A heavenly Christmas conversion
Transformed church is good for the body and soul, writes Paul Drury
Many people love their homes at Christmas, but to amanda McFarlane it’s a place of worship. ‘Home’ for her is a 19th century C-listed church in Fife which has been transformed into a spectacular residence that gladdens
the soul. you know you have a big Christmas tree when the local farmer complains that he almost suffered a hernia putting it up.
Standing 17ft tall in her living room, it provides a festive focal point for what used to be the ‘body of the kirk’.
‘The house just lends itself to Christmas,’ said Mrs McFarlane, who lives in Bow of Fife, near Cupar, with doctor husband, Sandy.
‘One of the quirks of the house is that there’s so many hiding places, where I can tuck away gifts for the family. I forgot about a few last year, which meant I was giving my daughter Christmas presents in May.’
The Monimail Free Church began life in 1843 but by the 1980s, the congregation had diminished to such an extent that the building was closed.
Previous owner Tom young executed a brilliant transformation, keeping the ecclesiastical feel to the place while creating a fantastic collection of comfortable living spaces. Mr and Mrs McFarlane completed the job by converting the derelict tower into three spacious rooms.
you could call it a labour of love but the McFarlanes have more reason than most to love their home – they were married in it. Eight years ago, the local minister agreed to perform the ceremony, which had a touching link to the building’s past.
Mrs McFarlane said: ‘I knew my mum and dad were married in the church but then I discovered my grannie and great-grannie were wed here too.
‘My stepson got married here, which means it has hosted the weddings of five generations of my family. It makes it such a special place for us and make it very hard for us to leave.’
Some of the most ornate features are to be found in the drawing/dining room which was once the main area of worship.
Stonemasons say that, in their opinion, the carvings are of the same quality as those at Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian, which featured in the Tom Hanks movie, The Da Vinci Code.
One carving features roses, one is decorated in thistles, one is covered in cherubs and the last one shows a griffin. Research by Mrs McFarlane shows they represent the Four Books of the apostles.
a spiral staircase leads to the upper floor, which contains five bedrooms plus a beautiful lounge, where the family host parties in the summer.
a kitchen/breakfast room sits at the rear, with windows overlooking half an acre of garden. a hallway with exposed stone walls leads from here to the family room, formerly the church vestry.
This has solid mahogany doors, original timber panelling, twin stained-glass windows and two original fireplaces.
at Christmas or at any time, this property is just divine.
Offers over £695,000 to Anna Gardiner of Savills. Telephone 0131 247 3738 or email agardiner@ savills.com