A 300-year-old church in the heart of rural Midlothian has been listed for sale, offering buyers a unique chance to own a piece of Scottish history but with an unusual twist.
Carrington Kirk, a striking red sandstone former parish church in the village of Carrington, near Gorebridge, is on the market the market for offers over £285,000.
The building, constructed in 1710, is being sold as a freehold property with potential for residential conversion, subject to planning and listed building consent.
Described by estate agents Strutt & Parker as “an exeedingly rare opportunity” the church features original stonework, vaulted ceilings, and a traditional bellcote, all contained within a peaceful, semi-rural setting justeleven miles from Edinburgh.
Despite its historic charm, the sale comes with a significant warning. The grounds that surround the church, including the graveyard, are owned and maintained by Midlothian Council and are not part of the sale.
This means the new owner will not have control over the land immediately outside the kirk, including any future access routes, maintenance work, or landscaping.
Carrington Kirk has not been used as a church for several years and is now being marketed for its development potential.
Preliminary drawings included in the sales listing suggest how the building could be transformed into a four-bedroom home, retaining the historic character of the structure while introducing modern amenities.
The listing highlights the property’s “rare architectural integrity”, noting that opportunities like this are “seldom available on the open market.”
However, any development will require appropriate planning consent and consultation with Historic Environment Scotland, as the kirk is a Category A listed building.
Buyers are also advised to liaise with Midlothian Council to clarify access rights and any constraints relating to the adjacent burial ground.
Commenting online one user wrote: “I guess I now know where the saying ‘living amongst the dead’ comes from.”
Local residents hope that any new owner will approach the conversion with sensitivity and respect for the church’s long-standing role in the community.
The church is one of several former ecclesiastical buildings across Scotland that have come onto the market in recent years, as declining congregations and rising maintenance costs have prompted closures.