St. James Church, Castle Eden
A Unique Self-Finish Opportunity
Church of St. James, Castle Eden
One of the most spectacular homes in the area is due to be created in the former St James’ Church, Castle Eden, by specialist developer Czero Developments. The project will create a stunning four bedroom home, full of character and original features – your own unique ‘grand design’.
The property will be available to purchase late in 2025, but there will be an earlier opportunity for purchasers to buy the property ‘off plan’ as a self finish opportunity – Czero will complete all the aspects of the development that are specialised, leaving any purchaser with the more straightforward opportunity to put their own stamp on the interior.
Property Highlights:
- Rich Historical Significance
Originally constructed in 1764, St. James’ Church is a Grade II listed building with a fascinating past. The structure incorporates medieval masonry and showcases striking early Gothic architecture, featuring pointed-arched windows, elegant stonework, and a prominent west tower. The building’s historical charm provides a distinctive foundation for a remarkable residential conversion. - Exclusive Self-Finish Potential
Unlike conventional property purchases, this opportunity allows the buyer to be actively involved in the final stages of the home’s creation. Czero will manage all the essential structural restoration, external conservation, and specialist construction work. Once these key elements are complete, the new owner will have the exciting task of designing and fitting out the interior, giving them the freedom to bring their vision to life within this unique setting. - Bespoke Living Within a Heritage Building
The church’s original stonework, and generous proportions provide an inspiring canvas for a stunning home conversion. With careful planning, the space can be transformed into a truly extraordinary residence that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comforts.
A Rare & Exciting Opportunity:
St. James’ Church represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a truly unique property, rich in heritage and bursting with potential. With Czero managing all specialist aspects of the conversion, buyers can focus on creating a personalised living space within this exceptional building. Whether you envision a stunning open-plan sanctuary, a blend of classic and contemporary features, or a characterful home with modern comforts, this project offers endless possibilities.
For further details and to register your interest in this unique property, please contact us today by emailing simon@czero.com.
Planning Permission & Development Amendments
The church received planning and listed building consents for residential conversion in 2017 and renewed in 2021 under reference DM/21/02931/FPA. The consented plans can be found here.
A fresh planning application has been submitted by Czero Developments to improve the internal layout of the property and improve buildability. This design envisages a less intrusive timber built internal structure creating the bedrooms, bathrooms and ancillary living spaces, with an extension to the existing balcony across the top of one of the bedrooms. Access to the private garden will be improved by insertion of a new pair of doors through the wall of the current organ room.
Details of the application reference DM/24/02124/FPA can be found by entering that reference here.
Separate listed building consents have been granted for removal, repair and reinstallation of the gates, which are separately listed by Historic England, and for the relocation of a mediaeval effigy which has had several homes, but has most recently been located near the church’s front steps. This has now been positioned away from the church.
Location
St James’ Church is located in the picturesque and sought after County Durham village of Castle Eden, just 7 miles from Durham City Centre. Ideally placed for commuters giving easy access to the A19, the property offers easy and effective travelling to Teesside, Sunderland and Newcastle and the New Tees Port and business hub surrounding Wynyard (5 miles away). Durham Tees Valley and Newcastle International Airports are also within comfortable driving distance.
The village of Castle Eden itself is a haven of calm. The village is the home of the well-regarded Castle Eden Golf Course which was established in 1920 and offers testing 18 holes par 70 tree lined course. There are fantastic walks within the immediate area in particular Castle Eden Dene as well as the beautiful northeast coastline situated only a short distance to the East.
See Saint James’ Church location on the Google Map below (you can zoom in and out):
Former Church of Saint James
Castle Eden, Hartlepool TS27 4SL
Latest News Updates
January 2025
The interior of the church has now been cleared of its fixtures and fittings. All the pews found new homes in Castle Eden, including some going to the Village Hall. The greatest achievement has been finding a new home for the pipe organ, which was dismantled and taken to Ireland by an organ builder who is hoping to rebuild it in a church in Dublin. Many pipe organs go to scrap because there are so few people wanting them, but this organ by James Binns was a good instrument and could still be played, and Czero funded its removal and relocation rather than seeing it go in a skip.
October 2024
Czero’s revised planning application has been published with reference DM/24/02124/FPA. The application proposed a revised internal layout for the dwelling which will have less overall impact on the internal space, and allow easier construction for instance by a self builder. Note that the church already has consent for residential use.
September 2024
Listed building consent has been granted for certain matters associated with the revised planning application for the conversion of the church. The consent includes the removal of two stained glass windows from the south side of the nave to allow more natural light to come into the living spaces. The windows will be reset in light boxes within the building.
Consent is granted for an additional doorway to be inserted into the wall behind the organ (the more recent extension) in order to provide direct access to the private garden.
September 2024
As part of the work to convert this former church into a domestic property, we need to bury a packaged waste treatment plant (septic tank) under the ground near to the front gates. We are also creating a turning head on the pathway near to the church entrance.
This work will involve digging in the former graveyard, with the risk of hitting burials, and hence needs to be done under archaeologic supervision.
The purpose of this faculty is to seek permission of the PCC to dig some trial pits on part of the churchyard that is still in the ownership of the PCC. The work is governed by a “Written Scheme of Investigation” which can be read on this link.
To read the Public Notice click here.
Grave markers identifying possible burial plots
History of Saint James’ Church
St James is a charming former church that was built on the site of an earlier 12th century church and incorporates medieval masonry in the west end and Tower. St James is Grade II Listed, dating back to approximately 1764 and set in the grounds of approximately 1 acre. It has been closed to worship since 18th April 2016.
St James is an example of a Regency Gothic Revival church built, possibly, by the architect William Newton, who was engaged at the time in the construction of the listed castle and pleasure grounds in the same style built for the Burdon family which is now a historic park, garden and nature reserve. The principal church yard was closed mid 70’s however an extension to the graveyard lies to the north east and contains recent burials.
For a detailed look at the history of the former Saint James’ Church, head over to the Historic Englands Listing Particulars page.
