A unique feature of the building is obviously the private chapel, something few homes boast. The Convent was purpose built and one of the important features was to provide the nuns with a private place for prayer and reflection. The Chapel was also used to give babies a private blessing after Christenings at the Church out the back but was not publicly used.

The Chapel is an intimate but a good size room. It has beautiful attention to detail without being ornate – with gentle arches and raised floor, amber leadlight windows which face the front as well as, interestingly, the internal passage, and lovely coloured leadlight cross windows which catch the setting sun late in the afternoons. The front windows face the front porch and the leadlight windows look beautiful from the street when the chapel lights are turned on at night.

The room is likely to be put to practical use as a cosy lounge/theatre room, but capable of easily being used for the public when required for community events. The cross will be coming back home, courtesy of the Church, and I’m looking for statues and other religious items to refurbish the Chapel appropriately.

At present it looks starkly bare compared to previous photos but the painters are keen to restore it and the polished floorboards will only add to the character and warmth.