…is in our hands!
Signed and sealed–the deal is done, completed; the church next to our rectory is ours.
I find this an astonishing thing to write.
Owning a church was never an ambition–I have no allegiance–not since spending three hours on my knees at St Jude’s Church Hampstead Garden Suburb (High Anglican) for Good Friday service in the late 1950’s.
An act of pure exhibitionism–no wonder I became an actor.
In 1990 we fell in love with this house, a presbytère (the priest’s residence) with its church just next door–and a cemetery (could come in handy later).
The church is close–a few steps from our front gate.
A benign presence in our fairy tale since 1990–and an everyday one since moving here permanently in 1999.
Twice a year–on Easter Monday and at All Saints (November)–the curé of Lautrec came to say mass to a dwindling number of parishioners.
Funeral services were held from time to time, before burial in the cemetery à coté.
Our neighbors, Alice and Pierrette, made a terrible racket ringing the bells on Christmas Eve–frightening Père Noel out of his wits. The reindeer bolted!
About 15 years ago, a small piece of the vaulted ceiling fell–and the church was closed permanently–and essentially abandoned.
There is a slowly widening fissure in the outer walls one of the side chapels. Birds and bats took up residence inside.
Nonetheless it withstood whirlwind and tempest–and still stands–almost intact.
We are proud of our modest church–not old by French standards–built around 1860.
But three years ago the fairy tale took a less than benign turn.
Our newly-elected Mayor, a local garlic farmer whose parents are buried in the cemetery, announced he was keen to sell it!
All churches in France have been the property of the state since 1905–when an act separating Church and State became law in France.
(Would it were true in the UK–what are the bishops doing in the House of Lords?)
Lautrec needed the money and the now-derelict church was a burden, according to Monsieur le Maire. He was well within his rights.
Several buyers were interested in converting it to a domestic space–and thus becoming our cheek-by-jowl neighbors.
Our hackles were roused.
After an anxious year, we agreed to the asking price and shook hands with the Mayor.
Whoopee, we thought.
That was over two years ago!
French bureaucracy is a world beater–the notaire and the mayor wholeheartedly agreed on Thursday morning, as we both signed the final act of sale and shook hands again.
He wants the cash to improve the primary school and other good works around the village.
Felicitations to him, felicitations to Lautrec and finally–felicitations to us!
Thus opens a new chapter….
Robin Ellis 
Congratulations and what a great place to put on a show! Just be careful of falling plaster…glad you were able to protect your privacy. Have a great fall!
What a wonderful story! What plans do you have for the church?
Congratulations, Robin and Meredith!
Wow! you now own a church! What are you going to do with it? I knew of a church in Seattle that was bought and turned into a disco called Sunday (it was the 70’s). Looking forward to seeing this new venture unfold on your blog. As they say in your neck of the woods Bon Chance. Aloha
I always thought it would be interesting to make a home of a little old church, school, or train depot; the architecture is charming, sentimental. Now I find it a challenge just to keep up with window repair in a relatively new house (28 years). Best wishes to you in a wonderful undertaking. I hope this treasure finds new life as part of your small village/community.
Have you ever read J. L. Carr’s A Month in the Country? there’s a superb film adaptation with a very young Colin Firth, Kenneth Branagh, Patrick Malahide and Natasha Richardson. Also a propos is the biography of J. L. Carr called The last Englishmen: in fact the church that is rescued in the book was destroyed.
Lord we think we know what we are (pardonable rephrase) but we know not what we may own …. 🙂
Wonderful! I wish you the best of luck refurbishing whatever plans you may have. I for one love the old churches of France. It was there in an odd way I found my spiritual bearings and I wish you the best of natural and Supernatural Neighbors!
We are so happy for both of you! Congratulations!
Beaucoup de graçe! And in the states, a church key merely opens your bottle of beer. Enjoy!
