Chapel Studio

Downhead, Somerset
Self-catering
+44 (0)1373 836865
Visit owner's website

£120
per night
£700
per week

A grand piano to play and a delicious bed to sink into, at this cool, arty bolthole near Frome. For those who love spaciousness and peace

Bed

1 bed

Bedroom

1 bedroom

Sleeps

Sleeps 2

Pets welcome
Babies welcome

£120 per night

£700 per week

The Experience

A charming old chapel built in 1863. There’s gravel at the front, seating space to the side – almost a walled garden feel; with just a couple of neighbours, you’re nicely private. Walk in to a lofty, airy living space with stripped floors and contemporary pieces, half-shutters diffusing light from arched chapel windows, and black and white portraits on pristine white walls: Lord Bath in one corner, Damien Hirst in another, an intriguing private collection.

The kitchen is ready for budding chefs and you’ll find wine waiting, the sleek bathroom is warm underfoot, and the bedroom is up on the mezzanine – a comfy big bed, beautiful side tables, lots of photographs of famous people and a sofa to admire them from.

Close by is Frome, historic market town popular with London escapees and Longleat is nearby for Elizabethan architecture – and lions. Come home to sumptuous bubbles to soak in, and much comfort.

Chapel Studio - Gallery

We think you'll love

  • Being surrounded by such lovely photographs, artwork and cool furniture
  • Dropping into the market in Frome, buying lots of good food and bringing it back to cook
  • Walking in the Mendips, exploring little villages, stopping at pubs
Chapel Studio - Gallery

You should know

  • The bathroom is downstairs, the bedroom up
  • You can park outside on the lane or there is one parking space over the road

Essentials

  • EV charger
  • Self check-in
  • Swimming pool
  • Hot tub
  • Garden
  • Open fire / woodburner
  • Breakfast included
  • Breakfast available
  • Meals available
  • Vegetarian meals
  • Oven
  • Parking on premises
  • Free parking nearby
  • Accessible by public transport
  • WiFi
  • Television
  • Central heating
  • Limited mobility
  • Wheelchair access
  • Mobile reception
  • Hob
  • Barbecue
  • Paid parking nearby
  • Air conditioning
  • Relaxation areas
  • Washing machine
  • Tennis court
  • Microwave oven
  • No smoking
  • Credit cards
  • Working farm
  • Owner has pets
  • Electricity included
  • Dishwasher
  • Pets welcome

Family friendly

  • Baby monitor
  • Books and toys
  • Children welcome
  • Babies welcome
  • Stair gates
  • High chair
  • Fire guard
  • Cot available

Nearby

  • Pub/bar within 3 miles
  • Restaurant within 3 miles
  • Shop within 3 miles

Activities

  • Bikes available
  • Food courses
  • Kayaking
  • Other courses
  • Sailing
  • Surfing
  • Wild swimming

Pricing

Nightly price
£120
Weekly price
£700
Damage deposit
£95
Surcharges
£20 per dog/child.
1 Cottage for 2
£1201 bed1 bedroom

Information

Booking information

Check in
From 4pm
Check out
By 10am
Other details
Minimum stay: 3 nights, £360.
Closed
Never.
No smoking
Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.
Dogs

Dogs welcome, £30 per dog.

Reviews

Chapel Studios, a charming and comfortable place to stay in the hamlet of Downhead. The space is light and airy with an extremely comfortable bed on the mezzanine floor. We were left fruit, biscuits and wine to enjoy during our stay. There is plenty of information on the local attractions and local pubs and restaurants. We had a lovely stay in a peaceful part of Somerset.

Lesley, London

Our first use of Sawdays for self-catering. The area holds memories of childhood campsites, but 40 years later the limbs need something softer - and the words ‘chapel’ and ‘piano’ clinched it. The Studio is a peaceful escape, even in the rain, and you don’t have to be in to TV or photographs to get a kick out of staying here – the intrigue of a mezzanine bedroom, spacious bathroom and kitchen all within an ex-chapel are lure enough. It’s humbling how people will put their property at the disposal of complete strangers. Try the Jack & Jill Trail (Kilmersdon) and The 3 Horseshoes (Chapmanslade).

