A former vicarage or rectory may be the answer to your prayers if you're in search of that country idyll but, as Jayne Howarth discovers, you may need help from above on the cost.
If you are looking for a heavenly property, perhaps a former rectory or vicarage is for you. These are often substantial homes, although not necessarily of Biblical proportions, that could charm the angels.
You certainly don’t have to be religious to appreciate these handsome rectories and vicarages, but you may need to say a little prayer for a National Lottery win, if you want to make an offer on one of them.
The Old Vicarage, Ashford Carbonel, Shropshire
This classic late Victorian vicarage lies just three miles south of the pretty town of Ludlow and boasts stunning views, good room proportions and large windows throughout.
The main seven-bedroom house has 3,909 sq ft of space and, if that isn’t enough, the landscaped gardens with kitchen garden areas, orchard and lily ponds extend to 2.6 acres. You’ll also find a summer house, stables, a garage/workshop, haybarn and stores.
Perfect for entertaining, the former vicarage has a drawing room with dual-aspect windows, a family room, sun room, play room and formal dining room. The country kitchen has a built-in Aga, island, larder, and there is an adjoining utility room.
The first floor has the master bedroom with built-in storage and en-suite, plus four further bedrooms and a family bathroom. The top floor has another two bedrooms, one of which is en-suite.
Agents: Strutt & Parker.
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Website: .
Telephone: 01584 873711.
Guide price: £795,000.
The Old Vicarage, Wellesborne
This large Grade II Listed house is believed to date from 1697 and the property retains many of its original features, including marble fireplaces and double hung sash windows with fitted shutters.
The main reception rooms are well proportioned and double doors between the drawing room and dining room open to create a large space, ideal for entertaining. A study/snug is also off the hall.
There is a well-sized breakfast kitchen, with stairs leading to a part barrel-vaulted cellar, with utility and cloakroom.
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On the first floor, you’ll find three large bedrooms, a family bathroom, shower room and separate WC. Climb to the second floor and you’ll find further four bedrooms, store room/games room and tank room. An attic room leads to a viewing tower, which has magnificent views of the open countryside.
Large gardens lead down to the River Dene and include an orchard, brick-paved loggia, and garden room with brick bench and ceramic tiled floor.
Agent: Godfrey-Payton.
Website: .
Telephone. 01926 492511.
Guide price: £845,000.
The Old Vicarage, Church Lane, Meriden
Described by the agents as “lifted from the pages of the glossiest magazine”, there is no doubt this country house is a spectacular property.
Sitting in 1.86 acres of land (with croquet lawn and tennis courts), this 7,192 sq ft seven-bedroom, five-bathroom home combines Georgian elegance with 21st century living.
Not only is there an impressive kitchen with Wolf range cooker, there is also an orangery, both which boast integral Bang & Olufsen music system and underfloor heating.
A formal sitting room is elegantly decorated and has window shutters and an open fire, while a formal dining room is designed for more sophisticated parties.
A cosy snug leads to a games room with drinks bar. Doors open to a decked courtyard.
The first-floor master suite has French doors that open to a decked balcony, and an en-suite bathroom, with underfloor heating. The dressing room has wardrobes, a large glass-topped central drawer unit and a make-up table.
There is also a home gym on the first floor which is to be sold as currently equipped with running machine, weights and exercise bike.
A separate wing houses a self-contained cottage, with open-plan living room with kitchen and breakfast bar, double bedroom, and a shower room. French doors open on to courtyard garden.
Agent: John Shepherd.
Website: .
Telephone: 01564 783866.
Guide price: on application.
The Old Rectory, Rectory Lane, Areley Kings, Worcestershire
This restored Grade II and Grade II* listed rectory is Queen Anne rectory and lies in the hamlet of Areley Kings, next to the church.
The current owners have undertaken substantial and sympathetic restoration of the 5,738 sq ft seven-
bedroom home, parts of which are believed to date to the 15th century.
Although many original features remain, such as sash windows, oak floors, flagstones and oak beams, there are plenty of modern-day comforts.
The breakfast kitchen has recently been remodelled, and adjoining is a larder, utility and sitting room.
The dining room has views of the church, while you can also catch glimpses of the church from the sash windows in the reception hall.
The first floor accommodates the master suite, three bedrooms – one with en-suite – and family bathroom, while on the second floor there are three double bedrooms, one of which has French doors to the roof where there is a seating area.
A two-storey coach house is used as a garage with a studio above and there are two further stores and an original dairy.
As well as an impressive front garden, the rear has a courtyard and paved terrace that overlooks an ornamental pond and a stone gravelled path to the end of the garden from where you can see the church – all in 1.27 acres.
Agent: Andrew Grant.
Website: .
Telephone: 01905 734735.
Guide price: £875,000.
The Old Rectory, Birdingbury, Rugby, Warwickshire
Believed to date from 1760 and built by the Biddulph family, whose crest is carved into the orangery, this Grade II listed property has views of rolling countryside, plus parkland meadow and lake with riparian rights.
This classically Georgian house has been extensively refurbished but retains many original features, including deep-moulded skirting boards, cast-iron radiators, fireplaces, flagstone and timber floors, carved staircase and handrail, panel doors with carved architraves, and paned sash windows.
With six bedrooms, three bathrooms, and four reception rooms, sitting in about 10.85 acres, it has plenty of room for a family.
The kitchen/breakfast room – has bespoke handmade kitchen with painted units, integrated appliances, gas-fired Aga, marble tops and island unit, and on the first floor there is a landing/library, master bedroom with en-suite, and a further four bedrooms and family bathroom. The second floor houses the sixth bedroom, as well as box rooms.
A detached four-car garage comes with workshop, cloakroom and studio/gym above, while garden lovers will have plenty of time to tend the rose and shrub borders.
Agents: Knight Frank.
Website: .
Telephone: 01789 867244.
Guide price: £2,350,000.