TV Personalities Turn 163-Year-Old Welsh Chapel Into Their Forever Home

A Chapel, A Dream, and a Community That Welcomed Them In

What began as a lockdown-inspired property search has evolved into one of television's most captivating renovation stories. Great Pottery Throw Down judge Keith Brymer Jones and his partner, actress Marj Hogarth, are now deep into the third series of their Channel 4 documentary, Our Welsh Chapel Dream, as they continue their ambitious mission to transform Capel Salem — a 163-year-old chapel in Pwllheli on the Llŷn Peninsula — into a permanent family home.

The couple purchased the historic property for £200,000 cash back in September 2022 and moved in over a year ago. Despite settling in, the renovation work remains very much a work in progress.

How It All Started

Keith revealed that his property search began during the COVID-19 lockdown, when he found himself drawn to unconventional spaces rather than traditional homes.

"I was looking at old petrol stations, cinemas, libraries — anything that basically wasn't a house," he explained.

When Capel Salem appeared on his radar, listed at a price within their reach, Keith and Marj didn't hesitate. The building had stood empty for 14 years and was in a severe state of disrepair, but something about it pulled them in.

"We knew it was derelict, but we jumped in the car and went to have a look — and that was that," Keith said.

For Keith, the move also carried a personal significance. With family roots in Swansea and Cardiff, relocating to Wales felt like a return to his heritage. Marj, who had never previously visited north Wales, later discovered a surprising family connection of her own — her late father, a marine engine salesman, had once covered Pwllheli as part of his sales territory.

Finding Their Tribe in Pwllheli

Beyond the bricks and mortar, both Keith and Marj speak glowingly about the community that has embraced them since their arrival.

"It's not just the individual people — it's the whole unspoken ethos about community here," the couple shared. "There's a certain level of acceptance of all people. They're all very honest with you."

Throughout its long history, Capel Salem has served the local community in countless ways — hosting weddings, funerals, christenings, and even piano lessons. That rich emotional legacy isn't lost on the new owners.

"Everyone has a story to tell about this building, and that's really lovely," Keith acknowledged. "But you have to be respectful of that. You walk a fine line between understanding people's emotional connection and creating something that's sustainable."

Marj echoed that sentiment, noting that preserving the chapel's historical integrity requires careful and considered decision-making at every turn.

The Renovation Challenges: Bird Droppings, Dry Rot, and Skip 53

For all its charm, the renovation of Capel Salem has been anything but straightforward. The couple described the project as a "mammoth undertaking," with two particularly gruelling obstacles standing out above the rest.

The first was a staggering accumulation of pigeon droppings discovered in what was once the Sunday school hall.

"You literally couldn't walk in there," Keith recalled. "Your eyes would stream from the ammonia. It was mad."

The second — and more persistent — challenge has been dry rot, which has crept throughout the structure in ways that continue to demand attention.

"It's so clever, and it gets everywhere," Keith said. "We're kind of up to skip 53 of dry rot, so we're winning the battle now."

Despite these setbacks, the couple remains energised by the creative process and the unique opportunity to build something meaningful together.

"It's great to get our creative juices flowing," they said, "and wonderful to do it with the person you love."

Fan Attention Reaches New Heights

With the show attracting a loyal and enthusiastic viewership, Keith and Marj have found themselves becoming something of a local attraction in Pwllheli. Fans regularly make the trip to catch a glimpse of the couple at work, with some slowing down or stopping outside the chapel gates in hopes of a quick interaction.

Keith recalled one particularly memorable encounter: "There was this couple — they'd obviously been to a campsite for the week — and the car came screeching to a halt outside the gate. A woman jumped out and said, 'Oh my God, it's you! It's you! Can I take a picture?' She nearly got run over by another car."

With between 60 and 80 visitors passing by on a daily basis, the couple has had to post a polite notice on the gates explaining that while they'll always return a wave, stopping to greet every fan simply isn't feasible if they're ever going to finish the renovation.

Here for Good

For Keith and Marj, Capel Salem is far more than a television project — it is their forever home.

"We're here for good," Keith said without hesitation.

With series three of Our Welsh Chapel Dream now underway on Channel 4, audiences can follow every twist, triumph, and skip of dry rot as this extraordinary renovation continues to unfold.