Derbyshire church and cottage dating back to 1671 with links to Florence Nightingale sold at auction

Grade II listed historic Lea Chapel in Derbyshire sold for more than double the asking price when it went under the hammer

The church, which was built in 1671, has connections to Florence Nightingale sold for more than twice its £150,000 guide price with the hammer falling on a a sale of £327,000 for the Grade II listed property.

Lea Chapel and Cottage in Main Road, Upper Lea, near Matlock, went under the hammer at the end of last month through online auction ran by SDL Auctions.

Bids came in thick and fast for Lea Chapel and Cottage, Main Road in Upper Lea near Matlock in Derbyshire, and it is believed to have had a strong connection with Thomas Nightingale, a relative of Florence Nightingale, who lived in the village.

Managing director and auctioneer Andrew Parker said: “What a fantastic way to start our October auction, and a beautiful property too, with bags of potential and in a stunning location. I’m delighted to say this set the tone for the whole of the auction, and we achieved some great results across the two days.”

The buyer of Lea Chapel is now the owner of the large main chapel area with pulpit and balcony, and a school room with a vaulted ceiling and access to the two-bedroomed Beech Cottage.

It sold for more than twice its £150,000+ *guide price, realising £327,000 more than double the asking price.

Speaking before the nation wide auction Robert Stone, head of SDL auctions East Midlands, said: “Lea Chapel could also be suitable for a holiday home, as Matlock and the Peak District are just up the road.”

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