It’s 50 years since the last church service was held in the village church of Saint Bartholomews in Little Packington, Warwickshire, when the congregation celebrated Palm Sunday.
While there has been a church on the site since the 12th century – parts of this building date to 1125 – there were additions over the centuries before it was taken down in 1879 and rebuilt.
And for the past 16 years it has been used as a home after undergoing a complete renovation, which was completed in 2000. Now it’s on the market, this unusual, tranquil three-bedroom property with gardens and country views could well be the answer to your property prayers.
The agents describe the Grade II-listed Bartholomews, which sits in the picturesque Packington Estate, as beautifully presented.
It’s also generously proportioned at 2,691 sqft, delivering plenty of open-plan living accommodation for a family. As well as the obvious kerb appeal, Bartholomews has original period features, including gravestones in the grounds, so although it is a bright and comfortable home, there is no doubting the history of the place.
As befits a place of prayer and worship, there is a typical church building vestibule – a large covered porch – with stone base, carved wooden frame and a tiled roof.
Open the glazed front door to the hallway and you are greeted by the principal ground floor rooms – all of which have limestone floors – as well as an impressive spiral staircase to the first and second floors.
The drawing room and reception area is the main living space, which is large and includes a vaulted ceiling and grand stone archway, yet it doesn’t feel cavernous.
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It is split over two levels to create two reception spaces, with the current owners using one area as a more formal space, while the other is more relaxed. Large arched windows and window seats enable you to relax and enjoy the views of the garden and fields.
The kitchen is fitted with bespoke maple units and has integrated Bosch appliances. To add a touch of contemporary design, there is an aquamarine toughened glass surface, which sets off the cool stone work beautifully.
Steps lead up from the kitchen into the dining area, which has a triple height vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows, maple flooring, exposed timbers and sandstone walls.
The ground floor also houses a study, which is situated in the original vestry, just off the main reception room. It has views overlooking the churchyard and a door that leads directly on to the gardens.
And if you head downstairs to the cellar, you’ll find the large utility room.
The three double bedrooms are on the first and second floors. The first floor has a galleried landing over the hallway and a bedroom with Juliet balcony that overlooks the main reception space and has shutters for privacy.
The family bathroom is also on the first floor and has a full width window that overlooks the dining room. Contemporary in style, it has limestone tiling, white sanitary ware and a free standing bath.
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The spiral staircase continues to the second floor where there are two further bedrooms, one of which is the split-level master bedroom with wet room.
Bartholomews has gardens surrounding it on all sides and includes the original churchyard with several gravestones. The main lawn faces south westerly and enjoys views across fields and the Packington Estate, and there is a patio area at the front.
There is also a private gravel driveway, which has plenty of space for several cars.
The property is on the edge of Little Packington village, close to Meriden, and is seven miles from Solihull and 12 miles from Birmingham, making it well placed for the motorway network and railway stations.
The price is £725,000 and the agent is Knight Frank.