North Transept - part our converted Victorian Gothic church
The North Transept is a self-contained annex of our Victorian Gothic church, The Old Church. LThe 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. She is 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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
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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
About the area
Chippenham
Located in Chippenham, this apartment is in a rural area. Lacock Abbey and Calne Heritage Centre 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.
Bowood Golf & Country Club - 10 min drive - 5.7 km
Lacock Abbey - 11 min drive - 6.4 km
Getting around
Melksham Station - 18 min drive
Bristol International Airport (BRS) - 80 min drive
Restaurants
Acropolis - 10 min drive
The Bear (Wetherspoon) - 9 min drive
Red Lion - 9 min drive
Water Meadow - 8 min drive
McDonald's - 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).
How much does it cost to stay at North Transept - part our converted Victorian Gothic church?
As of 3 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at North Transept - part our converted Victorian Gothic church on 25 July 2026 start from AU$200, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at North Transept - part our converted Victorian Gothic church?
On-site parking is available at the property.
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.
This is an amazing, cosy apartment in a tranquil rural environment with an impressive history. The hosts were very welcoming with great attention to detail throughout.There were generous provisions that enhanced the comfort of our stay. Guidelines were clear.We can highly recommend staying here and we would definitely return. Thank you.
The hosts, Sarah and Peter were extremely friendly and helpful.The accommodation exceeded our expectations in all respects and the location was perfect for us.It is ideally placed for walking without the need to use your car and yet it was a short drive to many lovely market towns, historic sites and pubs/restaurants.
Colin B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 June 2025
Thanks Colin – it was lovely to meet you both. I think we are very lucky to live in such a lovely part of the country!
From the moment we arrived to the moment we left the break exceeded our expectations Our hosts met us on arrival and after showing us the accommodation it was explained we were free to utilise the beautiful landscaped gardensThe property is within easy reach of Devizes, Chippenham, local pubs, several National Trust properties and the Kennet Avon Canal. Perfect location for our six day stayWould highly recommend and hope to revisit again
Attractive chapel conversion in a peaceful, rural setting. The welcoming owners have provided everything you could need - a comfortable bed, well equipped kitchen, continental breakfast ingredients and access to lovely garden. Lots of interesting towns and places to visit, as well as pubs and restaurants nearby.villages to explore nearby.
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.
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
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!
Quiet, peaceful and beautiful property and gardens
Hosts were lovely and very welcoming. Beautiful accommodation set in a large garden which was equally as beautiful. Very peaceful when you want to relax and get away from it, but Devizes and Chippenham a short drive away. The dog loved it and was enjoyed meeting Taya, the owners dog. Would 100% recommend.
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
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.
Sarah greeted us on arrival and provided us with all the info needed for our stay. We found her very friendly. We visited with the doggo who made friends with kaya the dog. We were very lucky with the weather meaning we fully explored the garden - beautiful. Very quiet and peaceful. The property had everything needed to be self sufficient. Would definitely visit again. :)
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.
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
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!!!!
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.
Eric v.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
About the host
Hosted by Sarah
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