A Grade II Listed former Methodist church in the beautiful Eden Valley is going under the hammer at auction next month.
Renwick Methodist Church in Penrith is up for sale with Auction House Cumbria, with a low guide price of £50,000.
Originally built in 1904 at a cost of £800, the historic building had served the local area for over a hundred years before it closed its doors for the final time in September.
Methodist Circuit Stewards said a decline in membership and dwindling numbers attending services had led to the tough decision. Shrinking congregations, coupled with the financial burden of building maintenance, has resulted in the sale of many historic Methodist buildings across the country in recent years.
Its closure marked a huge loss for the local community who had been using the church hall – known as the school room – to host a weekly coffee morning since April 1992. Cups were packed away for the last time on the 6th of September, as the building heads to auction.
Auction House Cumbria describe the sale as a “a fantastic opportunity to acquire a unique property in the North Pennines area of outstanding natural beauty.”
They added: “This Grade II Listed building offers tremendous potential for conversion, subject to the necessary planning consents. We strongly encourage interested parties to make their own inquiries to Westmorland and Furness Council planning department.”
Redundant churches and chapels have been highly sought-after for restoration projects, thanks to their large internal spaces and unique architectural features. Renwick is no exception, boasting a distinctive battlemented porch, central spire, and clock tower.
Built from red sandstone, the church features a primary worship area, kitchen space, front and rear porches and a former school room that was added as an extension to the main structure in the early 1900s.
The future of the building now hangs in the balance, as it is set to be auctioned off to the highest bidder during a live-streamed event on December 7th.
Whether the site undergoes a Grand Designs-style renovation as a private home or is maintained as a public space, the local community has voiced their hope that a new buyer can safeguard the future of this iconic building.
Renwick Methodist Church goes up for sale by livestream auction on Thursday 7th December at 12pm. For more information, including legal packs and viewing times, contact Auction House Cumbria here.
