As the world’s only Passivhaus-certified church-to-home conversion, Warksburn Old Church has attracted significant media coverage. As guest accommodation of exceptional quality, we have also achieved numerous independently-assessed awards and accreditations.
This page presents a selection of these key credentials, all of which attest to our commitment to the very highest standards, from architecture and interior design, through to our extraordinary blend of Style & Sustainability, combining sensitive heritage conservation with world-leading energy efficiency. All of which means our guests can be assured of a relaxing and inspiring stay in Net Zero Luxury.
Warksburn Old Church on TV
Derelict Rescue
The property is the subject of a full-length TV documentary, telling the story of this first-in-world project to convert a Victorian church into a stunning contemporary home, built to the world’s most demanding standard – Passivhaus. The show is Series 2, Episode 3 of Derelict Rescue, ‘The Ultimate Eco-Church’. Stream for free on the Discovery+ platform by clicking the button below. (Note: you do not need a paid account to watch – sign up for a free account if asked. The show may not be available to stream in all countries.)
ITV News
We are delighted to have been featured by ITV News Tyne Tees in a report dedicated to Warksburn Old Church on 07 November 2025. This prominent segment, reported by Julie Harrison, serves as an authoritative third-party citation validating our unique status as the world’s only Passivhaus certified church-to-home conversion.
The feature highlights the complex engineering and design principles behind achieving our Passivhaus certification—the gold standard for energy efficiency—and demonstrates Warksburn Old Church’s success in achieving a ‘beyond net zero’ positive energy balance. The broadcast specifically focuses on how deep retrofit and sustainable luxury are combined to create a blueprint for sustainable architecture and heritage preservation.
This independent coverage confirms our commitment to sustainability, an ethos also recognised by our Green Tourism Gold award. The ITV feature is a testament to the fact that well designed and well executed renovations. even of ‘difficult’ heritage properties, can lead the way in environmental performance.
A huge thank you to Julie and the ITV News Tyne Tees team for telling our story.
Warksburn Old Church in the Press
In addition to TV featuring Warksburn Old Church, we have received extensive print and online media coverage. There’s a summary below, or just click the buttons to go straight to the articles.
The Sunday Times – “We converted a Victorian church into a home and made history”
Written by Jayne Dowle, one of the UK’s most experienced property journalists, with photography by Charlotte Graham, this major article looks in-depth at our trailblazing conversion of Warksburn Old Church into an ultra-efficient Passivhaus home. (Note: this content is paywalled, but Apple News subscribers can access it by selecting “Open in News”.)
Grand Designs Magazine – “World-first Passivhaus church conversion offers luxury stays in sustainable green retreat”
Written by the respected design journalist, Mary Richards, this major feature article describes how our “world-first Passivhaus church conversion in Northumberland showcases the best of sustainable renovation and green tech” to create “a luxurious retreat, [in] a building constructed to the highest possible green standards.”
Host Writer (the Host Unusual Blog) – “Meet the Owners: Warksburn Old Church, Northumberland”
An in-depth piece by Host Writer exploring our motivation for combining 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, with their expert team having huge experience in the field. So it really was a 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.
Institution of Civil Engineers – “Transform a Victorian church into a Passivhaus-certified luxury holiday rental”
In a series of articles which includes some of the great engineering achievements of the last 200 years, this ICE feature discusses how our “luxury holiday rental was explicitly designed to demonstrate the ‘art of the possible’ [and] enables guests to experience how energy efficiency can be achieved in a building which also delivers on luxury, comfort and interior design.” It also tells how the renovated Warksburn Old Church “powerfully brings to life the story of the visionary engineer who funded the building’s construction in the 19th century. And, who remarkably foresaw the 21st century’s sustainable energy technologies – Sir George Barclay Bruce”, who himself served as President of the ICE from 1887 to 1889.
Tiny Eco – “From Victorian Church To World-First Passivhaus Conversion – A Look At Warksburn Old Church“
An in-depth piece, by Ben Hardman, founder of the influential Tiny Eco blog, explores how the goal of our Warksburn Old Church renovation “was not just to create a stunning and comfortable retreat, but to showcase the future of sustainable building and inspire others to follow suit – if they can convert a old, cold former church to the highest possible standards, there’s hope for all buildings.”
Local media has also covered Warksburn Old Church extensively, including articles from The Hexham Courant, the Newcastle Chronicle, the Northumberland Gazette, whilst another piece in The Courant marked the 150th Anniversary of the formal opening of the church in 1875. In November 2025, The Courant also reported VisitEngland awarding us both their 5 star rating and the prestigious Gold Award for outstanding quality.
Warksburn Old Church Awards & Accreditations
Warksburn Old Church has been officially awarded the VisitEngland 5 Star Self-Catering rating, an independent validation that guarantees an exceptional experience and a significant degree of luxury for every guest.
In recognition of our commitment to outstanding customer experience, Warksburn Old Church has received the highly coveted VisitEngland Gold Award, recognising we consistently go the extra mile to provide an unforgettable stay.
Warksburn Old Church is a member of Green Tourism, the world’s leading independent sustainability accreditation organisation in the tourism sector. We have achieved the exceptionally demanding standards required for the Green Tourism Gold Award. More detail on the Gold Award is here; and our sustainability policy is here.
Warksburn Old Church is the first church conversion in the world to achieve the world’s most demanding standard for retrofit projects: EnerPHit Certification by the Passive House Institute.
Our International Passive House Association certification is here. Our listing on the UK Passivhaus Trust directory is here.
Warksburn Old Church has been shortlisted for the 2026 North East England Tourism Awards in the Self Catering Accommodation of the Year category.
Full details are here.
Warksburn Old Church has been shortlisted for the 2026 North East England Tourism Awards in the New Tourism Business of the Year category.
Full details are here.
Warksburn Old Church is a Partner of Visit Northumberland, the definitive guide to where to stay in Northumberland, and what to experience during your visit to our beautiful and historic county. See our listing on Visit Northumberland here.
Located immediately adjacent to the International Dark Skies Park, Warksburn Old Church is officially accredited under the Dark Sky Friendly programme for accommodation well located for stargazing activities. The Northumberland International Dark Sky Park is the first of its kind in England, and one of the largest Gold Tier Dark Sky Parks in the world.
Warksburn Old Church is also proud to be listed as an Airbnb ‘Luxe’ property. This is reserved for “Extraordinary homes, vetted for quality”, which have passed rigorous in-person quality assurance by a professional inspector. Whilst there are around 8 million homes on the Airbnb platform worldwide, there are only a few thousand Luxe properties. As of October 2025, Warksburn Old Church is the only Airbnb Luxe property in the North East of England, and one of only around 100 in the UK as a whole. The property is also listed in the Airbnb ‘Design‘ category. You can see all the details on our Airbnb listing here.