What it is: This Grade II*-listed Queen Anne rectory, which dates back to the early 18th century, is being sold for the first time in its history. Until recently home to the vicar of St Bartholomew’s church, it has been placed on the market by the diocese of Worcester.
The house has nine bedrooms, one bathroom, three large reception rooms, a study and a kitchen. The rectory has lots of original details, including an open-well staircase with turned balustrades, panelling, ornate plasterwork, fireplaces, chimney pieces, fitted cupboards, shutters and sash windows, and a timber screen in the attic with chinoiserie detail. Outside there is a small garden, outbuildings and a garage.
Areley Kings is about 2 miles from Stourport-on-Severn for the nearest pint and paper, and 13 miles from both Worcester and the M5. Birmingham is a 24-mile drive.
The problems: This isn’t your usual wreck to rebuild and redesign. There isn’t a “huge amount” to do, according to the agent, but the new owner will need to look at the roof, install a new boiler and central heating system, plus new bathrooms and a kitchen, all of which is likely to add up to at least £50,000. Virtually unaltered since it was built, any work will be subject to the usual planning permissions, and in this case, listed building consent. The new owner will probably want to convert two bedrooms into bathrooms and end up with a seven-bed, three-bathroom house.
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The garden is not particularly impressive, and backs onto the cemetery. Any prospective purchaser should also bear in mind that neighbouring St Bartholomew’s is a busy church with a bell tower, regular bellringers and a roaring trade in weddings.
The advantages: There is no stamp duty to be paid on the property as it is being sold by the church, giving a potential saving of about £12,000. Touted as the new Cotswolds, Worcestershire has seen price rises of up to 25% over the past 18 months. Once renovated, the selling agent believes the house could sell on for £600,000-plus.
Andrew Grant Country Homes, 01905 24477, www.andrew-grant.co.uk