A seven bedroom Buckinghamshire rectory that might be a little haunted
Grade II-listed the Old Rectory is a home of astounding charm and beauty, and comes with a friendly visitor.
There is an unwritten rule when writing about homes for sale and it is that you should not say if they are haunted. There are lots of houses out there that look haunted. They are usually close to churches, or have histories that would lend themselves to the supernatural. The implication is usually there, that a ghost might be present, but its considered rude to actually point it out.
Not so with the Old Rectory in Sherington, Buckinghamshire. We are told in no uncertain terms by the vendor that it is A) haunted and B) they would like us to tell you about it. So there you have it. It is for sale with Michael Graham for £2.5 million.
You will have to read on for more information about the Lady in the Hood, because, frankly, there are more interesting things to do with Old Rectory that we must cover first. The property offers seven bedrooms, and is listed Grade II. It was built in 1607 by the Rev John Martin and despite later additions, retains plenty of its period charm.
Let us look around. Let us enjoy the many wood-panneled rooms and stone fireplaces. Let us rejoice in the exposed beams and the brickwork. We must take comfort in the modern farmhouse style kitchen with island. We will revel in the two acres of gardens and ancillary outbuildings, which have been given planning permission to be turned into a separate property, but are now apparently home to some geese.







The highlight of the home is clearly the entrance hall. Not one to be content with the grand sweeping staircase, there is also a galleried landing on the first floor, which as we know is a Country Life favourite. I am astounded by the beauty of the ceiling with its plaster rosettes and fleurs-de-lys. It is impossible not to be impressed by the character of The Old Rectory and, if all that wasn’t enough, it is within walking distance to the amenities of Sherington itself.
Now back to the Lady in the Hood. She is, first and foremost, a nice ghost I am told. Let that be a comfort. There is reputedly a secret passage from the home to the church, which I imagine is how she keeps on getting in. She was a villager who laid to rest in the church yard, but is now keen on going for a wander. She moves keys, she confuses workmen, but the biggest issue is when the vendor’s wife mistook her for ‘another woman’.
What does she want? It's always hard to say with ghosts. But I imagine the answer is simply just companionship. It must be lonely.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
A characterful house, full of characters. Some from this world, some from the next.

James Fisher is the Digital Commissioning Editor of Country Life. He writes about motoring, travel and things that upset him. He lives in London. He wants to publish good stories, so you should email him.
-
'The ugliness and craziness is a part of its charm': The Country Life guide to BangkokWhere to stay, where to eat and what to do in the Thai capital.
By Luke Abrahams Published
-
There are a billion microbes in a teaspoon of soil. Leaving the leaves to Nature feeds and nourishes themLeaf blowers aren't just futile and polluting — they're actively bad for the health of your garden, not to mention your mental wellbeing. Time to reach for the rake, says Isabel Bannerman.
By Isabel Bannerman Published
-
The wave of downsizing about to hit the property market in the UKThe Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget — and specifically the 'Mansion Tax' — has fired a starting pistol for downsizers, and the waves will wash across the entire property market. Annabel Dixon spoke to property experts across the country to gauge how it will play out.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A Georgian farmhouse that's an 'absolute gem' in an ancient village on Salisbury PlainJulie Harding takes a look at the beautiful West Farm in a gorgeous Wiltshire village.
By Julie Harding Published
-
It'd be crazy to buy this 500-year-old farmhouse just because of its utterly gorgeous Aga — so thank goodness that the rest of this place is also really nicePerry Mill Farm is an immaculate yet characterful four-bedroom dream home in the country at a price that will make city dwellers immediately start Googling 'working from Worcestershire'.
By Toby Keel Published
-
'A masterpiece of timeless elegance' for sale on the charmed Surrey estate once owned by Henry VIII and the Guinness familyThe Manor House in Burwood Park is a grand, enormous and undeniably impressive. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A grand hall in Yorkshire with 400 years of historyCarlton Hall is a wonderful family home amid glorious gardens in a quaint village location. Penny Churchill looks inside.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Why don't more of us live in brightly coloured homes?It's not often that you see a home sporting the colour palette that you'd get if you hired a four-year old as your interior designer. But why not? The Blue House in Bethnal Green asks this and many more questions.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Five magnificent mansions, from a former monastery to an Art Deco wonder in the South Downs, as seen in Country LifeWonderful homes, including a superb beach home in Cornwall, all fresh on the market via Country Life.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A 14-bedroom 'miniature Downton Abbey' to call your own — and there's not a penny of Mansion Tax to be paidNorton Manor is an incredible period home that's on the market for £1.3 million.
By Toby Keel Published