, Millom, LA18 5JN

Originally constructed as a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in the late 19th century, this remarkable property stands as a lasting testament to Cumbria’s rich industrial and cultural heritage. Built to serve a growing community during the height of the West Cumbrian iron ore boom, the chapel formed an integral part of village life, providing not only a place of worship but a central hub for social gatherings, education, and community events. 

In more recent years, the building has been thoughtfully and sympathetically converted into a unique private residence, carefully balancing character and practicality. The conversion has preserved the charm and integrity of the original structure, with its traditional stone construction, period proportions, and architectural features offering a wonderful sense of history and presence.

Set within the quiet and picturesque hamlet of The Hill, the property enjoys a peaceful rural atmosphere while remaining conveniently accessible to the nearby towns of Broughton in Furness and Millom. The surrounding area, once shaped by a thriving mining industry, now offers a tranquil lifestyle with scenic countryside and coastal views, coastal and woodland walks, and a strong sense of community.

This is a truly special home, ideal for purchasers seeking something out of the ordinary, combining heritage, individuality, and a story that is deeply rooted in the landscape. Properties of this nature rarely come to market, presenting a unique opportunity to acquire a characterful residence with both historical significance and enduring appeal.

Location
The Hill is a small hamlet on the Furness peninsula. Positioned to the south of the Lake District, life here offers all the advantages of easy access to the National Park but without the daily crowds and heavy traffic. 

Surrounded by fabulous open countryside and with enviable views, The Old Chapel offers an altogether quieter pace of life. This is surely the best of both worlds, visit on your terms, introduce family and friends to the delights of the Lake District; the dramatic fells, deep valleys, and picturesque villages, but return home to privacy, seclusion, peace and quiet. 

In terms of general amenities, there are two nearby village halls. The larger of the two, at Thwaites, offers a choice of activities; tennis, table tennis, indoor bowls, keep fit classes, toddler groups and a children’s playground. There are village social evenings and events throughout the year including a summer gala and bonfire night with fireworks. The Hill has a smaller hall with monthly social evenings with live music and films. 

The attractive Georgian market town of nearby Broughton in Furness has an impressive square at its centre and offers a range of local shops, including a butcher and traditional bakery, as well as cafes and pubs. 

Vendor insight: “Millom offers essential services including doctors’ surgery, dentist, pharmacies, post office, supermarkets, fuel station and a range of local shops and businesses including butchers, hairdressers, taxi services and various takeaways. A new leisure centre with swimming pool is scheduled to open in Autumn 2026.”

Step inside
Stepping through the front door, you are welcomed into a practical entrance porch, thoughtfully designed with charming window seats to either side, each incorporating useful storage beneath. This is an inviting and functional space that immediately sets the tone for the character within.

Beyond, the interior of the home continues to reflect its origins as a former Wesleyan Methodist chapel, with a wonderful sense of space and proportion reminiscent of its early 20th-century role as a focal point for village life. 

From the entrance porch, the accommodation unfolds to a well-proportioned double bedroom which is complemented by a separate modern shower room, finished to a high standard and is conveniently located for both residents and guests. From this part of the home, you approach the spacious open plan living room and dining area, including a convenient Hunter multi fuel clean burn stove and offering a wonderful sense of volume and light, with high ceilings and original features that reflect its past life as a community gathering place. A particularly striking and unique feature is the retained chapel pew, now cleverly incorporated into the dining area with a bespoke table crafted to fit perfectly around it, creating a memorable focal point that beautifully honors the building’s history. 

The kitchen is well-appointed, offering a practical space for everyday use, while a separate utility/boot room incorporates the oil fired Rayburn and provides additional storage, functionality and access to the garage, driveway and rear of the property. A great space for rural living and keeping the main living areas clutter-free. 

Upstairs, the principal bedroom provides a private retreat, with its own ensuite shower room. Adding further versatility is a mezzanine, currently used for additional guest sleeping and reading. This area is adaptable and could easily serve as a home office, or creative space, making it ideal for modern lifestyles and flexible working arrangements. This level continues to reflect the character of the original Old Chapel. 

Step outside
Externally, the property continues to impress, offering a maintained setting that complements the character of the former chapel. A driveway provides off-road parking for up to three vehicles, in addition to a garage that holds an additional vehicle plus storage to the rear, ensuring ample space for both residents and visitors.

The gardens have been thoughtfully arranged, with a lawned area bordered by a variety of established planting including poppies, lilies, bluebells, and a striking magnolia tree, alongside peonies and well-tended beds. 

Adding further charm, the original stone window sills have been cleverly repurposed to form a quaint outdoor bench placed near the pond—an ideal spot to sit and enjoy the surroundings while appreciating the building’s heritage. Stone pathways create a sense of flow and connection between the different garden areas.

For those with a passion for gardening or self-sufficiency, the inclusion of a Rhino greenhouse offers excellent growing potential alongside raised vegetable beds. Additional practical features include a concrete shed, log store, and designated areas for utilities such as the oil tank, electric meter, solar meter and outdoor clothes drying area.

Services
Mains electricity and water. Oil fired central heating, from oil tank located in rear garden. 4Khw 16 panel Solar system and Solar i-Boost for hot water heating have been installed reducing energy consumption and costs. Double glazed windows installed throughout.

Drainage to a private septic tank located in the adjacent field.  

Mobile and broadband services
Fibre is now available in The Hill but not yet connected to the property.

For information on broadband and mobile services at the property, we advise prospective purchasers to consult the Ofcom website: checker.ofcom.org.uk  

Local Authority charges
Copeland – Council Tax band E.

Tenure
Freehold

Included in the sale
Fitted carpets, curtains, curtain poles, blinds, light fittings and domestic appliances as follows: integrated Neff double oven.

Available by way of further negotiation are all large furniture items and white goods.

Directions
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Download the what3words App or go online for directions straight to the property. 

Anti Money Laundering Regulations (AML)
Due to the Money Laundering Regulations, now officially known as Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017 we are required to follow government legislation and carry out identification checks on all purchasers. We use a specialist third party company to conduct these checks at a charge of £48 inclusive of VAT per buyer once an offer has been accepted and you will be unable to proceed with the purchase of the property until these checks have been carried out. This charge is non-refundable.