The chapel was built in 1868, with typical Methodist architectural simplicity, yet with wonderful stone detailing and proportion. In this meticulous and imaginative transformation, designed by Gary Tarn, the exterior has been protected, cocooning a dramatic double-height living space, 4/5 bedrooms, large studio space, a family room, mezzanine study, a luxurious exercise pool and a cinema /disco room. It functions equally as a relaxing family home or a fabulous weekend entertaining party house. Tarn’s refined style of design focuses on simple, voluminous spaces which are finished with an exacting attention to detail (to see another Tarn project recently sold in London click here). This house features a Tsunami kitchen (built by Minotti), engineered-oak floors, and a web-brick lighting system. In a nod to the buildingâ€s ecclesiastical past, a stunning 7m double-height wall finished in 23-carat gold leaf reflects the changing light in the main living space; comforting in winter, and ever-changing in summer. All the heating requirements for the building are provided by a pair of air-source heat pumps, which are both economically and environmentally favourable. The property borders agricultural land, and looks out over a site of special scientific interest – a water meadow which often attracts wildlife including heron and wild deer. There are far-reaching views and the garden boasts fruit trees and a small boules court, while a gravelled drive provides space for numerous vehicles. The house can be found in Donhead St. Mary, a sought-after village surrounded by rolling countryside that has a high proportion of large, detached residences. There are local stores at the neighbouring village of Ludwell, and a village pub nearby in Donhead St Andrew. A range of shops and local amenities is available in the Saxon hilltop town of Shaftesbury (2 miles), with a wider selection in the cathedral town of Salisbury to the east. The property  is approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the A303, providing easy access to London or the West Country. The local railway station at Tisbury (approx 10 minutes’ drive) provides a frequent and direct route to London Waterloo in 100 minutes. Landing facilities are at Compton Abbas airstrip (10 minutes’ drive). There is an excellent range of schools within the area, and the property is ideal for access to Port Regis, Sandroyd, Canford and Bryanston.

When there, this place seems to be the only place on earth, being surrounded by hills, vineyards, oak and chestnut woods, an infinite pool and the building in itself seems to exist only to please its visitors and to make their staying as pleasant as possible. Villa Arrighi looks like a fortress which defies time;  its majestic look makes it the perfect place for a holiday, as you feel safe, you “breathe” beauty and you feel more at ease than you have ever felt before.

The interior seems to say the entire story of this place, but its present  modernity does not affect the feeling of safety previously offered. The modern paintings on the walls, the furniture pieces, the stairs, the library which makes you feel at home, the perfectly chosen decorative elements, everything around is an example of refined taste, of style and contributes to the general impression of having made the possible best choice and delay your departure.