A HISTORIC church building near Kirkcudbright is to be sold at auction next week with an asking price considerably less than that of a garage or parking space in central London.
Borgue Church, with a history extending back to 1150, was closed three years ago due to a dwindling congregation – attendances were reported to be less than 20 – and was put up for sale by the Church of Scotland trustees for £60,000, but it failed to sell and now the B Listed Building will go to an online auction on July 29 with a guide price of £53,000.
The church building, which replaced the original kirk dedicated to St Nicholas that dated from 1150, is being sold by Online Property Auctions Scotland Ltd (OPA) who have arranged the auction for 9am to 3pm on July 29.
OPA say that with a floor area of 3280 sq ft, the church provides excellent development potential and is likely to attract interest from developers seeking a bespoke opportunity.
Borgue Church is replete with a fascinating history, having been at the centre of village life for centuries. Historic Environment Scotland which has responsibility for Listing buildings says on its website that the pesent Borgue Church was designed by Walter Newall, architect, in 1814. The porch and interior were added in 1890, in the style of James Barbour of Dumfries.
Newall was one of the most influential architects in what is now Dumfries and Galloway and his buildings include Moat Brae in Dumfries, where Peter Pan author James Barrie played as a child. Barbour was Newall’s apprentice and partner and is said to have designed more than 400 buildings in southern Scotland.
The church is also renowned for its graveyard which contains the mausoleum of the Gordon of Earlston family, including Colonel Sir William Gordon who survived the Charge of the Light Brigade.
An inscription in the mausoleum states: “Sacred to the memory of Lt Colonel Sir William Gordon, Bart of Earlston, One of the six hundred In the Charge of The Light Brigade at Balaclava, 25th Oct 1854.
Born 20th October 1830, died 12th May 1906.”
OPA stated: “We are delighted to offer to the market this substantial detached Category B listed former church building situated within the village of Borgue which benefits from having a primary school, village hall and traditional village hotel.
“The church is of Gothic design and is ideal for conversion into a magnificent house or a commercial venture including a possible tourist facility (all subject to planning consents).
“The varied landscape and seascape of the Borgue area makes it highly desirable for outdoor activities.
“The church is situated within a rural location approximately two miles west of the B727 within the village of Borgue. The church building itself is located in an elevated position, overlooking the village with views out to the Galloway Hills and the Solway Firth.”
Though it will require extensive conversion work to become a family home or holiday rental, Borgue Church may attract interest from London and the South-East where £53,000 will hardly buy you a garage.
Parking spaces in Islington were on sale online yesterday for offers over £60,000 while individual garages in Kensington and St John’s Wood were for sale for £125,000.
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