HEAVEN SENT HOME
Converted church has so much history.
THE converted church in Bow of Fife that is home to Sandy and Amanda McFarlane is heaven sent.
The couple knew that Amanda’s parents had married there. But it wasn’t until they moved in that they discovered her grandmother and great-grandmother had also taken their wedding vows in the spot that is now their dining room.
Amanda – who with her GP husband Sandy has a combined family of four grown-up children and a grandchild aged 10 months – admits it’s a home that has enjoyed many blessings.
The project manager smiles: “We love the memories that we have created here and the history this house has for our family.
“Sandy and I got married here 11 years ago and our son Rennie was married in this building five years ago – that’s made five generations of my family married in this church.
“My parents even celebrated their golden wedding here. In fact, my father used to go to Sunday school in the vestry which is now our lounge.”
She remembers the day she viewed it as if it were yesterday: “My daughter and I then went to see it as Sandy was working in Manchester at that time. I could immediately see its potential.
“But it needed complete refurbishment. I phoned Sandy and said it would be great as our first home together. He said, ‘Ok, just buy it’.”
She resisted that urge and Sandy saw it the following week. “He fell in love with it too,” Amanda beams.
The couple moved in in May 2005 and spent the first six months making major structural changes, laying new flooring and painting. Further improvement work continued over the years.
They created two guest bedrooms and new bathroom and knocked down the wall between two original bedrooms to create a large master suite.
All five existing bathrooms were replaced and underfloor heating was added to the master en-suite. They also fitted a stylish new kitchen with a nut wood floor. The garden too was remodelled and landscaped.
But the conversion of the kirk’s spectacular tower – once its belfry – was their greatest challenge. Amanda recalls: “The conversion of the tower into three rooms took over five years due to planning issues, but now the 360 degree views from the top are spectacular.”
Their five bedroom (two en-suite), three reception
room home – a short drive from St Andrews – became the answer to their prayers. It has all the charm and comfort of a luxury 21st Century home without compromising on character.
This magnificent building, dating back to 1843, still boasts its original stone carved arches and pillars, timber panelling, stone mullioned stained glass windows and double height ceiling. They provide a dramatic backdrop to chic modern additions like the spiral staircase in the drawing room.
But now, with their youngest child Lucy leaving home to go to university, the couple are downsizing.
Amanda reveals: “As Sandy is a very keen golfer we have decided to move to St Andrews. We are building a new house there which is very exciting. We will be very sad to leave this special home though. Hopefully a new family will love it as much as we have.”
Church House is being marketed by Savills for offers over £695,000.