A stunning Grade II* listed church conversion complete with a graveyard in the garden has gone on the market for a little more than the average cost of a London home.
The historic Church of St. Peter was built in the quaint village of Saxby, Leicestershire, in 1789 and is being hailed as "one of a kind" property after being transformed into a private residence.
The place of worship has been converted into a three-bedroom home while retaining original features such as its original pulpit and baptismal font as well as traditional stone dressings and stained-glass windows.
The 18th-century property forms part of the renowned Stapleford Estate, sitting nestled in unspoiled countryside on the borders of Leicestershire and Rutland, and also comes complete with a graveyard and stone tower.
(Unique Property Company via SWNS)
By Talker
It has gone on the market for $903,500 with real estate agents the Unique Property Company, who describe the house as "a magnificent private residence bursting with originality and classic features."
The listing adds: "This really is a remarkable church, undoubtedly one of a kind.
"This is a very special place as it retains all the wonderful sacral architecture and historic period charm one would want from a church conversion, while having evolved into a functioning contemporary home.
"The current owners really have achieved something extraordinary here."
The church was built by the 4th Earl of Harborough, and a concert grand piano is now located where the altar would have once stood, while it also boasts two mirrors from the Savoy Hotel in London.
The stone atrium features the original font used by parishioners for centuries before the vestibule connects through the rest of the church into "an unbelievable residential space."
(Unique Property Company via SWNS)
By Talker
Four original stained-glass windows are spread throughout the property, which has separate areas for living, dining, entertainment and a reception area.
The kitchen area looks up to the pulpit from one corner of the building, while at the opposite end is a bright third bedroom, currently being used as a studio.
From the atrium, winding stone steps lead up to the tower onto a landing providing 180° views over the surrounding churchyard and fields and access to the other two bedrooms.
The outside grounds include approximately an acre of land with wildflower gardens, a beautiful lawn, a shepherd's hut and a terrace space looking out on the Old Rectory next door.
The listing adds: "There is a wonderful view of the surrounding fields from here, which highlights the splendid and isolated location."
Saxby sits within the rolling hills of Leicestershire around five miles east of Melton Mowbray, with the area known as the rural capital of England.
It is one of the ‘thankful villages’ from after the Great War, meaning that all the villagers’ sons returned from the fighting alive, which is why there is no war memorial there.
Commented