Fabulous and finally! The possibilities are endless (along with the costs, I suspect), but what a fun new adventure to embark upon in this marvelous, historic space! (Don’t you wish you could get that bell back now?) I’m envisioning grand gatherings ahead! Many good wishes for the future in your own private party hall! Can’t wait to hear, and see, what you do with it.
I think this is one of the most astonishing things that could happen to one! So glad that you had the desire, the vision, and the resources to rescue this unique old church. If nothing else, you can now house more cats!
Hooray for saving an historic building! (Two whole years you’ve waited? Good grief.) You two have made this village your home, and we wish you well whether restoring the building or revamping it for use. Kudos to both of you. Well done.
It appears that cats are welcome in the church, from your last photo. Bravo.
And “pray” what are you going to do with this unique building.
Enjoy your new chapter in your lives! Shall look forward to seeing the changes along with you both. Congratulations to you Botha!
CONGRATS ON YOUR CHURCH PURCHASE. PLEASE CONTINUE TO SEND UPDATES AND PHOTOS!!!!!
That cerulean blue…we never saw the inside of the church, but it’s beautiful! Very pleased for you both as we know it was a worry. Perhaps the perfect venue for more courses?! Congratulations anyway and sleep easy now x
Congratulations.
Wonderful that you were able to do that.
Looks like structural engineer stuff, but you must have long known that too.
All the best
Congratulations. What are your plans for the structure? If I may make a suggestion, how about a sanctuary for cats? 🙂
How exciting! Congratulations on your persistence! I’ve always wanted to live in a church or and old school house. I’ll have to do it vicariously through you and Meredith. Have fun with the challenges, rewards and adventures that lie ahead. (I’m jealous, but very happy for you.)
What a lovely story, though I am confused about “separation of church and state” if the government owns the churches. I love your church and wish you much joy in restoration.
I am very happy for you and your lovely lady, Robin. Thank you for sharing the photographs of your beautiful church which is now in safe hands.
Warmest regards, Jean Good.
Perhaps a blessing of the animals in the neighborhood on Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi would be in order. The local pere might oblige…
Congratulations!! What an honour!! 💖👏🏻👏🏻🍾🥂
Congratulations to you both and well done on your purchase! Many people would have just sat there miserably watching the old eglise being ‘converted’ but not you two – you have saved a lovely old building – not many people have their own church these days!
Bravo, magnifique! It looks beautiful. I feel quite wistful. Just say when you need some volunteers. I’m quite good at mucking in and even though I’m in S. Vendée, would happily help for a few days.
Congratulations! How exciting! Best of luck and I hope you’ll keep us all updated on what your plans will be for the building (if any).
Congratulations on the purchase of the church. Some friends bought an old church and turned it into their home as well as a venue for music events, poetry and book readings, even wedding receptions. They called it the Chouse and there were many fine memories made in that place. Perhaps you could do something similar, holding your cooking gatherings there? Best of luck with whatever you do with it and hopefully can save such a beautiful building.
Thanks for these ideas , Mary–we have a way to go.
Oh..Robin….How lovely for you and Meredith. So happy for you. You can relax now and enjoy your church without any worries. With love, Heth xx
Thanks, Heth and say Hi! to Bill.
Congratulations to you both. I’m so happy for your long-awaited win.
Linda Chiles
Congratulations! and I add all the above comments.
Such wonderful news . Would love to see that ceiling restored but in the meanwhile enjoy what ever you decide to do . Love the way the cat is following you into the church !
Curious as ever–cats!
So happy and pleased for you both. Well done. All the very best.
Thanks, Jane.
So happy for you; now you have room for more cats!
Don’t say that to Meredith!
Hahaha–I was gonna suggest a cat shelter! 😉 But Mary had some great ideas above. Perhaps get some tables and turn it into a nice dining hall? I know a great local chef who’d be a FABULOUS caterer!!!
Please just bear in mind that you did not just purchase a building that was too close to home for comfort; you have purchased holy ground. Whatever your plans, pay respect for the holy ground you will be treading on.
Of course. The church was deconsecrated to enable the sale.
Holy Moly Wowee Zowee! what a move! I remember when they tookaway the bells.
