Quintessentially English
Date: 13 September 2007 | 
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Old Rectories are synonymous with English rural life, seen to embody the English dream of rural domesticity. Former rectories make wonderful family homes and fulfil the aspiration of many: to live a quintessentially English existence.
These symbols of English life are inextricably intertwined in English history, significant in not only ecclesiastical history, but also in our social and architectural history. Old rectories and vicarages were built for rectors and vicars who were employed by the Church of England, the church of the rulers, to perform a role that was less about being holy and more about educating rural society and providing order and stability within the community. These men were gentlemen and well educated. Local landowners often built rectories and did so to command the taxes from the parish, often appointing third sons to serve as rectors and vicars. Since then, Britain has become a more secular society and the Church less powerful. As a result, many rectories and vicarages were sold to release funds and reduce spending, releasing them into the public domain.
Rectories have no set form, which perhaps contributes to their appeal; they vary in size and architectural style, from the grand to the humble and from Queen Anne, to Georgian to Victorian Gothic. However, because they were designed as places to bring up a family and a place to entertain parishioners in the summer, most are spacious and have large gardens. Old rectories are highly coveted coming with the prestige of owning one of the nicest houses in the village. Unsurprisingly, they can command high premiums.
Rupert Sweeting of Head of Knight Frank’s Country Department says: “Former rectories are cited as the ideal home by 80% of Knight Frank’s country buyers. Part of the attraction of old rectories is the peace and calm that exudes from them. People feel a connection with the history of these houses. Living in the heart of a community is also extremely appealing while the quintessential English view of a church spire and the sound of the church bells ringing on a Sunday morning is truly wonderful.”
Two former rectories that Knight Frank currently have for sale include The Old Vicarage in Helston, Cornwall, and The Grange in Speen, Berkshire.
The Old Vicarage in Helston is one of the most important houses in Helson and arguably its finest and most elegant. Grade II listed and dating from the 1700s, it is built from local silvery grey Breage granite and seems to gleam in the sunlight. Inside, the house is no less spectacular, revealing a plethora of original features, such as high ceilings, large sash windows, a Venetian window and a granite staircase. With seven bedrooms, four reception rooms and two bathrooms and a well-maintained south facing garden this property would make an ideal family home. Life in a house of this calibre in a village as charming as Helston is set to be idyllic, while the allure of Cornwall is well-known and enduring. The Old Vicarage is currently for sale at a guide price of £900,000.
The Grange in Speen in Berkshire offers a rare opportunity to purchase a rectory in perfect condition. It is Grade II listed, dating from the Queen Anne period with Regency additions and has recently undergone sensitive and sympathetic restoration masterminded by an art historian, ensuring that the new owners of The Grange can experience the joy of living in an historic house without the problems which are often encountered. It is particularly notable for its grand interior which displays a wealth of architectural features and has an exceptionally rare elliptical staircase with a monkey tail rail in the entrance hall, believed to be Cuban mahogany. With southerly views and extensive accommodation: seven to nine bedrooms, five bathrooms and five reception rooms, The Grange would make a wonderful family home.
These properties demonstrate what wonderful homes former rectories can make, especially for families. There appeal is enduring and they carry the cachet of living in one of the finest houses in the village, yet offer a property and lifestyle that is more manageable than that of a manor house.
For further information, please contact:
Rupert Sweeting, Knight Frank, Country Department, 020 7861 1078, rupert.sweeting@knightfrank.com
Olivia Smith, Knight Frank, Press Office, 020 7861 1034
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