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The colorful “Tin Tabernacle” mission on the Isle of Wight is a historic conversion. I thought it was a fairly modern corrugated metal build, but it actually dates from 1895.

The wood inside is original, but a modern white lofted structure was built in the center to house the bedrooms and bath.

It has beautiful stained glass windows, a cozy sitting area, and wood burning stove. 

Vintage velvet theater seats.

The kitchen has pristine retro 1950′s cabinetry. Very cool. 

Pretty bedroom in the loft.

This bedroom faces a beautiful window.

Children’s room.

There are 4 bedrooms in the loft structure.

The tub in the bathroom is actually set into the old baptism font.

In the yard is this sweet little she shed. What an intriguing conversion.

‘Tin Tabernacles’

19th Century corrugated iron chapels and churches, perhaps more commonly known as ‘Tin Tabernacles,’ have often been viewed with contempt throughout their history. Described by William Morris in his 1890 SPAB technical pamphlet as ‘spreading like pestilence over the country,’ it is no surprise that very little research has been done into these abundant structures.

The earliest structures were ‘emigrant cottages,’ consisting of a wooden frame with corrugated cladding, produced by E. T. Bellhouse, and shipped to California during the Gold Rush of 1849.5 Bellhouse’s most famous iron building is perhaps his 1852 ballroom for Prince Albert at Balmoral, and he would later become a key producer of corrugated iron chapels.

The chapels became popular in the 1860s, especially amongst the non-conformists, who saw a surge in congregation numbers in the 19th Century. They were ordered flat pack from a variety of manufacturers catalogues and were usually erected by the congregation.

The Tin Tabernacle in Kilburn is a magnificently odd place, not least because the interior is fitted out like a battleship. 

This reflects its current use as an HQ for the Sea Scouts. Dating from 1863 and grade II listed, it is reckoned to be the biggest tin church in the country.

I have been following the movements of Vintage Vacations for about 7/8 years. I have procrastinated at my desk many a time watching their fleet of beautiful vintage American Airstream caravans grow to include other great places such as The Shack, The Bungalow, The Scout Hall, The Mission. Oh The Mission. I have trumpeted my want to stay here to the boyfriend for the entire time that I have known him. Apparently this is also teamed with 'I want to stay in a lighthouse, a windmill, a pineapple, a dog' (yes you can sleep in a dog in Dog Park Inn in Idaho), so is it any wonder, he said, that he doesn't take me entirely seriously? Well let me tell you that with a love of interiors, architecture & healthy dose of kitsch then he needs to take this with absolute seriousness. :)

We FINALLY booked up The Mission, a former tin tabernacle, with friends & their little girl, just 7 months older than Judy. Hurrah! We were in the heat wave of July 2013 & making the crossing from Portsmouth to Fishbourne on the Whitelink Ferry seem like a jaunt across the Mediterranean. The roads on the Isle of Wight are a dream & arriving at our abode for the next 5 days had us all oohing & aahing whilst we discovered the next turn. 

The place is huge. It sleeps 8 & its huge. Helen & Frazer (of Vintage Vacations) have designed the space so cleverly with a modern block built in the middle. This separates the kitchen & seating area, houses the bathroom & then has 2 bedrooms on a mezzanine level. All whilst keeping the perimeter of the tabernacle free & the view of the beamed roof which all contributes to keeping the space true to its original form. Sleeping amid the teak coloured beams has certainly been a highlight! 

The interior is a vintage fan's dream. Statement furniture - those ones you aren't allowed to sit on in vintage furniture shops. Cinema seats. A wall of kitsch artwork. I want a swan print. I want a flamingo print. A cabinet full of magazines, books & games all to aid full immersion into the past.

An 'English Rose' 1950's tin kitchen. Why oh why isn't someone manufacturing this kitchen today? All decked out with the cream of the crop of vintage crockery & utensils & even a home made cake to welcome us in.

Helen & Frazer have thought of everything in this wonderland. Coals ready in the garden for a BBQ which we certainly made use of. Making a jug of Pimms we said if only they had a window box of herbs so we might add some mint to our refreshments.... only to find an abundance of mint in a border of herbs in the garden! Yes, they have thought of everything! 

The kiddie winks loved every second of their time here. It was a perfect stay. The only gripe (& this is silly) is that the weather was so beautiful that we couldn't stay in the house more!!  The Mission would be great even in the depths of winter! This place lives up to the hype.