The Chapel - Burnham Overy Staithe, Norfolk

Built in 1868 as the simple Methodist Chapel to the village of Burnham Overy Staithe, The Chapel was first converted to a dwelling in the 1930s by the distinguished artist Robert Sargent Austin RA.

Much of the Chapel's appeal through the years has rested on the special atmosphere created by him and his family. Austin did some of his most outstanding work in its upstairs studio, which looks out across the sea wall to the creek and saltmarshes beyond; also the fields and distant woodlands at Holkham beach. This room is largely unchanged today, and is used as a sitting/dining-room; it has an open wood-burning fireplace.

There is one double bedroom upstairs, overlooking the garden.

Beneath the open-plan staircase is a kitchendining-hall which leads to three twin bedrooms, one of which has an ensuite shower and WC; there is another bathroom also with shower and WC, and separate small laundry room. The house can be heated by individually controlled electric radiators.

Included in the rental: linen and cleaning. Well-behaved pets are also welcome. Not included: towels. There is a TV but no telephone.

The garden lies to the east and south of the house, and is not overlooked. It offers an ample grassy area for sunbathing and barbecues, with some mature fruit trees, shrubs, roses, honeysuckle and herbs. Even on the busiest summer days, it is a remarkably peaceful sanctuary - there is no passing traffic.