Widely romanticised as the embodiment of rural English idyll rectories were historically the focal point for small, close knit rural communities.

Both metaphorically and physically, rectories, also known as vicarages or parsonages, formed the centre of village life; most rectories occupy the best spots, usually near or next to the local parish and tend to be the biggest and finest homes in the area.

Added to and extended over the years by resident rectors they make enduring, comfortable and roomy family homes with interesting architectural features and come with substantial land and grand gardens, once tended to by parishioners. 

Their continuity is paramount to the preservation of England's pastoral fabric and there are no shortage of owners turning these coveted buildings into modern, functional and much loved family homes which rarely change hands.

Hamish Humfrey, an Associate in Knight Frank's Country House Department explains why they're so sought after.

"The contemporary appeal of rectory living show no signs of waning. Many of the UK's former rectories are listed due to their architectural and historical significance and are as important now as they were then. The Georgian rectories of 18th and 19th Centuries are particularly handsome and have excellent proportions for living and entertaining.

"For buyers, part of the charm is the romantic ideal of living in an embodiment of English georgic idyll that you so often see in films or read about in books. They have a literary legacy that people want to be part of, continue and preseve", Hamish says.

Above: six/eight bedroom rectory for sale near Taunton, Somerset

A large number of rectories, somewhat impiously, were considered less than humble - even by contemporary standards - often reflecting the moneyed status of the resident rector - many of whom had come from wealthy families or had married well.

Many of these homes will have great architecture, high ceilings, large rooms and substantial kitchens or sculleries with various outhouses. 

So how much more are buyers willing to pay for the privilege of living in a rectory?

"Much will depend upon the area in which the property is situated but generally speaking expect to pay a 10 to 20 per cent premium. 

"This, however, doesn't dampen demand - if anything, buyers are actively seeking out historic rectories and we're often briefed to help them find one, modernised or not. The problem is that they're few and far between and on top of that, they seldom change hands for obvious reasons.

"Demand isn't particular to any one area of the UK either - their appeal is universal across the country", Hamish says.

Currently on the market through Knight Frank are a number of rectories. For more information or to request a viewing contact Hamish Humfrey.

Rectories currently on the market with Knight Frank 

Six-bedroom Grade II listed village rectory for sale in Widdington, near Saffron Walden

This elegant former 16th Century rectory is one of the finest houses in the area sitting adjacent to the church in this charming Essex village.

The house was extensively altered during the 18th Century and enjoys many original period features, including magnificent fireplaces and detailed cornicing.

Of particular note is the beautifully proportioned dining room with double glass doors to the entrance hall, as well as the  drawing room with access to the gardens.

The bedroom accommodation is well arranged with a good ratio of bedrooms to bathrooms with further useful rooms on the second floor, including a potential office, sewing room and extensive storage space. The old bread oven and cellars are also a particular feature, with several rooms to store wine.

The gardens surround the house on all sides, with a sweeping gravel driveway leading down to the house.

To the south east of the house is the magnificent Grade II listed barn, which is ideal for entertaining on a grand scale. It includes a kitchen, two bathrooms and a shower room.

The village of Widdington has a thriving community with a church, village hall and the popular Fleur de Lys village pub. Five miles away is the picture perfect town of Saffron Walden with trains to London Liverpool Street in one hour.

Seven bedroom 15th Century Old Rectory in Church Green, near Godalming

Over in Surrey is this seven bedroom rectory which is sold with a two bedroom coach house a short distance from the popular commuter town of Godalming.

The principal reception rooms are of generous proportions retaining much of their original charm, of particular note being the open fires, large bay windows and a unique ‘stepped’ window flooding the reception hall and landing with natural light. 

All the bedrooms enjoy different aspects of the gardens and there are traditional wooden beams throughout giving the rooms great character. The master bedroom is a wonderful room with a vaulted ceiling and a dressing area. There are a further five bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor with a seventh bedroom doubling up as a dressing room.

The Coach House acts as superb additional accommodation with a sitting room, kitchen, dining area, bedroom suite and a second bedroom/ home office.

It has separate access and parking away from the main house. There is a superb billiard room next to the Coach House as well as a triple garage with adjacent store. This has a separate entrance north of the main drive.

The gardens have been thoughtfully designed and immaculately maintained by the current owners. The nearest town offering fast trains to the capital are Goldaming ( 8 miles) and Guildford (12 miles).

Seven bedroom rectory for sale in Claverton, near Bath

A substantial Grade II seven bedroom family house with contemporary appeal awaits new owners realising their dream of owning a magnificent 17th Century home with plenty of history

Without doubt the finest property in the village of Claverton, a short distance from Bath, the exterior of the property is architecturally astonishing with large stone mullion windows and a trio of gables.

The interior's expanded footprint spans 634 sq m with each room meticulously refurbished to create a modern and practical family home brim full of period delights and wrapped by landscaped gardens, mature woodland and rolling countryside in the distance. 

Claverton has a village church and a regular bus service to Bath and Bradford on Avon. The nearest major transport link is the Bath mainline rail to London Paddington (journey time approx 90 mins).

If you are looking for a rectory in a specific part of the UK or would like to speak to one of agents specialising in historic country homes contact: