Following the completion of the Old House Project, led by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), a Grade II* listed former chapel in Kent is ready to embark on a new beginning as a three-bedroom home and is now looking for new owners.
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is delighted to have provided SPAB with a £500,000 Heritage Impact Fund loan to cover the repair of St Andrew’s Chapel and support the wider Old House Project. This Heritage Impact Fund loan was made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.
Dating from the 15th century, the former St Andrew’s Chapel in Sandling, near Maidstone, was originally part of the outer precinct of Boxley Abbey. From the 16th to the 20th century, the building was used as housing and the village post office. However, at the time of its purchase by SPAB in November 2018, it had been vacant for 50 years and was suffering from significant damage as a result of vandalism and neglect.
Images: On the left, an old postcard of St Andrew's Chapel circa 1910. Postcard from local resident, Jeff Foggo. On the right, an overgrown St Andrew's Chapel in 2018. Credit - SPAB.
Working with Historic England, Kent Archaeological Society, local people and the council, SPAB set out on the Old House Project - an extended repair project to return St Andrew’s to a habitable residence.
Delivered over almost seven years, the project has brought this characterful medieval building back to life using the very best conservation knowledge, methods and materials. This is a fantastic example of what can be done to sensitively repair an 'at risk' historic building and transform it into a comfortable home for modern lives.
Image: St Andrew's Chapel in May 2025. Credit - Matthew Slocombe.
Education, volunteering and community engagement have also been a focal point of this project. Working in partnership with colleges and universities, SPAB has enabled students and volunteers to take part in active training sessions using traditional conservation techniques and new technology. Additionally, through working parties at the Boxley Abbey, up to 100 participants have learned craft skills under the guidance of SPAB experts - coming together to work on the project and gain hands-on experience, they have repaired windows, prepared lime mortar and even built a new acoustic wall of ‘rammed earth’, creating a cloistered walkway between the house and garage. Overall, the project has provided 383 training opportunities and 570 volunteering opportunities.
Images: On the left, a lime kiln built at St Andrew's. Credit - SPAB, photo by Jonathan Garlick. In the middle, lime mortar mullion window repair. Credit - SPAB, photo by Matthew Slocombe. On the right, more of the exterior repairs. Credit - Inigo.
With the completion of the Old House Project, this once forgotten and forlorn structure has been brought back to life and given a sustainable new future as housing. Now a three bedroomed home, it boasts wood fibre insulation and secondary glazing, alongside an air source heating system. Its new kitchen, bathroom and wireless lighting systems introduce contemporary comforts in a characterful building with conserved internal features, including Art Deco lino.
Images: On the left, St Andrew's reception room with Art Deco lino. On the right, St Andrew's new kitchen. Credit - Inigo.
To find out more about SPAB’s work at St Andrew’s, please see: https://www.spab.org.uk/old-house-project.
Could you be the future owner of this unique, comfortable and spacious home with special qualities and rich local history? The house is currently on the market with Inigo and local agents Ferris&Co.
The AHF offers a range of funding options, including grants and tailored loan finance, with competitive terms, to support not-for-profit organisations working on or based in historic buildings across the UK. Our funding helps organisations bring heritage buildings back into sustainable use, supporting regeneration, community benefit and long-term resilience. To find out how we can support your project, submit an enquiry today.
