{"id":279143,"date":"2025-11-23T15:50:21","date_gmt":"2025-11-23T15:50:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/279143\/"},"modified":"2025-11-23T15:50:21","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T15:50:21","slug":"church-tower-converted-into-extraordinary-eight-storey-city-centre-home-with-curved-kitchen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/279143\/","title":{"rendered":"Church tower converted into extraordinary eight-storey city centre home with curved kitchen"},"content":{"rendered":"

This must rank as one of Wales’ most unusual places to call home\"AThe tower of St James The Great is now an exceptional and truly unique home(Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

There are unusual houses, amazing apartments, and special smallholdings across Wales that can impress but arguably nothing compares to calling an eight-storey church tower in the centre of a city to call home.<\/p>\n

Standing majestically at the corner of Newport<\/a> Road and Glossop Road the church of St James The Great is a landmark Cardiff<\/a> building that most long-term city residents will know even if they haven\u2019t been inside.<\/p>\n

The magnificent church was built between 1891 and 1894 and designed by EM Bruce Vaughan. The church was Grade II-listed by Cadw in 1975, amended in 1997, for being “a masterpiece of Vaughan, whose finely composed tower and spire is a key feature on the Newport Road approach to the city centre and for group value with Cardiff Royal Infirmary”. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: We transformed working water mill once painted by Turner into our dream home<\/a><\/p>\n

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: ‘I have risked absolutely everything to save the Barry Island landmark that I love’<\/a><\/p>\n

\"TheNow that’s an impressive front door(Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

The church was shut in September 2006 due to dwindling attendance and stood empty for many years until a trio of intrepid restorers decided to take on the epic project of converting it into 16 incredible homes including the tower with spire.<\/p>\n

But what makes two entrepreneurial business partners \u2013 62-year-olds John Conroy and Hermann Beck who have rescued and restored their own listed hotel in Sheffield \u2013 decide to risk so much on a project that was massively challenging in its planning and delivery and many miles away?<\/p>\n

John reveals the easy answer: he is from Cardiff and has always been aware of this magnificent church that greets you on your way into the city centre from the east and just could not let the building die.<\/p>\n

\"StunningThere’s a stunning tiled floor in the entrance hall (Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

Without this group of renovators it could have been a disastrous outcome for this iconic building, continuing to slide into dereliction and eventual death, but now it is 16 amazing homes filled with joy and laughter with owners creating wonderful lifelong memories within their truly unique church space.<\/p>\n

As the last dwelling to be completed The Tower is arguably the most memorable. John said: \u201cIt has been a labour of love, there\u2019s no doubt about that at all, and its had its tortuous moments but now it’s done it\u2019s a complete: \u2018Wow’.<\/p>\n

\"AThe robust wooden front doors are a private entrance to The Tower(Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is so individual \u2013 any time we bring people to the site to see it they immediately say: \u2018Can we go to the tower?!\u2019 There is something so special about it that people want to see \u2013 it really is quite something.\u201d<\/p>\n

The third restoration hero in this story is Andrew Shipley, the architect with the creative vision and years of experience who could see what the church could become.<\/p>\n

John said: \u201cIt was 2008 when Andrew found this opportunity. The church was in a pretty poor state when we first saw it so it took an awful lot of imagination from Andrew to explain to us how he could make it work.<\/p>\n

\"AThe ground-floor bedroom can boast a stunning stained glass window and wooden vaulted ceiling (Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of our fears was that we wanted to preserve what was great about the church and it\u2019s very difficult to see how you can imagine that working unless you are a designer like Andrew.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he came up with some drawings showing that he could keep all the features and in doing so he set a vision for us. He had the brains and the foresight and the architectural creativity to make it what it is today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Converting a church is challenging \u2013 especially having to satisfy all the conservation and planning experts and working together towards the ultimate goal of agreement. John said this took around two years with small details of the plans being altered many times.<\/p>\n

\"AThe Tower can boast four bedrooms in total(Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

Out of the 16 homes created maybe the most challenging was The Tower which was tall, slender, and with very little structure inside. Much thought was put into how to tackle the logistics of its height and of how someone will live in a “lighthouse in the city”.<\/p>\n

The pair say the key to its success with as few headaches as possible was to start at the top and work down. John said: \u201cTo get the floors into the tower was challenging. We had to set up a winch to get all the materials up and we had to pull everything up to the top of the tower, work on this level first, and then continue down floor by floor.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe curved kitchen is a bespoke design and build (Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

