What’s In A Name?
Across England every city, town and village in the 19th century had at least one property belonging to the church, indeed in most cases multiple properties housing the clergy of all denominations from the village parson to the Bishop. Alongside the wealth of the church the responsibility for the upkeep of these properties became overpowering in the 20th century as congregations dwindled and parishes merged requiring one “team” incumbent.
Many of the houses were built in the Georgian and Victorian era becoming the grandest and most important house n the locality. From the early 1900s through to the last decade of the century the Church rationalised their property portfolio selling off large house sometimes occupied by a single person and built or bought more suitable, economic accommodation.
Maybe by default or design this coincided with the demand for the period country house by a new generation of people with deep pockets, thereby fuelling the obsession with property itself. The kudos of owning what proved to be the most sought-after address – The Old Rectory- in itself became an obsession. Not far behind any ecclesiastical connection to a property, The Old Parsonage, the Old Vicarage, The Manse and any Glebe owned property were all swept into this tide of demand.
Many a time as a Buying Agent a new client has provided their brief – a Georgian rectory in a good village with a large garden – even a paddock – tennis court and annexe for granny. Demand outstripped supply and values rocketed. In the Georgian era the Church was the focus of society particularly in rural areas and the clergy were often connected to the wealthy landowners. To encourage continuity the incumbents expected to reside in a prestigious house as the guardian of the community. The Church obliged by building grand houses compatible with the Manor House where the village fete and other events were held.
Fast forward to the 21st Century and how society has changed. One incumbent rushing around numerous parishes with no curate to assist, residing in a modest modern house.
The architects, interior designers and landscape architects now have a free reign to further gentrify these beautiful buildings- subject to complying with listed building regulations where applicable and complying with any specific covenants attributed to each property. One such covenant often attached is “not to sell alcohol or use the premises for any immoral business”. I wonder who monitors the latter!!
As society evolves it is good to know these lovely homes are generally preserved for future generations in a better condition that when first acquired. Aside from the investment angle they make delightful family homes: “It’s all about coming home”.
Some impressive former ecclesiastical houses:
The Old Rectory. East Down, Barnstaple: Tranquil North Devon. Listed former rectory tastefully restored to reflect modern living in outstanding location set in 10.5 acres river frontage grounds to include cottage.
The Old Rectory, Woodleigh, Kingsbridge : A handsome listed former rectory in quiet South Hams village. Impeccably presented in 2 acre exquisite gardens with swimming pool. One of a kind!
Old Glebe, Eggesford, Chulmleigh: Imposing listed former rectory in secluded mid Devon countryside with extensive family accommodation ideal for multi- generational living. Set in 6.3 acres well maintained gardens and grounds:
Madford House, Hemyock, Cullompton: prestigious East Devon former vicarage and converted coach house in 10 acres idyllic grounds including half acre lake bordering River Madford. Quiet but accessible location.
The Old Rectory, Clayhidon Cullompton: Beautifully restored unlisted 7 bedroom Georgian rectory on edge of village within Blackdown Hills, with generous secondary accommodation. Immaculately presented: