What began as an ambitious renovation project quickly took a dark turn when a couple uncovered a shocking secret hidden beneath the floorboards of a former church they planned to convert into their forever home.
Lucy, 53, and Rhys Thomas, 45, purchased the Grade I listed St Peter’s Church after repeatedly passing the historic building and noticing it was up for sale. Located in Peterstone Wentlooge, Wales, the 900-year-old structure was advertised as a five-bedroom house, leading them to believe the conversion had already been completed.
However, when they arrived for the viewing, they were stunned to find the building was still very much a church — and in need of a complete transformation.
Despite the scale of the challenge, the couple went ahead and bought the property at auction for £405,000.
They were warned in advance that they might encounter “five or six” bodies beneath the floor, as it was once common for wealthy or prominent members of the community to be buried inside churches. What they didn’t expect was just how many they would find.
When the floorboards were lifted, body after body was uncovered. In total, 83 sets of remains were discovered inside the church, which dates back to 1142.
Out of respect, Lucy — a mother of five — said they chose not to disturb the remains. Instead, they carefully re-laid a new floor above them, complete with underfloor heating.
“We had to have an archaeologist present when we began lifting the floor,” Lucy explained. “They told us that because we were digging down around 40 centimetres, we were almost certain to find at least one burial.”
“At first, they estimated maybe five or six bodies. But as the digging continued, it became clear there were far more than anyone expected.”
She admitted the early discoveries were unsettling but said they gradually became more comfortable with the process.
“Many people were buried together — husbands and wives, parents and children. We felt it was only right to leave them in their final resting places and continue building around them.”
The renovation, which began after they bought the property in 2021, took four years to complete. Lucy described it as both a “huge battle” and a major achievement.
The church had been listed on Rightmove shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic and marketed as a five-bedroom family home, although no renovation work had actually been carried out — only planning permission had been granted.
“We genuinely thought we were going to view a finished house,” Lucy said. “When we finally got inside, it was obvious nothing had been done.”
“Even though we hadn’t planned on taking on such a massive project, we’d already fallen completely in love with the building.”
For the first 18 months, progress was slow as they waited for council approval, working only in small stages where permitted.
Rhys said they learned as they went along. “It was definitely challenging. We spent hours researching online and joining groups for listed buildings.”
The couple removed the century-old stone floor themselves, and a stonemason reused the original slabs — complete with historic engravings — to create a patio outside.
A local builder oversaw the main conversion, centered around a mezzanine flitch frame made from steel and timber. This design allowed them to preserve much of the original structure.
“The church walls remain untouched,” Lucy said. “We also still have the bell tower — and even bell ringers. We had to repair the bells and fit new ropes so the eight bells could be rung again.”
While preserving the building’s heritage, the family added modern comforts including secondary glazing, underfloor heating, a snooker table, grand piano, bar area, and a large hot tub.
Once derelict, the former church has been transformed into a striking six-bedroom, six-bathroom home and is now listed on Airbnb.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved,” Lucy said. “Everyone played a part — our children, the architects, the builders, and especially Rhys, who managed all the finances and paperwork.”
“We poured our hearts into this project — and we’d do it all over again without hesitation.”