\u201cWe did need to ensure that things were properly planned because everything that had to be craned up we had to make sure it was up before we put in the floor for that storey including steelwork. We also also had to ensure that the rigidity was there from a health and safety perspective and that the lift had all its mechanisms in place to use it.”<\/p>\n

Hermann, who is originally from Germany but has been living in the UK since 1987, said services are hidden inside the walls and go down into the underground sewage and drainage systems like any other home \u2013 except obviously with much longer pipes.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe breakfast bar in the kitchen (Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

The lift goes up to the fourth floor and then beautiful bespoke oak staircases take you the rest of the way up to the seventh floor which also has a mezzanine, making it eight levels in total, but there\u2019s even more space to find if you keep moving upwards.<\/p>\n

Through a trapdoor is surely the largest, and coolest, storage attic space in Wales \u2013 the whole of the spire. John said: \u201cThe spire itself is completely empty and you can look right up into it and it\u2019s an amazing space \u2013 it\u2019s extraordinary how far it goes up. You could fit a giraffe in there and still have ample height for more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AUnique working space flanked by three amazing stained glass windows (Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

John also revealed more potential for the future, adding: \u201cWhen we got to eight levels we thought we\u2019d done enough but there is another floor which somebody could use. We haven\u2019t opened up the stairs for it \u2013 at the moment it\u2019s an open space for sitting above the kitchen area or for use as storage.\u201d<\/p>\n

The bell at the top of the spiral staircase was not in place when this dynamic duo bought the church, as all the religious and historic items which needed to be preserved were taken out before the purchase, so that was one less job to tick off the tower transformation list.<\/p>\n

But even without its religious artefacts the building still oozes with original character that has been preserved and integrated into its incredible design with John and Hermann both mentioning the stained glass windows in apartment four in the main church area, which depicts the four saints Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, as their favourite feature.<\/p>\n

\"AThere’s a lift to the first four floors (Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

But The Tower can easily compete on breathtaking original features from the moment you arrive at its own front door (and what a door it is \u2013 a robust wooden arched double door with heavy duty metal work topped by a curved crown of carved stonework).<\/p>\n

The doors open into a stunning tiled entrance hall and a bedroom to the left showcasing a wooden barrel ceiling and stained glass window that will impress even before you show visitors around each floor.<\/p>\n

\"AThe Tower also has three bathrooms(Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

Each level can boast its own features that includes exposed stone wall arches, white-washed stone walls, clever mezzanine levels that make the most of the height of some of the levels, and bespoke fittings and fixtures that include a curved kitchen.<\/p>\n

After being enchanted by three further bedrooms and the bespoke curved kitchen on floors one to four maybe the two spaces that stand out the most because of the building\u2019s original windows are the lounge and the dining room.<\/p>\n

\"AThe Tower is packed with clever design including this double bed bunk bed(Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

On the fifth floor the dining room has multiple French doors that open to invite into the space fresh air and the sounds of the city below but no house can boast its outer layer of the louvres \u2013 the distinctive slats you can see from the outside of the tower which provide privacy inwards but perfectly frame the view outwards on each side of this room.<\/p>\n

And it\u2019s the 360-degree view that keeps getting better as you climb to each floor of this four-bedroom, three-bathroom home that constantly enchants John and Hermann along with everyone else who has visited the tower since its recent completion.<\/p>\n

\"AThe French doors open and the church’s louvres (external slats) offer unique frames for the views(Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

The floor above is home to the lounge and both men agree it’s their favourite space in the town with the added glass window panes making use of the gorgeous stone rose and arch carved bathstone design that make this level a mesmerising space to sit and enjoy the beautifully-framed view.<\/p>\n

Hermann said: \u201cThe level seven living room with its 360-degree view through arched windows \u2013 it\u2019s like you\u2019re sitting in a photograph. It\u2019s awesome \u2013 I really love it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AEven at dusk the view of Cardiff is mesmerising from this dining room (Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

John saod there are four unique views to choose from with one from each side of the tower where you can see across the city as far as the Severn Bridge and Castell Coch. Unlike many other homes in the city centre with big panoramic views no-one can see in \u2013 your closest neighbours are seagulls and pigeons flying by.<\/p>\n