They did, sadly, Rebecca.
I have always wanted to own a small church or castle best wishes and God bless you ^i^
Hope you do one of these days, Stella.
Dear Meredith and Robin!
How completely wonderful!
May dear God continue to she’d His grace on you both,and your families!
In our prayers and sharing your joys!
Thanks, Natalia.
Cannot wait to see what you do with it. Such a wonderful structure
It is such a wonderful old structure.
Good job, good news! Your own beautifully quiet corner of the world remains intact.
Yes, Susan–thank heavens!
Delighted for you, Robin. Good luck with your church.(I doubt you remember me, but our paths crossed years ago when you were “married to ” Angharad.)
Ah, happy days! The world is a poorer place without her. Hello down there!
Superb! What a wonderful new chapter, and what an exciting challenge.
Dear Robin and Meredith. What wonderful news. Congratulations ! If you want a working party at some point to help you clear up the debris and plan your next steps, I would be delighted to help you. Best wishes. Richard
Thank you, Richard, for the offer. It’ll be quite a job. We’ll catch our breath and see what’s what.
What a relief to have that key in your hands finally and all the worries that went with the purchase over! It looks beautiful all the painted walls and vaulted ceiling we visit many churches more for the architecture so any further updates would be good! Enjoy your new home next door, cooking school?!
On verra, Sally.
This is wonderful news. The old church is such a presence in your lives, a few steps from the garden and so closely linked to your house. It is beautiful and we are sure you will find a loving and creative way of using it.
Congratulations!
Sandy and Arlene.
Thanks, Sandy and Arlene.
Great news! Could this be a future cookery school or writers retreat? Whatever your plans, enjoy.
Hi Jane! Yes. “Future” is perhaps the key word though!
What a lovely piece of writing and all the more poignant because it is true! Ever since I stumbled upon your site I have been enthralled by the adventures of you and Meredith and les moggies but this latest installment promises to be the opener to an even more exciting journey. From fabulous recipes to what promises to be maybe maybe your new cafe????? Or the most exciting potting shed one could ever wish for. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks, Johanne–it’s a relief that’s for sure.
Ah les chanceux! Félicitations!
Yes indeed–love the word “chanceau”. Thanks Rosemary.
What a wonderful, exciting story. I love your church. Can’t wait for the next chapter. Good luck to both of you. xx
Thanks, Rena.
So pleased for you both, a weight off your mind!
Whatever will you do with it?
Secure it to start with; then we’ll see.
That is brilliant and I am sure will mean a great deal to you and Meredith. Privacy is so important, especially for a couple who generously give their time to ‘fans’! Enjoy, but you may need to get the builders in soon. Hope you have fun with your new project Robin.
All the best, Heidi
P.S. My lovely hubby is taking me to ‘Trenwith’ tomorrow 😀
Thanks, Heidi. “Trenwith” is beautiful. We burned it down!
Hi Robin. Trenwith (take 2) was amazing. As you already know the house is so full of history and in a beautiful position.
Tetbury is lovely too and we had a very healthy roast dinner at the Gloucestershire pub of the year. Fabulous day out for any fellow Poldark fans. Pity Rev. Halsey hadn’t been invited for tea. He must have a softer side? X
Sorry not to be invited! Usually need a brandy at tea time after all that sentencing…
Wel done, but it has taken so long, I remember, two years ago, you saying the bells had been sold! What you need now is the BBC1 DIY SOS team out there!!
PS, we have the Poldark crew here again, series 4 in the making! 😊
Good idea about the DIY team!
What a cool building, Robin! I am sure you have some cool ideas and I’m wondering if you might entertain the idea of a destination wedding? Or a space for teaching cooking classes? Is it just the church or is there a rectory that could be a B&B? Wow, it looks so great! Hope to hear more. The cat seems curious too.
Stevie de Longmont
Destination wedding–yes. Our ex-postman charmed us when he said he was married in the church.
