Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth renovate 163-year-old Welsh chapel into dream home
Keith Brymer Jones, a judge from The Great Pottery Throw Down, and actor Marj Hogarth are in the process of converting Capel Salem, a 163-year-old chapel listed as Grade II in Pwllheli, north Wales, into their long-term home. They acquired the 6,500 sq ft building for £200,000 in cash in September 2022 and took residence over a year ago. Their renovation journey is showcased in the third season of Channel 4's Our Welsh Chapel Dream. The couple encountered difficulties such as significant dry rot and a large amount of pigeon droppings. They draw 60 to 80 visitors each day, leading to traffic issues. Both have strong ties to Wales and intend to honor the chapel's emotional significance within the community.
Key facts
- Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth are renovating Capel Salem, a 163-year-old Grade II-listed chapel in Pwllheli, north Wales.
- The couple paid £200,000 in cash for the property in September 2022.
- The renovation is documented in the Channel 4 series Our Welsh Chapel Dream, currently in its third season.
- The 6,500 sq ft property includes an adjoining Sunday school and had been derelict for 14 years.
- Major challenges include removing 53 skips of dry rot and dealing with hazardous pigeon guano.
- Fans of the show visit daily, with 60-80 people sometimes causing traffic issues near the property.
- Jones has Welsh ancestry with parents from Swansea and Cardiff; Hogarth's father worked in Pwllheli.
- The couple plans to make Pwllheli their permanent forever home, stating they are 'here for good'.
Entities
Artists
- Keith Brymer Jones
- Marj Hogarth
Institutions
- Channel 4
- The Great Pottery Throw Down
Locations
- Pwllheli
- Wales
- Llŷn Peninsula
- Swansea
- Cardiff