Located in Somerset county (U.K.), surrounded by golden fields and quaint farmhouses stands the proud steeple of St. James Church. Built in 1845 on top of the ruins of an ancient parish, this local landmark was converted into a fulltime home in 1989. Its current owners, are my grandparents, Rahanna and Terrence Firrell, who spend every waking moment maintaining the Church’s gothic interior and pristine grounds, which now include exquisite flower gardens, perfect yew hedges, paved pathways, and a handbuilt pond. For me, the church and the surrounding land holds many memories. As a toddler I spent many rainy afternoons clambering up and down the custom made wrought-iron spiral staircase under the watchful and anxious eyes of my family. On sunny afternoons my brother and I would play on the giant life sized chess board hidden in the adjoining forest and build fairy worlds among the lavender and rosemary. Life in the church truly feels like living in a castle (there really is a crypt, a tower, and a sunken bathtub). Having experienced life in such a special, unique home has forever changed me and brought me to who I am today.
The Sustainable Nomad 
The original was even older. As I recall the kitchen was built in 907ad and has one of the oldest Norse crosses around.
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