I am so thrilled and impressed that you would do this. I’m very big on saving old buildings. Sometimes they can’t be used in the same way and sometimes they can, but at the very least they are saved. So, too, is “the neighborhood.” This has such potential, I can’t wait for the story to unfold.
Years ago, the neighbor at my lake house had two lots (she lived in a small house on one) and I asked her to please sell me the lot between our properties but it was already promised to her heirs. Who sold it to people who stripped the lot of every single 100-foot, probably 100-year pine to build a wretched McMansion that looks very out of place with enough asphalt for a helipad! We’re a little lake-cottage area here.Seeing those trees go hurt as much as a broken bone. Not to mention the neighbors. (We planted six trees this weekend…) Point being, you did such a smart thing. However you decide to use it, you will be able to do so knowing you preserved history in one way or another (and no bad neighbors or over development!) Bravo!
Sorry you have had such a bad experience. Very distressing and exactly what we were fearing. We are lucky.
Dear Robin and Meredith – Congratulations!! Truly a long haul. What a wonderful opportunity. Jane & Dan B.
Thanks, Jane and Dan. Long haul is right!
I assume rhat the Cookery School will be `off the menu` for a little while. I was so looking forward to Paul and I signing up to attend!
Well we are having a rethink. The kitchen space is no longer available and it was time for a pause. Watch this space is the answer for the moment.
Maybe we’ll get to meet up with you and Paul.
Lordy me, Robin! Whatever next? Will look forward to the photos of the progress of saving this building. (And please make sure the cat doesn’t get locked in by mistake!! Is it yours?)
Lordy, indeed!
The pictures of your wonderful Church and the beautiful blue sky have cheered me greatly. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hooray, Anna.
Felicitations! You’ll be able to celebrate Noel in a fitting location right next door!
I’m very happy for you, and the exquisite, little church. You are truly blessed!
Exciting! I’m delighted you have the opportunity to preserve such a beautiful old building. I’m happy for you and also tamping down my envious thoughts! 😊
How exciting for you and Meredith, Robin, and for your village, too. You’ll no doubt do something to help the church to live a second life as something other than a beautiful ruin. Big congratulations to you on finally closing the deal. Have fun with the new project, however you decide to go forward with fixing it up. This really is a thrilling development!
Thanks, Deborah.
A suggestion for when you remodel: put the kitchen where the altar is. That would be appropriately inappropriate – and altogether perfect, Robin. Congratulations to you and Meredith on your purchase!
Thanks Chris. Yes–but we have to get electricity and water in there first and fix the building..!
What a lovely old Church with lots of atmosphere. Love the big double doors.
Congratulations Robin. What do you & Meredith intend for the Church? To restore it & use for which faith ?
If you find time to reply would you please use GBS@shawdian otherwise I will not see your reply.
Thank you and enjoy your new baby.
Apple iPad GBS
It is deconsecrated and will stay that way. We aim to make it a safe space.
Well done Robin and Meredith! That is a fine example of patience paying off. Peace of mind to you both. 🥂👼
Thanks, Chris.
Congratulations! So glad that you were able to perchase the church. It will be fun to see what you cook up for it.
Dear Robin & Meredith, So happy for you both, congratulations. I’am glad you purchaised it, great possibilities with the building.Bonne Chance !! Chantal xx
What a lovely addition to your estate! It seems it will be a bit of work; I immediately thought what a stunning studio it would make. Perhaps some others have already suggested this; I didn’t read through all of the comments. Whatever your plans, I’m sure you will make this wonderful old structure your own. I hope it comes with no ghosts! Also am pleased to see that you are again present in the new season of POLDARK. You had a delightfully evil glint in your eye while speaking with the new Poldark!
The inside looks absolutely stunning, So pleased for you both owning a piece of history. Perhaps you could get “Grand Designs” to make a programme on it’s restoration! Whatever you do good luck with it.
Hi Robin
We moved into our little church up in the highlands in march this year .
I could not think of nothing better ,we found peace .
Good luck and enjoy .
Lisax