Transforming a Historic Welsh Chapel
The Great Pottery Throw Down judge Keith Brymer Jones and actor Marj Hogarth are undertaking the renovation of a 163-year-old chapel located in north Wales.
They are featured in the third series of a programme, Our Welsh Chapel Dream, which documents their efforts to convert Capel Salem in Pwllheli on the Llŷn Peninsula into their ideal residence.
Keith and Marj purchased the property for £200,000 in cash in September 2022 and have been living there for over a year. Despite settling in, they continue to work on extensive renovations.
Keith mentioned that while working on the property, they often encounter fans who drive by to see the progress. Marj noted that some locals have even invited them out for a drink.
Keith explained that his search for a new home began during the lockdown period, focusing on unconventional properties such as old petrol stations, cinemas, and libraries.
"This chapel came up in north Wales, in a place I couldn't pronounce, which I can pronounce now... we both can."
He described the chapel as "looking amazing" and being priced within their budget.
"We knew it was derelict, it would have been unoccupied for 14 years, but we jumped in the car and went to have a look at it, and that was that really."
Keith also expressed a personal connection, stating it felt like returning to his roots since his parents hailed from Swansea and Cardiff.
Marj, who had never visited north Wales before, discovered that her father, a marine engine salesman, had Pwllheli as his sales territory.
Community and History of the Chapel
The couple expressed a strong sense of belonging in Pwllheli, stating:
"It's not just the individual people, it's the whole unspoken ethos about community here. It's really lovely.
There's a certain level of acceptance of all people. They're all very honest with you."
Regarding preserving the chapel's history, Marj emphasized the need for careful consideration.
Over the years, the chapel has hosted weddings, funerals, christenings, and even piano lessons.
"Everyone has a story to tell about the building, and that's really lovely, but you have to be respectful of that as well.
You walk a fine line between understanding people's emotional connection and creating something that's sustainable."
The renovation project has been described as "mammoth" and is documented on their show. They identified the most significant challenges as dealing with bird droppings and dry rot.
"We had a load of pigeon guano in the studio hall, or the Sunday school hall, and you literally couldn't walk in there.
Your eyes would stream from the ammonia. It was mad.
The second and the most ongoing challenge is dry rot in the building,"Keith added.
"It's so clever, and it gets everywhere."
"We're kind of up to skip 53 of dry rot, so we're winning the battle now."
Despite these difficulties, they find the process creatively stimulating and appreciate undertaking it together.
Settling in for the Long Term
Keith and Marj have attracted considerable attention from viewers of their show who visit Pwllheli.
"They drive down and turn their head to see if they can see us. I'm usually lifting something in the yard, bags of clay or whatever," Keith said.
"There was this couple, they'd obviously been to a campsite for the week, and the car came screeching to a halt outside the gate. A woman got out and said 'Oh my God, it's you! It's you! Can I take a picture?'
She nearly got run over by another car."
Due to the volume of visitors, the couple placed a sign on their gates stating:
"We get 60 to 80 people a day. If we see you in the yard, we'll wave, but we can't stop and say hello to everyone because we won't get anything done."
Keith confirmed that the property is intended as their permanent residence.
"We're here for good."
