For sale: Sensational conversion and contemporary extension of small historic church in peaceful hamlet near Helmsley

But it turns out that big money is not always brave and that’s how the talented trio managed to buy St Aidan’s, a beautiful, Grade II* listed church in the idyllic and peaceful hamlet of Carlton, near Helmsley.

“It was like the universe had spoken,” says Harriet. “The church came for sale in the January and Anne and I drove straight up to look at it in the snow.”

Bowled over by the building and the idyllic location, they put an offer in immediately, knowing all the challenges and restrictions that converting a Grade II* listed ecclesiastical building with no mains connection would bring.

To protect the church architecture and its stunning, historic features, while providing warm and comfortable accommodation, architect Jonathan designed a separate and contemporary single storey building that is linked to the church with a glazed canopy and walkway.

The light-filled modern structure has a kitchen, a shower room and a bathroom plus a garden room/bedroom. It is exceptional, though the trio had to battle for 18 months to get it, with their plans eventually passed after a planning appeal.

“Getting permission was nerve wracking because the new building was vital in making the property comfortable and energy efficient,” says Harriet. “Having it means that St Aidan’s is now spacious and warm and has a wonderful combination of peacefulness and cosiness.”

The church, which had slipped into disrepair and was on the Victorian Society’s “at risk” list, was sensitively restored with all its ecclesiastical features retained. It now houses the sitting/dining room and a bedroom while outside, there is a pretty garden.

The property was originally designed by renowned London based architect Temple Lushington Moore (1856–1920). One of England's greatest church architects, he created more than 40 churches in late Gothic Revival style.

According to thetemplemoortrail.co.uk, much of Moore's early work was in the North York Moors and St Aidan’s was the first new church he completed thanks to the support of Vicar Gray of Helmsley.

Temple Lushington Moore went on to build or modify more than 20 churches in and around the North York Moors and remained associated with the area throughout his life.

A change of lifestyle for the trio who gave the church new life has prompted its sale after 13 years of ownership but says Harriet: “It’s been a tremendous adventure and we have loved reading the reviews in the visitor’s book. It is a really special place and I feel we did a good thing in rescuing it

St Aidan’s is for sale with Carter Jonas, York, for £650,000. It is a holiday let and classed as a commercial building rather than a main residence.

Owners can spend up to eight weeks a year there and for commercial rates rebate, it must be available to let for at least 140 days a year.

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