An austere Methodist chapel which became a school for the poor children of Victorian Canterbury has now been transformed into the city's "most exciting new home" - with an eye-watering price tag to match.

Architects have converted the former St John's Board House in Northgate into a £2.5 million five-bedroom property with every mod con and bespoke features including a solid walnut staircase and Brazilian quartz kitchen worktops.

Agents Strutt and Parker has just started marketing the Grade II-listed property, which it says has been renovated from a shell with new foundations, floors and ceilings - effectively creating a new-build.

But agency senior director Edward Church says it has been "carefully and sensitively" converted, retaining features like its nine arched Georgian windows to flood the property with natural light.

Now called St John's Hall and situated in St John's Place, it was previously part of the former Kingsmead School before its closure and merger with St John's primary.

The developers are husband and wife team John and Deborah Hebel, directors of Shubunkin Ltd, who in 2012 were shortlisted for a RIBA prize for a private house development at Denton.

The ground floor of St John's Hall has five reception rooms and a conservatory with seven metres of fully automated glazing, all with bespoke fittings and high-quality wood and stone flooring.

A dramatic suspended fireplace is a feature of the dining room and the library has a stunning barrel-vaulted, solid walnut ceiling.

Another bespoke feature is the magnificent, central solid walnut staircase with solid bronze railings and a curved solid walnut handrail.

On the first floor, overlooking the private garden, is the master bedroom suite with dressing room, bathroom and separate cloakroom.

It is heated by a ground source pump, which may qualify the buyer for a renewable heat incentive (RHI)

The property has a secluded paved, walled garden complete with cedar barrel hot tub.