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.
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.
-
'The city has always held an important creative space within our design studio': A luxury townhouse in Tokyo, courtesy of Aston MartinA new four-storey property in the Omotesandō district is the first single home private residence by the British ultra-luxury performance brand.
-
Tuning in with the past: Monk music will ring out for the first time since the Dissolution after medieval manuscript is rediscoveredBuckland Abbey once thronged with monks who sang for hours every day. Now, some of their newly rediscovered medieval music will ring out once more.
-
'The city has always held an important creative space within our design studio': A luxury townhouse in Tokyo, courtesy of Aston Martin
A new four-storey property in the Omotesandō district is the first single home private residence by the British ultra-luxury performance brand.
-
The Mediterranean Magic of MaltaWith historic charm, picture-perfect beaches and a welcoming approach to newcomers, Malta represents an appealing option for Mediterranean property hunters. Holly Kirkwood reports.
-
Four country houses with their own tennis courts, as seen in Country LifeIf Wimbledon has put you in the mood for more tennis, Annunciata Elwes is here with a selection of homes with their own tennis courts.
-
The majestic New Forest estate formerly owned by a billionaire adventurer — famous for driving 'the world's fastest kettle' — has come up for saleGreat estates in the unspoilt setting of the New Forest are always a welcome sight on the market, and Newton Park is a wonderful example with a sad story to tell. Anna White tells more.
-
A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in yearsThe ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
-
The new property hotspots where you can have it all: Beautiful houses, great schools and idyllic lifestyleAcross the country people are selling up and heading to the towns where there's no compromise on dream homes, outstanding schooling and the good life, according to analysis from two of Britain's top estate agents. Anna White explains.
-
Where Venice once ruled: The roving Venetians left handsome imprints across the Greek world, from its religion to its rambling villasMatthew Dennison explores the lingering traces of Venice's vanished empire — and the best places to buy where it once stood.
-
A delightful 16th century home with some of Kent's most beautiful gardens has come on to the marketThe Grange puts the 'garden' into the Garden of England.
