I did something silly today.
I knew I'd regret it. But I just couldn't resist. I could not stay away. Oh boy.
In the next village south from us an amazing group of properties has come on to the market. An old church subdivision. The church, the presbytery, the convent schoolhouse and some land are all being sold off for the first time ever. Today I had a look at the church, which is totally fabulous, peeked through the windows of the gorgeous convent school house. But it's the presbytery that has stolen my heart.
It's a building I've often admired. It stands tall, high on the hill, across the road from a riverside playground where I've spent many an hour gazing up at its grand but slightly dilapidated facade, whilst the children played on the swings. With its grand proportions, numerous rooms, gorgeous staircase and landings, it's a little bit
Cloudstreet, a little bit Northanger Abbey.
It is cold, it's run down, boasts a basic kitchen and a shabby bathroom, yet it's the perfect house for our family to rattle around in. I can imagine the children running through the hallway, sitting on the landings and hiding in the huge spooky cupboard under stairs. We could spend summer evenings dining with friends on the wide verandahs overlooking the river.We could walk to the pub, the river and to the shops. We could say "more tea vicar?" Oh yes. I'm totally in crazy love. I don't think I will sleep tonight. As all three buildings are so close together, I think it's best to buy all three properties and live in the presbytery, run a business in the church and have friends come stay in the convent. You can come stay too if you like.
Of course, it's all total folly as we really don't want to move, nor do we have the money to do so. And the reality is, the place needs a tonne of work. And I reckon it would be bloody freezing too. It's just a dream. A crazy one. But my goodness it is a wonderful dream though.....
I took 143 photos of it today, here are a few, I edited as much as I could. If you want to buy it, the link is
here. Tell my friend
Ian I sent you. Please invite me over for if you do. For tea with the vicar.
