A former chapel set amid glorious countryside in a  South Wales valleys village has a new owner after being snapped up at auction..

The impressive grade II listed Salem Chapel on Garth Terrace, in the village of Bedlinog, near Treharris, in Mid Glamorgan, sold for £26,500 after being listed with a guide price of £20,000.

The lot attracted a total of eleven bids from five individual bidders.

Sean Roper, of South Wales-Based Paul Fosh Auctions who sold the chapel, said: “This could be an ideal investment for someone with barrels of imagination and a wish to realise their dreams of living a good life in this attractive South Wales valleys location.

“The former chapel retains many of its original features including oak pews and swathes of panelling, a wood panelled ceiling, a pulpit and balconies. It would appear to be ideal for conversion to residential, commercial or community use, subject to getting all the necessary planning consents.

“The beautiful village of Bedlinog lies in a semi-rural position surrounded by truly stunning countryside and benefiting from local shops and amenities and the nearby world famous climbing centre. “

“A real benefit of this property is that the new owner may have scope to live in the rear vestry while renovating the main chapel, subject to necessary planning consents.”

The property currently offers an entrance foyer with stairs to both sides leading to a seated gallery. There is a pulpit, vestry and store room. There is also an attractive galleried seating area. A pathway leads to the chapel and graveyard and side access to the vestry.

The next Paul Fosh Auctions online sale starts from 12 noon on Tuesday, October 1 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, October 3.