This Former Church Might Be The Most Unique Home in the UK - Introducing St Peters...
This unique Grade II* property presents a rare and exciting opportunity: to live in an incredible 13th century church. The church is positioned in a small hamlet, with countryside all around, yet easily commutable to London.
The Property
The transformation of St Peters Church began in 2016. The owners were looking for a traditional house at the time, but instead found a church. The practicalities of what would be involved in the project took a back pew to the emotional connection they felt here, because you can’t help but be enraptured by St Peters.
Prior to the project, the building was being used as a craft centre, before that a stone masonry workshop. A dream, vision, hard work, faith and patience have all culminated in the statement property you see today. Extensive research helped enormously, as did close collaboration and consultation with local residents, architects, even Historic England. Any owner of this remarkable property acts as a custodian, representing only part of its great history, and tasked with taking care of it for their own chapter. The next custodian has been blessed with the effort, expertise and investment put in to St Peters over recent years.
A building like this belongs in some ways to the community, not just those named on the title. It would have been the epicentre of village life, especially so in earlier days, with celebrations and ceremonies held here for centuries. The churchyard sits under the Diocese of Peterborough’s ownership, with right of access given along the pathways in order to reach the property. There’s a two-car parking area occupants of St Peters may use.
Being Grade II* listed, the evolution from place of worship to a place to call home wasn’t easy. The biggest challenge came when laying the new limestone floors, raised over the original flagstones. Underfloor heating and insulation are installed beneath the slate, there are damp-proofing measures defending the property, and two boilers serve the home, in four zones.
As for features, the list is long, and some such as the Archer even pre-date the building itself. You’ll find something special at every angle, from grand arches and small alcoves, to painted windows and medieval murals, to multiple monuments, including one of a praying William Montagu. The font and the pulpit are positioned in the main living space, angel corbels watch over the primary bedroom, and there are interesting light fittings made from bell ropes and wheels.
As well as retaining every feature that could be resurrected or conserved, the general layout of the property has remained much as it was when the current owners purchased it. Newly fitted oak panelled partitions separate the spaces, with glazing above doorways to allow light to penetrate. The gallery is also a newer addition, and this is perfect for unwinding with a book, or simply appreciating all the character seen from this spot.
The nave is now the heart of the home, with the kitchen one side and living areas opposite. For such a vast, voluminous space, it’s surprisingly homely, and would work very well for both everyday family life and entertaining friends. The kitchen is the most modern area, fitted with a range of bespoke navy-blue cabinets, chestnut worktops, and an island with stone surfacing. It’s well equipped, with a double ceramic butler sink and either freestanding or integrated appliances (appliances available by separate negotiation). The utility at the base of the bell tower matches the kitchen, and here there’s a ceramic Belfast sink and more storage.
The chancel is now the primary bedroom, with an elevated area that was once the altar. Imagine waking up in surroundings as impressive as this. Bedrooms two and three run alongside the main living space, bedroom four is in the bell tower, and there are two further rooms as you travel up the spiral staircase to the top. The lower of these rooms is set up as an office, private and secluded for working away in peace.
Both the primary bedroom and bedroom four have an en suite, bedrooms two and three share a Jack & Jill bathroom, and there’s a convenient cloakroom on the ground floor too. The en suite above bedroom four has a Hudson Reed shower, while the primary en suite and the Jack & Jill bathroom feature William Holland copper tubs, testament to the quality fixtures and fittings throughout the home. Relaxing in a bubble-filled bath with a chalice of wine here would be heavenly.
The Position
Little Oakley is a tiny hamlet of only a handful of homes. St Peters Church occupies a central, elevated and commanding position, and from the roof of the nave, you can see across Northamptonshire countryside and over to Boughton Woods. Within walking distance of the church is a pre-school rated Outstanding by Ofsted, The Boxing Shed, and The Hut, where locals often converge for events, sports and socialising.
Neighbouring Geddington is larger, with a lively community, and amenities such as a café, a Post Office, a pub, a primary school and a nursery. The River Ise runs through Geddington for waterside wanders, and for the active, there are sports clubs here too. Whatever your interests, it’s likely Geddington has it covered with a class or club. Family days out are abundant in the local area, with destinations including Wicksteed Park, Fineshade Wood and Deene Park each offering something fun for weekends and school holidays.
Corby and Kettering town centres supply an even wider choice of facilities, activities and schools, all within just a short drive of Little Oakley. For commuting, Corby station may be nearer to the property by a few minutes, but Kettering station provides rail services into the capital in as little as 46 minutes. You’ll praise the peace and quiet of Little Oakley as soon as you land back home, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
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These property particulars are issued in good faith but do not form part of any offer or contract. All descriptions, floorplans, photographs and other information are provided as a guide only and may not be exact. Buyers are advised to verify key facts such as tenure, planning permissions, fixtures and fittings, lease length, ground rent, service charges, council tax bands and energy performance ratings through their legal representative.
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