Thanks to Dawn, Alex and their colleagues at Host Unusual’s ‘Host Writer’ blog for their in-depth feature, which explores what motivated us to combine heritage renovation, luxury interior design and uncompromising sustainability, to create the world’s first Passivhaus-certified church conversion.
Host Unusual is a pre-eminent and authoritative site listing exceptional places to stay, and their expert team really is top drawer. So it was a real pleasure for us to discuss with them how we operate Warksburn Old Church as a tourism business and, above all, how our guests experience and enjoy their stays at this one-of-a-kind property.
Thanks to our friends at Visit Northumberland for featuring us in the November edition of their Partner Newsletter. Their article also links to the recent ITV News coverage, in which Neil Carney, Head of Destination at Visit Northumberland, kindly praised Warksburn Old Church as a “magnificent asset for the Northumberland visitor economy,” highlighting how we blend exceptional sustainability with comfort, style, and deep respect for its heritage.
Read the Visit Northumberland partner newsletter here. View the ITV News article by clicking the image below.
Link to ITV News Tyne Tees coverage of Warksburn Old Church
We are thrilled to report that our recently-awarded VisitEngland 5 Star rating has now gone live on the Rated Trips website, the authoritative ‘single source of truth’ registry of tourism accommodation which has been independently assessed against strict quality requirements by VisitEngland and AA inspectors.
In addition to the 5 Star rating, the Rated Trips listing also features our twin Gold Awards, from both VisitEngland and Green Tourism. The VisitEngland Gold Award is reserved for only the most exceptional properties, and the Green Tourism reserves its Gold Award only for businesses which have achieved the very highest levels of sustainability.
These awards complement our globally unique certification by the Passive House Institute: Warksburn Old Church is the first Passivhaus church-to-home conversion in the world. Click the logos to learn more about our awards and media coverage.
Thanks to Host Unusual for featuring us in their ‘Host Writer’ blog, in their selection of unusual places to stay in the run up to Christmas, which also offer guests the opportunity to purchase distinctive gifts. In our case that’s ceramics by Anne James, co-owner and interior designer of Warksburn Old Church, and a curated collection of work by North East artists whose work is on show in the gallery space and throughout the building. The article also highlights the Open Studio event at Warksburn Old Church on 26 November 2025, which offers a one-off opportunity to combine a look around the stunning interiors of our multi-award winning property with the chance to purchase great art.
We are thrilled to announce a dual achievement for Warksburn Old Church, having secured both the prestigious VisitEngland 5 Star Self-Catering Rating and the highly coveted VisitEngland Gold Award. This extraordinary recognition is a testament to the uncompromising standards of luxury, quality, and guest experience we offer at our unique Northumberland retreat.
Achieving the 5 Star rating confirms that Warksburn Old Church operates at the pinnacle of self-catering accommodation in the UK.
The Gold Award goes further, signifying exceptional quality, outstanding customer service, and a commitment to maintaining the highest levels of immaculate presentation and luxury facilities.
Warksburn Old Church is not just a holiday rental; it’s an award-winning example of sustainable luxury. As the world’s only Passivhaus-certified church conversion, our guests enjoy an incredibly comfortable, Net Zero stay in an architectural masterpiece. This commitment to both excellence and sustainability is what sets us apart.
You can view our VisitEngland listing here on Rated Trips, the authoritative ‘single source of truth’ website operated jointly by the AA and VisitEngland, listing properties which have been validated for quality by their joint team of tourism sector expert inspectors.
Located near Hadrian’s Wall and Kielder Water & Forest Park, our three-bedroom, six-guest property continues to gain recognition for its blend of historical charm and modern, eco-conscious design. These new VisitEngland accolades stand proudly alongside our existing honours, including our Passivhaus Certification and Green Tourism Gold Award. In addition to the Visit England accolades, our shortlisting for the 2026 North East England Tourism Awards provides further testimony the outstanding quality we offer.
We invite you to experience the independently verified five-star low carbon luxury of Warksburn Old Church for yourself.
Many thanks to Julie Harrison and the team ITV News Tyne Tees for a great feature on Warksburn Old Church, broadcast on the evening news bulletin on 7th November 2025.
The article can be streamed for free on the itvX player. Simply click the image below.
Link to ITV News Tyne Tees coverage of Warksburn Old Church
Open Studio at Warksburn Old Church – Weds 26 November
We will be hosting a special Open Studio event showcasing ceramics by Anne James, who is also the owner and interior designer of Warksburn Old Church, alongside pieces by other North East artists whose works are on display at this unique property. This event is a one-off opportunity to see the stunning interiors of the world’s only Passivhaus-certified church conversion whilst also browsing a carefully curated collection of North East art.
Work on show will include linocuts by Kate Miller, watercolours by Charlotte Thompson, photography by Jim Kearney, stained glass art by Coral Blaimire, as well as ceramics by Anne James herself. All works on display in the first floor gallery area, and in a ‘one-day-only’ display in the spectacular main living area, will be available for purchase.
If you’d like to see the artworks in person, and also experience the stunning interiors of this unique property, you’re welcome to the Anne James Ceramics Open Gallery event on Wednesday November 26 2025, from 10 am to 8 pm.
You’ll find Warksburn Old Church at the South end of Wark on Tyne (NE48 3LS). Car parking is available.
No booking is required and the event is free of charge.
We look forward to welcoming you the event.
Multi award winning Warksburn Old Church offers a unique backdrop for this artistic showcase. As the world’s only Passivhaus-certified church-to-home conversion, it provides a truly exceptional venue. Our accolades include the VisitEngland Gold Award, Green Tourism Gold Award, and Airbnb Luxe designation. The property has also featured extensively on TV and in the press.
A big thank you to our excellent local paper, The Hexham Courant for featuring this event and also reporting our VisitEngland 5 Star Rating and Gold Award for outstanding quality. The article is here.
