For more than 150 years it was a holy place for worshippers to gather - but now it is a luxurious holiday let that even boasts its own hot tub.

It is quite the conversion for the former Appledore Methodist Church, near Ashford.

The building, renamed Wesleyan House, was sold at auction for £220,000 three years ago and has since undergone a £500,000 makeover.

Under “soaring ceilings” - reflecting its ecclesiastical past - are three king-sized bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen and dining area, and a dedicated cinema room.

There is also a retro 80s-style arcade machine in the games room, along with a pool table.

Outside, the private garden has lounge seating, a hot tub and “subtle” lighting for evening use.

It is being advertised as a unique holiday let through Village Hideaways, with prices starting from £700 for a two-night stay.

The transformation follows years of uncertainty over the future of the historic building, which dates back to 1836.

At the time, proposals to convert the chapel into a holiday home sparked concern among some villagers, who feared the change would erase part of Appledore’s heritage.

In 2023, KentOnline reported how residents voiced their worries over the plans submitted by Ruckinge-based John Flynn, which included removing a rear extension to make way for a private garden.

Longtime resident Nicky Whiting said she was “very sad to see the church go in the first place”.

“It is such a shame. This is another piece of Appledore that I have always known to be here,” she said at the time.

The chapel had served the local community for generations and was refurbished in 1988 to better accommodate gatherings and social events.

While the closure was met with disappointment, Appledore Parish Council chairman Cllr Roger Hiskey supported the redevelopment, acknowledging that the church “could not stay open forever”.

Mr Flynn’s original planning application, which was submitted in 2022, promised to retain and enhance the building’s historic façade and detailing, ensuring its presence on The Street remained a valued part of the village’s architectural landscape.

Despite the church’s closure, local Methodists continue to gather for worship in each other’s homes.