A retired design business owner and his wife have successfully transformed a derelict 160-year-old church in the Cotswolds into a contemporary two-bedroom home. Geoff and Julie Bolam, both in their 70s, purchased the Old Mission Church in the village of Paxford, Gloucestershire, for £175,000 at auction in 2018 and have since invested an additional £370,000 in its renovation.
The property, originally built as a children's school in 1866 and later used as a house of prayer for over a century, was disused for many years. The couple's ambitious vision for the space has resulted in a stylish property featuring a dramatic nave, two luxury bathrooms, a sleek kitchen, and a suspended mezzanine bedroom pod, all while retaining original Victorian details. The home is now valued at approximately £700,000.
Renovation Challenges
The renovation process presented numerous hurdles due to the building's age, historical status, and poor condition. Geoff Bolam, who ran a design company in London for nearly 20 years, took on the role of project manager. The work involved addressing structural issues, complying with conservation regulations, a full re-roofing, excavating floors, and complete lime replastering. The couple also had to navigate the complex process of obtaining a change of use permission from a church to a dwelling, with a contingency plan to convert it into an art gallery if unsuccessful.
Initial plans, including the placement of roof lights and the interior layout, required adjustments to meet conservation officer requirements. An early architectural proposal to place a bedroom in the chancel was rejected for disrupting the church's sense of space. A second architect developed a new plan, which included the distinctive suspended glass bedroom pod.
Substantial hidden problems were uncovered once renovation began. Rising damp, caused by an earlier concrete floor trapping moisture, necessitated ripping out the floor back to the earth and replacing cement-based pointing and old render with breathable lime materials. The roof also required significant reconstruction and retiling after rotten timbers were discovered.
Project Management and Investment
While a local building company handled the bulk of the construction, Geoff Bolam contributed approximately five to 10 percent of the work himself, including decorating, with help from friends and neighbors on weekends. He estimated that managing the project himself saved them around £20,000, though he described it as a full-time job.
The total investment in the property reached approximately £545,000 (£175,000 purchase price plus £370,000 renovation costs). The renovation was completed in October 2021.
Holiday Let Success
Since opening as a holiday let in November 2021, the property has been highly popular, attracting numerous bookings and guests, including many dogs. It has received consistent five-star reviews and won the Best Boutique Stay in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire at the 2025 Muddy Stilettos Awards. Prices for a weekend stay range from £850 in the low season to £1100 in peak season.
Geoff Bolam expressed pride not just in the financial success or awards, but in preserving the historic building. He believes the renovation has given the church another century of life.