Stephen, Wokingham

Chapel Studio is small, romantic and stylish, located in the lovely hamlet of Downhead : the perfect location for couples who want to get away and relax in the country with lots to do in the area!

Elisa, Sawday's Inspector

We had a wonderful stay in this beautiful chapel. It has been wonderfully refurbished and it is accented with some really stylish pieces which add to the joy of staying here. Everything you need is supplied but it is not cluttered in anyway. The bed is comfortable the shower is good and the kitchen is well equipped. Helen was extremely helpful when we had a few small queries. We hope to be back in the not too distant future.

Isla, Buxton

Beautiful accommodation in idyllic Somerset countryside. Well equipped and very interesting. Ideal for a get away from it all break.

Jane, Stratford-upon-Avon

My husband and I stayed in this delightful and well equipped property to celebrate his birthday over a long weekend. The attention to detail and the thoughtful extras that greeted us on arrival helped to make our stay thoroughly enjoyable. The Chapel Studio is well placed to visit local attractions and is in a very peaceful setting. We will definitely be recommending this property to family and friends.

Ian, Hereford

We had such a lovely, peaceful stay in this beautiful building. It is a very special place and we'll remember our weekend there happily.

Mary, Oxford

A delightful and peaceful place to stay. The under floor heating and grand piano make it great place to come back to after a day out, or to hunker down when the weather is wild.

Richard, Market Harborough

I spent a beautiful weekend at Chapel Studio. I had been looking for somewhere quiet to have a retreat, where I could play the piano, do some composing and enjoy some walking. The Studio is a tranquil, inspiring space, and designed simply and elegantly. Helen provided an excellent service, providing useful information about the house and local area. Fresh eggs and a chocolate brownie on arrival was a lovely and much appreciated touch. I am already hoping to make a return visit - possibly for another piano retreat, or perhaps for a romantic weekend with my husband.

Kate, London

Just spent a blissful long weekend at the Chapel. We loved the style and atmosphere created by its very helpful owners and the facilities are all excellent (the bed is very comfortable!). The Chapel is well situated for sightseeing around Somerset - Frome and the Hauser and Wirth gallery in Bruton are must see places.

Ian, London

We Have just spent a wonderful week in this lovely Chapel. It is surrounded by the most beautiful countryside with a pretty peaceful garden to sit and relax in. The Chapel just wraps itself around you as soon as you open it’s door and step inside. It is just so welcoming and homely. Immaculately clean with every facility you need. Graham loved the Piano which he played everyday and hated leaving. Just the most perfect holiday.

Chris, Cambridge

We were lucky enough to spend 3 nights in the Chapel Studio, thanks to Helen. This is a completely charmed dwelling, with absolutely everything you might need, including a grand piano! I brought books, my violin, food to cook, and then hardly had to leave. There are great walks nearby, but this is an ideal place to hunker down when the weather is bad as the property has been exquisitely furnished with no detail left out! Underfloor heating, great shower, comfortable bed with quality linens. I am looking for an opportunity to come back soon!

Sanna, Devon

A wonderful peaceful place to stay ,very comfortable accommodation . 5star

Dawn, Horsham

Beautifully presented property, with all the amenities that you could wish for, at a high standard. Convenient for places to visit in and around Somerset whether that be visiting Bath, Salisbury or even Stonehenge; you'll be spoilt for things to do! Then upon your return, settle back down into the comfy sofa or entertain yourself with a tickle on the ivories. Your host can also provide the services of a chef, if you don't feel like cooking - so remember to ask. The food was delicious! If you are looking for a really special place, then Chapel Studio definitely ticks all of the boxes.

