A GRADE II listed chapel just a stone’s throw from Porthmeor Beach is going under the hammer at auction next month.

Bible Christian Chapel on St. Peters Street in St. Ives is up for sale with Auction House South West, with a guide price of £175,000.

The chapel was originally built in 1824 by Wesleyan Methodists before the site was purchased and rebuilt by the Bible Christians in 1858. Made of granite and coursed rubble with a slate roof, the building is easily recognisable thanks to its tall, round-arched windows and distinct red datestone.

Many of the original chapel features remain including the main worship hall, choir stalls and a vestry. A large mezzanine measuring 3.7 metres in depth overlooks the chapel hall, with storage and a kitchen area making up the remainder of the space.

The sale of Bible Christian Chapel comes at a time when many consider Cornwall to be rapidly losing its Methodist history. Declining congregations and costly maintenance fees have resulted in The Methodist Church closing down and selling off many of its historic buildings over the past few years.

Falmouth Packet: The main hall measures in excess of 10m with choir stalls to one end and a large mezzanine aboveThe main hall measures in excess of 10m with choir stalls to one end and a large mezzanine above (Image: Supplied)

Earlier this year, the closure of Bedford Road Methodist Church in St Ives made headlines due to its long-standing association with the youth charity, Flashlight. After serving as the charity's home for over ten years, the church shut its doors for good in April.

Located in the heart of Downalong, Bible Christian Chapel stands in one of the most popular areas of St Ives. Adorned with traditional fisherman's cottages and picturesque cobbled streets, the area epitomizes the charm of Cornwall and is an idyllic spot for a seaside retreat.

Agents Auction House South West describe the sale as a “rare opportunity to purchase an unusual historic building.”

They added: “Just moments from Porthmeor Beach and Tate St. Ives the property could be an excellent opportunity for conversion to residential accommodation, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.”

Bible Christian Chapel goes up for sale by public auction with Auction House South West on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.