Greystead Old Church

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Tarset, Northumberland

Guide Price

£750,000

For Sale

Finest Properties, Northumberland

4 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

3 Reception Rooms

Downloads

Greystead Old Church Brochure

Greystead Old Church Floor Plans

"A beautifully converted Grade II Listed Georgian church in Northumberland National Park"

The Property
Greystead Old Church is a delightful Grade II Listed Georgian church, steeped in history and sympathetically restored and converted in 2013 into a truly incomparable home/deluxe holiday let, using a leading Northumberland architect and builders with specialist heritage experience, with the support of a major grant from Northumberland Uplands Leader. In 2022, this was followed by a full restoration of the tower.

Originally designed by Henry Hake Seward, a student of the renowned Sir John Soane, this former church stands as a remarkable example of neo-Gothic architecture. The property is a landmark in the Northumberland National Park, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and hosting Europe’s largest expanse of Dark Skies.

The high standard of the conversion and an exceptional attention to detail are evident throughout. Many of the church’s prominent original features have been beautifully preserved, including exposed Georgian stonework and panelling, lancet windows, stone archways, and the magnificent Victorian stained-glass window in the sitting room in the style of Burne-Jones.

The accommodation is arranged over two levels. On the ground floor, are four beautifully appointed bedrooms, including the former church Vestry, which retains its Victorian panelling and original fireplace. The layout comprises three king-size doubles, each with a modern en-suite bathroom, and a twin bedroom. The main bathroom offers a Jack and Jill arrangement, acting as an en-suite for one of the king-size bedrooms while also providing bathroom space for the twin room.

A central corridor, overlooked by the open-plan mezzanine, leads past the bedrooms to a large open-plan sitting room under the Victorian stained-glass window, which allows coloured light to cascade into the room. A substantial log burner provides warmth and comfort, creating an inviting and atmospheric living space.

Overlooking the sitting room is the open-plan mezzanine level, a standout feature of the conversion. Thoughtfully designed with oak flooring, this level includes a tastefully appointed Neptune kitchen with granite countertops and a substantial central island. The mezzanine offers ample space for multiple seating areas, each taking advantage of the views through the Georgian lancet windows overlooking the churchyard and surrounding countryside.

One of the property’s most distinctive features is the restored West Tower, accessed via a specially commissioned spiral staircase from the entrance porch. At the top, a secluded seating area offers a peaceful retreat, framed by arched windows with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Greystead Old Church offers the perfect opportunity for those seeking a home that is truly unique and offers an exceptional blend of luxury and historical charm. Additionally, it has previously operated as a successful holiday let, offering potential for personal use or income generation. The church has a 5 Star Gold Award from Visit England and has won several awards, including a recent Rose Award.

Externally
Ample off-road parking is conveniently available directly in front of the property. A 989-year lease is currently being negotiated with the Church of England (expected completion January 2026) to extend the current access area further into the churchyard to create a dedicated garden space directly adjacent to the Church, providing a perfect setting for al fresco dining and entertaining.

Agents Notes
The footprint of the Church itself is Freehold. There is currently a 999-year lease (with 989 years remaining) for the area of the churchyard adjacent to the building, which includes rights of access and parking. The lease costs £60 per annum.

There is potential to generate approximately £16,000 per annum from the biomass boiler until 2033 for those interested in purchasing the property as a holiday let. This income is contingent on an agreement with the owners of Greystead Rectory and with H.M.G. Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

Planning regulations set by the Northumberland National Park stipulate that the property must function as either a private residence or as a holiday let but cannot be used for both purposes simultaneously.

A 989-year lease is currently being negotiated with the Church of England to extend the current access area further into the churchyard to create a dedicated garden.

Key features

Grade II Listed Georgian Church

Outstanding Conversion

West Tower with Panoramic Views

Northumberland National Park

Description

Local Information
Greystead Old Church is situated in the Upper North Tyne valley of Northumberland, close to the River North Tyne and the stunning Kielder Water, all within the Northumberland National Park. There is a thriving local community, both locally in Tarset and in the nearby village of Bellingham. Bellingham offers a range of local amenities, including a variety of shops, post office, cafes, heritage centre, golf course, several pubs, together with a family-run hotel and garages. Additionally, residents benefit from a health centre and a chemist, ensuring convenient access to healthcare services. More comprehensive services such as larger supermarkets, a hospital and a wider range of shops and excellent restaurants are available in Hexham, where there is also a train station with easy access to Newcastle upon Tyne.

For those with a love of the outdoors there is both on-site and local fishing on the North Tyne, an excellent 18-hole golf course and beautiful surrounding countryside for walks and cycling. Nearby Kielder offers a wide range of water sports and other outdoor pursuits. The renowned Kielder Observatory is positioned to make the most of the remarkable dark night skies. For education, the nearby village of Greenhaugh is home to a well-regarded primary school. Bellingham offers a nursery school as well as first and middle schools. Additionally, Mowden Hall Preparatory School, located just outside Corbridge, provides private education from nursery through to age 13. There are also several excellent private day schools in Newcastle, offering further educational opportunities.

Newcastle city centre is under an hour away and provides comprehensive cultural, educational, recreational and shopping facilities. For the commuter the A68, A69 and Newcastle International Airport are easily accessible from Greystead, and Newcastle provides main line rail services direct to London Kings-Cross and Edinburgh.

Accommodation in Brief
Lower Ground Floor
Cellar

Ground Floor
Entrance Vestibule | Three Bedrooms with En-Suite | One Additional Bedroom | Sitting Room

First Floor
Large Open Plan Kitchen/Living/Dining Area

Tower
Spanning Over 3 Floors

Services
All three properties are connected to mains electricity and share a biomass boiler that provides central heating (wood-chip system). A private borehole and drainage supply water is managed via a mini sewage treatment plant (shared amongst 4 properties). All utilities are managed and administered by the owners of the Rectory.

Fast fibre broadband by B4RN (Broadband for rural communities) forthcoming (expected completion date 2026).

Tenure
Freehold (Church Footprint)

Leasehold (for access area of Churchyard, with 989 years remaining)

Wayleaves, Easements & Rights of Way
The property is being sold subject to all existing wayleaves, easements and rights of way, whether or not specified within the sales particulars.

Agents Note to Purchasers
We strive to ensure all property details are accurate, however, they are not to be relied upon as statements of representation or fact and do not constitute or form part of an offer or any contract. All measurements and floor plans have been prepared as a guide only. All services, systems and appliances listed in the details have not been tested by us and no guarantee is given to their operating ability or efficiency. Please be advised that some information may be awaiting vendor approval.

Submitting an Offer
Please note that all offers will require financial verification including mortgage agreement in principle, proof of deposit funds, proof of available cash and full chain details including selling agents and solicitors down the chain. To comply with Money Laundering Regulations, we require proof of identification from all buyers before acceptance letters are sent and solicitors can be instructed.

Disclaimer
The information displayed about this property comprises a property advertisement. Finest Properties makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the advertisement or any linked or associated information. Finest Properties has no control over the content provided by the agent or developer. This property advertisement does not constitute property particulars. The information is provided and maintained by Finest Properties.