Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth convert 163‑year‑old Welsh chapel into home

Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth are turning the 163‑year‑old Capel Salem chapel in Wales into a home on Channel 4’s ‘Our Welsh Chapel Dream’ series^[1].

The project matters because it spotlights the struggle to preserve historic religious buildings while finding new, sustainable uses—a debate echoed across rural Britain^[1].

Capel Salem, a former place of worship on the Llŷn Peninsula near Pwllheli, dates back 163 years^[1]. Its stone walls and original pews have long stood as a reminder of the region’s spiritual heritage, yet the building fell into dereliction after its congregation dwindled^[2].

Series three of Channel 4’s “Our Welsh Chapel Dream” follows couples who aim to transform disused chapels into private residences, offering design expertise and a national platform^[1]. The show’s premise is to give these structures a second life, while documenting the logistical and emotional hurdles involved^[1].

Jones, known for his pottery on “The Great British Bake Off,” and interior designer Hogarth bring complementary skills to the project^[2]. They said their goal is to create a living space that honors the chapel’s history, preserving as many original features as possible while adding modern comforts^[2].

Renovation work has already begun, but the team faces planning‑permission challenges and concerns from local heritage groups who fear the building’s character could be compromised—issues the show’s producers are navigating alongside the owners^[2].

Across Wales, dozens of historic chapels face similar fates, with many at risk of demolition or neglect^[3]. Successful conversions like Capel Salem could set a precedent, demonstrating that adaptive reuse is viable and can stimulate local economies through tourism and media exposure^[3].