The Old Church House
Living in a converted church isn't for everyone, but - unsurprisingly - it's top of the list of unusual properties people would most like to live in. It's easy to understand why: they have character in abundance, huge amounts of open space, very high ceilings (usually vaulted roofs), and each one is pretty much unique. For anyone tired of living in a square 'cookie-cutter' box, or for anyone who wants to live in a unique home full of character, a converted church is a very tempting idea. The downsides of the past, such as heating and storage, are easily discounted with underfloor heating, space-age insulation, restoration-grade secondary glazing, and smart storage solutions. While the idea of a graveyard can be offputting for some, not all churches have them. In fact, the only real downside when considering living in a church is the fact that they are very hard to find!
With only around 200 Anglican churches ever having been turned into residential accommodation in the UK, very few people can say they've owned one. However, I consider myself very privileged to have been able to buy TWO Anglican churches - both of them named after St Matthew. The first one I converted virtually single-handedly into a fine residential home. The second I ended up selling (for a smallish profit) after encountering a very intransigent and beligerent planning officer and conservation officer at South Holland District Council. I would gladly buy another church for conversion, but definitely not in South Holland! This site is my testament and dedication to the two I owned, and to anyone who is thinking about converting a church but doesn't know where to start.