We are thrilled to share that Warksburn Old Church has been featured in the latest Green Tourism Member Spotlight. This in-depth article highlights our journey from a draughty Victorian relic to the world’s only Passivhaus-certified church-to-home conversion. The spotlight provides a fantastic overview of the hard work, investment, and passion that went into creating our sustainable, luxury holiday rental in Northumberland.
A Commitment To Deep Green Innovation
The feature details the extensive renovations required to meet the rigorous Passivhaus certification standards. We discussed the implementation of our super-insulated timber frame, triple glazing, and Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery system. The article also covers our smart energy management, including the south-facing solar array and battery storage, which allows us to export more energy than we consume. As the spotlight notes, this generated a net energy benefit of £1,067 in 2025, meaning the property can showcase ‘Zero Energy Bills’ living to guests.
Award-Winning Sustainability And Guest Experience
Securing our Green Tourism Gold Award was a major milestone, providing independent validation of our commitment to People, Place, and Planet. The spotlight acknowledges that this dedication was also a key factor in our recent success at the 2026 North East England Tourism Awards, where Warksburn Old Church won Gold for Self Catering Accommodation of the Year. However, as we shared with Green Tourism, our greatest reward is providing guests with an unashamedly luxurious stay that opens their eyes to the possibilities of low-carbon living.
A Vision Realised A Century Later
One of the most special elements of the Green Tourism feature is the connection it draws to Sir George Barclay Bruce, the original benefactor of the church in 1875. The article highlights his 1887 vision for storing energy from winds, streams, and tides. We are incredibly proud to have realised his foresight in the very building he helped create. To read the full feature and learn more about our Net Zero luxury, visit the Green Tourism website, or head straight to our blog and booking page to secure your stay.
Book Your Stay At Warksburn Old Church
Experience our award-winning, Passivhaus-certified property for yourself. Book directly with us to ensure the best rates for your Northumberland getaway.