Although I’ve just bought a wee century old farmhouse, I can’t resist this amazing place… mainly for its name: The Convent of the Order of the Poor Clares. 
It does make one wonder who all of the Clares are, and why they’re poor.
The fact that the convent is located in one of my favourite places – the Cotswolds – and close to two towns I adore – Cirencester and Cheltenham – only adds to its charm. 
The nuns have lived in this space since the 1700’s and the details are all period.
The place is massive: the main building is more than 33,000 square feet, and there are numerous out-buildings, including a four bedroom lodge.
I would, perhaps, remove the baptismal font, and the cross, and use this as a massive drawing room. 
And the old wood stairs… hundreds years of nuns walking up and down to prayers and matins have polished them to a fine sheen. 
All of this, plus 26 acres of prime English country-side can be yours for £2.25 million or $3.65 million. More information here.
I hope Connor is happier tonight.
ReplyDeleteBTW love the Clare's stairs.
We still have this order of nuns in Sri Lanka. They run one of the most well run home for destitutes in Colombo in a most picturesque setting.
ReplyDeleteThat room would make a beautiful living room but I would leave the baptismal font and use it to wash my hands when I have company just to see the look on their face. lol
ReplyDeleteI love the Cotswolds!!
How does one get into the Poor Clares? I think I need a new lifestyle. BTW Hope Connor is
ReplyDeletebeginning to feel better in his new home. Another couple of days should do it. Wishes for much happiness for you and Connor in your new home.
You have wonderful things to discover about St Clare of Assisi and the Poor Clares. Here is a link to start you off to help you understand Clare's fight with the church for the sisters to live and work in poverty, which failed. http://home.infionline.net/~ddisse/clare.html
ReplyDeleteSt Francis of Assisi was Clare's mentor and they were very close. Please take the time to research and appreciate both St Clare and her order of nuns.
Jeannette (a history buff and non-Catholic!)
Two greenhouses and a bread oven! I can see it as a grand hotel and a venue for weddings in the chapel/or a rock star with an entourage and need of a recording studio....or lotsa kids...Brad Pitt? Horses in the cowshed.
ReplyDeletePass the smelling salts, steal my wallet and call me Clare.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be wonderful if you could keep a few of the nuns on to keep house.
ReplyDeleteI suspect it took a lot of novices (or lay sisters) to keep all those floors polished!
ReplyDelete