Joe, Birmingham

An absolute gem. All of the home comforts encapsulated in an inspirational space. You will be torn between going out to the beautiful countryside, stunning towns and cities and truly great nearby eateries or just visiting the deli and wine merchant and staying in. It more than met our expectations and the owners have put a lot of thought and effort into making it a destination you will want to return too. We will look forward to our next trip there.

Alison

The Chapel is a charming little book from which to explore Somerset. It's tastefully decorated, and feels a lot more spacious that it look from the outside and it had everything we needed. After a day of sightseeing, it was a lovely haven to come back to and relax. Helen was a tremendous host and even went he extra mile in getting us gluten-free products in the we me basket. It's a real gem!

Chris

What a find! Idyllic location, which was within easy reach of plenty to see and do. The chapel was beautifully decorated with great facilities and lots of added extras to make you feel at home - particularly liked the chocolate brownie in the welcome hamper and the fresh flowers. Helen and Tim were an absolute pleasure to deal with. All in all, a fantastic holiday - we will definitely be back!

Gemma

Believe the photos, this place is as good as it looks. You feel at home right away and the welcome pack left by Helen is, well, most welcome! You will feel splendidly isolated yet are so conveniently situated for so many great days out - Bath, Wells, Sourhead, Stone Henge and Cheddar George to name but a few. This property was recommended to us and we pass on that recommendation without hesitation.

Robert

The studio is comfortable and well-equipped - a great place to come back to after a day exploring the area, We made good use of the OS map provided to discover walks in the immediate locality. In particular we'd recommend walking via Asham Wood and the East Mendip Way to the excellent restaurant at The Grange in Whatley. We also enjoyed a stretch of the Leland Trail, starting at Redlynch and ending up in the grounds of Stourhead.

Lynne

What a beautiful cottage, very aesthetically pleasing and tasteful, keeping the feel of the original chapel. We loved the bathroom, huge bath and very hot water and it's the first time we've slept on a mezzanine floor, it's gorgeous with a huge bed and sumptuous bedding. We actually unexpectedly cooked each evening as it was very cosy and we were happy to relax and stay put in the hideaway. We definitely visit again, Bath and Frome are lovely, we just ran out of time when work beckoned once more! Highly recommend it, nice welcome package too, thank you.

Claire

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Location

The neighbourhood

The sleepy little hamlet feels remote - there is no pub, or shops but the 14th-century church is worth exploring. You're surrounded by farmland on the edge of the Mendip hills, so walks and cycles are sublime. Mells is 3 miles for the wonderful Walled Garden (wood-fired pizzas from Wednesday to Sunday in the summer months) and The Talbot Inn for excellent food, especially Sunday lunches. Wells is 10 miles, Bath 16.

Local points of interest from Helen Mercer

  • Near Frome with interesting artisan shops. The Independent Supermarket on the first Sunday of each month which fills the town with stalls of local food, designer & makers goods and a flea market. Also home to the two week Frome Festival in July.
  • Places of interest: Cheddar caves, Wookey hole, Longleat and the Safari Park, Glastonbury Torr, Stourhead and Stonehenge
  • Easy Access to the beautiful Bath city with its stunning architecture and Thermae Bath spa, also to Bristol, and the City of Wells.
  • Close to lovely walking countryside on the Mendips and the sustrans cycle route.
  • Situated in a quiet hamlet away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Close to Frome - home to the wonderful summer music festival in July and the monthly artisan markets. And Bruton with At The Chapel Restaurant and Hauser & Wirth gallery, Roth Bar grill and gorgeous gardens by Piet Oudolf.

Introducing

Helen Mercer

Helen is a graphic designer. She used the place as an office for years, then decided to move out and was using it as storage space for unwanted furniture. She realised that the place was too pretty to be used as storage so decided to renovate it and open it to guests in 2014. Her husband Tim is a gifted photographer, as you will see.