John also has a soft spot for the spiral staircase that winds up through the tower to where the bell used to sit \u2013 it\u2019s the core of the tower, its backbone, but usually he prefers to use it for descending rather than climbing the tower while Hermann insists this “quaint feature” is a much better option than expensive gym membership.<\/p>\n

\"AEach side of The Tower offers a different view of the city(Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

\u201cBring your guests up in the lift and then on the way down at the end of the visit show them the fantastic stone staircase,” John added. \u201cAnyone who has walked that staircase goes: \u2018Wow\u2019. I haven\u2019t counted them but it\u2019s a lot of steps.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hermann said the experience of living in The Tower will be as unique and exhilarating as the building itself. \u201cIt\u2019s an exciting place to call home because you\u2019ve got so many different spaces to use. You can define the spaces however you want to and because each space is so unique you will never get bored. It also benefits from a communal garden \u2013 another unusual feature for the city centre.\u201d<\/p>\n

The remaining homes for sale, as well as The Tower, can be viewed as part of an open event on Saturday, November 29. But one home you won\u2019t be able to view at the open event is the dwelling that includes the church chancel and that’s for a reason as unique as the project.<\/p>\n

\"AUp one floor to John and Hermann’s favourite room(Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

Hermann said: \u201cThat was the deal on this project \u2013 that Andrew did all the design work for us and in return he wanted to have that space for his own family living. You couldn\u2019t find a better advert for the property \u2013 that the person who was the designer negotiated a townhouse for himself and his family. He loved the development so much he wanted to live in the chancel space as part of the work deal.\u201d<\/p>\n

An important aspect of the church\u2019s future for many years to come was to establish freehold ownership and Hermann and John say, unlike many developers, they wanted to hand it to the 16 people who will call St James their home via a 999-year lease.<\/p>\n

Hermann said: \u201cBecause we have a slightly different approach to most developers when we sell an apartment or The Tower each of the 16 owners will get one 16th of the freehold ensuring its future through diverse ownership. It\u2019s not one freeholder but a community and then they don\u2019t have to worry about an external freeholder in charge of the future of the church.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AThe lounge includes amazing windows with the church’s original bathstone rose and arch detailing a standout feature(Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

Of course it is also rather unique that a development\u2019s architect actually lives on site too. It’s an advantage that is not lost on John who said: \u201cAs Andrew is one of those owners he has so much knowledge of the building \u2013 he knows where everything is and how it was built so you have the knowledge at hand from the person who actually designed it under the same roof.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now the development is complete, with The Tower the final home ready to welcome a new owner, the pair are full of pride for what\u2019s been achieved and also admiration for Andrew\u2019s vision and the hard work of the building team who made that vision become a reality. There are no regrets.<\/p>\n

\"AThe core of the church has been retained including the spiral staircase and the stained glass windows(Image: Jeffrey Ross, Llanishen)<\/p>\n

Hermann said: \u201cIf you want to make money you\u2019re not converting a church. The return on the effort, the time, the money you put in \u2013 there\u2019s no real compensation. The only compensation you get is that you have created something which is unique and there for generations to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n

John added: \u201cThe point we are at now is that we can sell with confidence and we can sell with pride. We think it will blow people\u2019s socks off. Where else in the city centre can you find a home with such amazing and varied views across eight floors? It just doesn\u2019t exist \u2013 it\u2019s only The Tower.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Tower is for sale for \u00a3799,950 with estate agents Jeffrey Ross. Call 029 2049 9680 to find out more and to book a place at the site\u2019s open event on Saturday, November 29.<\/p>\n

For more property, renovation, and interior design stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This must rank as one of Wales’ most unusual places to call homeThe tower of St James The…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":279144,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[114192,6225,6485,6486,2188,1120,96,4981,114193,12880,56,54,55],"class_list":{"0":"post-279143","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-arts-and-design","8":"tag-amazing-homes","9":"tag-arts","10":"tag-arts-and-design","11":"tag-artsanddesign","12":"tag-cardiff","13":"tag-design","14":"tag-entertainment","15":"tag-homes-and-property","16":"tag-homes-for-sale","17":"tag-renovation","18":"tag-uk","19":"tag-united-kingdom","20":"tag-unitedkingdom"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/279143","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=279143"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/279143\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/279144"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=279143"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=279143"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=279143"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}