If you ever got sick of town life, moving to a Victorian church in a small village half-an-hour from Swindon is one way of taking a break.

This is just the break offered by The Old Methodist Church, whcih “presents a unique opportunity” according to agent Stowhill Estates.

Located in Clanfield along the A420, the buildings date back to 1856 and 1910 and have since been joined together to make a three-bedroom house.

(Image: Stowhill Estates)

In virtue of its ecclesiastical origins, the building is “simply bursting with quirky character and appeal”.

For example, huge stained glass windows bring in “oodles” of light which the current owners are said to love, with the light changing with the time of day.

The agent explains: “the original gothic-style arched stained glass window provides a dramatic focal point and oodles of natural light.(Image: Stowhill Estates)

“The current owners love how the sunlight filters through the coloured glass at different times of the day, creating a unique warmth and atmosphere.”

Meanwhile, the high vaulted ceilings and open-plan layout typical of a chapel give plenty of space. 

Living in a church could lend your usual home life a different feel, with the dinner table sitting where an altar would be, and the floating mezzanine where the choir might have sung.(Image: Stowhill Estates)

This mezzanine space is reached by an oak and glass staircase and is currently used as a snug for watching films or reading in the evening.

There is also a library and home office in the second building, but this could be made into another dining area.

The main bedroom is described as a “tranquil hideaway”.(Image: Stowhill Estates)

The agent says: “With soft cream carpeting underfoot and an overhead ceiling fan to keep things cool in the summer, this is a relaxing haven you won’t want to leave!”

There are several outdoor spaces, although no graveyard, in the church. One is an Italianate-style courtyard accessible from the kitchen and glass corridor between the two buildings.(Image: Stowhill Estates)

There is an outdoor dining area “perfect for a bistro-style table set to enjoy an alfresco lunch or after-work drink”.

Clanfield itself offers pubs and an award-winning cafe, set among Cotswold countryside with country walks.

However, living in an old church has mixed blessings. Not only will it set you back £850,000 to buy, the agent does not say that the huge windows are double-glazed.