The modern appeal of Old Rectories
Many rectories date from the Georgian, Regency or Victorian periods when no expense was spared in building homes for clergymen and their families. Today, stately Georgian rectories are many people’s dream property. They were built with the same care and attention that was given to the building of churches, which explains their solid foundations, wonderful settings, and mature, sweeping gardens. Many are large properties, with light, spacious rooms making them an ideal size for a family home.
Old Rectories used to be at the centre of village life and have everything you could expect from a traditional village house – high-ceilinged reception rooms, period features and landscaped gardens. Although congregations have dwindled, in many villages the church — and the rectory – still take architectural pride of place. Even the name, “The Old Rectory” evokes nostalgic images of pastoral life and garden parties on the lawn.
If you’d like to live in a Jane Austen novel, but with all mod cons, the following are four of the best old rectories on the market now:
The Old Rectory, Sherington
Country Life magazine describes The Old Rectory as “ahome of charm and beauty,” with views of the church and within walking distance of local amenities in Sherington village. Grade II listed, the entrance hall has a grand sweeping staircase to a galleried landing on the first floor, and there are seven bedrooms. It was built in 1607 by the Rev John Martin and despite later additions retains plenty of its period charm, with many wood-panelled rooms, stone fireplaces, exposed beams, and brickwork. There is also a large modern farmhouse style kitchen with an island. Established wraparound gardens extend to two acres, and ancillary outbuildings have been given planning permission to be turned into a separate property.
The Old Rectory, 6 School Lane, Sherington, Buckinghamshire, MK16 9NF
Asking Price is £2.5 million
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/oly190289/
The Old Rectory, Marston Moretaine
Grade II listed and with a detached Coach House, this Old Rectory has approximately 3.4 acres of wraparound gardens and is within walking distance of the village. The living space has been sensitively refurbished whilst retaining period features, and a highlight is the vast, open-plan kitchen/dining/family room with underfloor heating and an integrated sound system. The first floor has seven bedrooms, and an additional room on the second floor could be used as an eighth bedroom if needed. The Coach House is currently used as a gym and office space but has potential, subject to planning permission, to be converted into a separate annexe. Landscaped gardens contain the remains of a moat and there is also a pond.
The Green, Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, MK43 0NF
Guide Price is £1.95 million
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/bed120188/
1 The Priory
This Grade II listed Georgian Rectory has a secluded position set well back from the road behind walls with electric gates which open to a drive with an octagonal turning circle. The building was divided into two separate dwellings around 50 years ago, and 1 The Priory has 4,600 sq. ft. of living space, with high ceilings and tall windows throughout ensuring that the house is flooded in natural light. The ground floor has formal reception rooms for entertaining, a study for working from home, and a bespoke Shaker-style kitchen/breakfast room with an adjoining utility room and pantry. A feature cantilevered staircase, with an ornate cupola in the double height ceiling, leads to the first floor where there are four double bedrooms and three bath or shower rooms. Around an acre of south facing gardens back onto fields, and historic Stevenage Old Town is just a walk away.
1 The Priory, Rectory Lane, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 4BX
Asking Price is £1.75 million
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/hit240157/
The Old Rectory, Stoke Hammond
This seven-bedroom detached former rectory dates back to the 16th century with 18th century additions. Set in the village of Stoke Hammond, the property is packed with original features including flagstone and pamment floors, plaster work ceilings and cornices, fireplaces and beams, and secret doors. Outside, gardens of over 0.5 acres include lawns, mature trees and shrubs, and a separate four-bedroom annexe. Conveniently located for London, Leighton Buzzard station just 4 miles away will transport you to Euston in 29 minutes.
The Old Rectory, Church Road, Stoke Hammond, Buckinghamshire, MK17 9BP
Asking Price is £1.7 million
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/mkc240105/
Please call your local Michael Graham office to find out more about these properties, or any of the homes for sale or rent on our website.
