Warksburn Old Church, a unique holiday let in Northumberland, has won a VisitEngland ROSE Award, one of just 100 given annually to quality-assessed accommodation businesses across England. The accolade celebrates providers who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding customer service and world-class guest experiences.
Recognition for service excellence
The ROSE Awards (Recognition Of Service Excellence) are presented annually to just 100 properties. Nominations are based on rigorous independent assessments, direct customer feedback, and online reviews. The final judging panel seeks out innovation that sets winners apart.
For Warksburn Old Church, this is a powerful validation of its unique status as the world's only Passivhaus-certified church-to-home conversion, proving that 5-star luxury and Net Zero sustainability can operate seamlessly together.
A pioneering rebuild
The historically significant Victorian Presbyterian church in Wark-on-Tyne completed a painstaking two-year rebuild in 2025 and launched as a 1,300 sq ft, three-bedroom, six-guest luxury holiday rental. The Passivhaus certification ensures the property qualifies as an ultra-low energy structure requiring minimal heating or cooling, reducing its environmental impact.
Dr. Alan James, Partner at Warksburn Old Church, said: "We are absolutely thrilled that the judges have recognised the combination of exceptional quality and breakthrough innovation our business embodies. Our goal has always been to show that it is possible to combine a truly special five-star experience for our guests with zero carbon operation for our planet. To be selected as one of only 100 properties in the country is an immense honour."
Conservation and heritage
Anne James, Partner at Warksburn Old Church, added: "Beyond the pioneering energy efficiency, this project was deeply personal. We focused on sensitive conservation, ensuring heritage features like the Victorian stained glass windows were beautifully preserved. Every detail, from the individually designed bathrooms to the luxury interiors, was chosen to make our guests feel truly indulged. It's contemporary luxury that respects both the history of this special building and the environment."
The property's Net Zero performance carries historical symmetry. In 1875, the original church was funded by Sir George Barclay Bruce, an eminent Victorian engineer who made the world's first documented reference to renewable energy. Today, the property operates with absolute zero carbon emissions and exports more energy to the grid than it consumes.
Guy Martin's visit
VisitEngland is not the first to recognise the holiday home. Guy Martin visited the property earlier this year for Channel 4's programme, Guy Martin's House Without Bills. Reflecting on his visit, Guy said: "Meeting Anne and Alan was an education. I loved their attention to detail. What they've done there at the church is amazing and could be a blueprint for future houses. Fair play to them."
Anne and Alan James, owners of Warksburn Old Church, said: "Guy knows the nuts and bolts of engineering inside out, so his kind words mean the world to us." Warksburn Old Church is available to book on AirBnB.
