The interiors of this converted church in Oundle might be all the proof you need that there is a God
Designed by Sir Ninan Comper, this property is a substantial home of some 3,000sq ft that would be a blessing to whoever buys it.


I never really understood the point of church. Thankfully, growing up in a secular household, I never really had to. My dad is Catholic, but a bad one, and my mother was too busy trying to raise two kids to worry about whether they believed in a god or not.
But I have always liked, and by extension understood, churches. Point me in the direction of a cathedral, especially a European Gothic one, and I will be in whatever version of heaven I have manifested for myself. Even England, with its ruthlessly understated version of Christianity, produced some of the more striking places of worship I’ve seen; testaments to the wealth of a nation that, well, accrued a lot of wealth by means nefarious and otherwise.
I like churches. I like looking at them. Would I like living in one? That’s a different question. But if I did have to live in one, it would probably be one like Magdalane House, a Grade II-listed house (church). It has four bedrooms and is for sale with Fine & Country for £1.1 million.
But this is no ordinary former church/now house. It was designed by Sir Ninian Comper, a Scottish architect who was one of the great Gothich Revival architects. His specialty was churches, and splashes of colour, and as you will see, Magdalene House is no exception.
Originally built in the late 19th century as a place of worship for the nearby workhouse in Oundle, the church was remodelled into a home in 1987 under the careful auspices of English Heritage. What this means, in layman's terms, is that behind those original leaded windows is double glazing. Phew. God can protect you from many things, but a nasty draft isn’t one of them.
The great joys of Magdalene House are in the interiors. This is where Comper did his best work, as can be seen in rooms such as the double-height first floor living room. Is it the most impressive entertaining space in England? It might be. Look at those windows, look at that space, look at the colour!
It’s modern in all the right places, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, but keeps plenty of ecclesiastical charm. The fireplaces are exquisite, as are the oak doors and lancet windows. There’s even a working bell-pull.
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.
The location is pretty good too. In the heart of Oundle, there are amenities aplenty, all within relative walking distance. The property also comes with a small garden, which provides plenty of space for entertaining or just somewhere to relax and bathe in the glory of whoever or whatever you might believe in.
Credit: Zoopla
The most-viewed house of 2024 is a completely ordinary three-bed semi... with a literally fantastical interior
This incredible house in Rhyl, Wales, is emblazoned with murals of Disney characters. Do you dare step into the room
Credit: Fine & Country
A former nunnery that's now a spectacular home, with statues, stained glass and magnificent gardens
Barrow Court is a home that demands — and deserves — superlatives.

James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of Country Life. He writes about property, travel, motoring and things that upset him. He lives in London.
-
The loos of Buckingham Palace: Country Life Quiz of the Day, April 23, 2025
Wednesday's Quiz of the Day looks at St George, royal toilets and German alcohol laws.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Moore Design
Moore Design is a boutique interior design practice with clients around the UK and overseas.
By Country Life Published
-
A 327-acre estate in the heart of 'England’s Côte d’Or', with a 26,000sq ft Georgian style home at its heart
Stokes Hall in the Crouch Valley is an inspiring property looking for a new owner.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Schreiber House, 'the most significant London townhouse of the second half of the 20th century', is up for sale
The five-bedroom Modernist masterpiece sits on the edge of Hampstead Heath.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
Is the 'race for space' officially over?
During the lockdowns, many thought the countryside was the place to be. It seems many are now changing their minds.
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
What's a 'wellness village' and will it tempt you back into the office?
The team behind London's first mixed-use ‘wellness village’ says it has the magic formula for tempting workers back into offices.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
A mini estate in Kent that's so lovely it once featured in Simon Schama's 'History of Britain'
The Paper Mill estate is a picture-postcard in the Garden of England.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Hidden excellence in a £7.5 million north London home
Behind the traditional façades of Provost Road, you will find something very special.
By James Fisher Published
-
Sip tea and laugh at your neighbours in this seaside Norfolk home with a watchtower
On Cliff Hill in Gorleston, one home is taller than all the others. It could be yours.
By James Fisher Published
-
A Grecian masterpiece that might be one of the nation's finest homes comes up for sale in Kent
Grade I-listed Holwood House sits in 40 acres of private parkland just 15 miles from central London. It is spectacular.
By Penny Churchill Published