A tastefully converted former church in The North Wessex Downs AONB that is perfect for family life
Arched Mullion windows, lofty interiors and welcoming surroundings form the basis of Old Church House, with plenty more to discover.


This former church in the village of Ecchinswell, near Newbury, has been thoughtfully converted into four-bedroom Old Church House, where an abundance of original features meet with tasteful renovation works to create a comfortable family home.
It arrives on the market via Hamptons for £1.25 million.
The accommodation extends around a large kitchen/breakfast room located at its centre, next to which is an equally spacious and impressive triple-aspect sitting room that extends to 35 feet in length.
The dramatic vaulted wooden ceiling, open fireplace and traditional wood flooring help to create a grand yet unassuming room, perfect for entertaining or cosier family nights in. Large windows frame the doors which lead out onto the garden outside.
Upstairs, the landing has been converted into a studio or study space alongside three of the bedrooms; the master is on the level above.
The garden is mainly lawn with a terrace for outdoor dining and the garage has space for a potential room above that could act as a home office.
The village of Ecchinswell is located in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and surrounded by picturesque rolling countryside. There’s a strong community feel, no doubt aided by the two main ingredients that seem to form an idyllic rural village setting: a local church and a good pub.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Schooling in the area is excellent, with both primary and nursery options in the village (Ecchinswell & Sydmonton C of E Primary School). State and private schools are easily found in the local area making this a popular choice for families.
Basingstoke, located 11 miles to the south east, runs a fast rail service to London Waterloo and Newbury, just six miles in the opposite direction, runs services into London Paddington. In both towns you’ll find a good range of shops, restaurants and general facilities.
The North Wessex Downs are home to some of England’s most spectacular scenery, where an abundance of walking paths of varying length and degree, cycling routes and star gazing are all on offer.
Old Church House is currently on the market via Hamptons for £1.25 million — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
Graham Norton's elegant East London home hits the market, and it's just as wonderful as you would expect
The four-bedroom home in Wapping should be studied for how well it uses two separate spaces to create a home of immense character and utility.
By James Fisher Published
-
Sign of the times: In the age of the selfie, what’s happening to the humble autograph?
When Ringo Starr announced that he was no longer going to sign anything, he kickstarted a celebrity movement that coincided with the advent of the camera phone and selfie. Rob Crossan asks whether, in today’s world, the selfie holds more clout than an autograph?
By Rob Crossan Published
-
Graham Norton's elegant East London home hits the market, and it's just as wonderful as you would expect
The four-bedroom home in Wapping should be studied for how well it uses two separate spaces to create a home of immense character and utility.
By James Fisher Published
-
About time: The fastest and slowest moving housing markets revealed
New research by Zoopla has shown where it's easy to sell and where it will take quite a while to find a buyer.
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
A wisteria clad hall built by one of the founders of the Bank of England
Come for the history of Old Hall. Stay for the interesting interiors.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River Tay
Carnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
By James Fisher Published
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country Life
We take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producers
Stormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in Kent
North Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
By James Fisher Published
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streets
This six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
By James Fisher Published