Winchester Cathedral announces opportunity to rent Deanery

The historic home of the Dean of Winchester, located in The Close, is being temporarily rented to members of the public while the cathedral waits for the next Dean to be announced.

Alasdair Akass, Director of Development at Winchester Cathedral, said: “The Deanery, the historic private residence of the Dean of Winchester, is being privately opened for rental for six months until the new Dean moves in next year.

“As the house sits within the gated Inner Close community and is itself a property which is especially fragile in parts due to its great age, the invitation to stay has to be limited. The Cathedral is grateful for the generous support of many local businesses in Winchester and in Hampshire in assisting with the temporary furnishing of The Deanery.  All the proceeds from this initiative will be ploughed back into the care and operation of the Cathedral. 

“This is a first for Winchester Cathedral but, if successful, it is possible that another Cathedral property might be offered in the future as a temporary residence, following the model that has worked well at Chichester and other cathedrals.”

Inside the Deanery (Image: Winchester Cathedral)

This is the first time since the 16th century that the Deanery has been opened up to the public in this way.

The house sleeps up to 10 people in five bedroom suites. The bedrooms are served by four bathrooms, two of which are ensuite. There is also a large, modern kitchen with views of the Cathedral.

The Deanery also has access to a large garden within the Cathedral Close, which is maintained by the Cathedral’s Garden’s team.

Use of the Deanery costs £4,500 per week or £5,500 per week over Christmas and New Year. Full payment is required at the time of booking.

Winchester Cathedral is unable to consider booking requests for less than three nights.

Over the years several large houses in The Close, lived in by senior members of the cathedral community, have been let to private tenants.