About The Old Church Hall
Originally acquired by the Church from the Furness Railway Company in 1921 for a modest £25, St Cuthbert's Church Hall stands as a testament to the generosity of Mr. R. H. Williamson of Whingarth, whose anonymous funding brought the building to fruition by early 1924.
Since its inception, the hall has been a hub of community life, hosting village discos, recitals, firemen’s jumble sales, polio vaccinations, political rallies and even in-door football matches. It has been home to the local brownie and scout groups, as well as the legendary concerts orchestrated by Mrs. Eilbeck - “a resourceful lady with a fur coat and cut glass accent”.
In the post-war era, the hall continued to adapt, offering regular cinema screenings with Mrs. Eilbeck's piano accompaniment. However, in the early noughties, the hall fell into disrepair, forcing its closure.
The building went up for auction in 2020, and we have since breathed a new life into its walls and resurrected the joy felt for the century before us. The floors remain the same floors that were laid in 1923, and the marks from dancing shoes live on as a legacy to the hall’s rich life.
About us
In 2020, John and Louisa embarked on a mission: to transform the dilapidated and derelict St Cuthbert's Church Hall into a haven for fellow Lake District and Cumbrian coastline enthusiasts. What began as a vision evolved into a far bigger endeavour. They reimagined the hall into a retreat for 14 (16 on request), with enough space remaining for a separate dwelling, once bustling with brownies and village discos, to become their own family home.
The restoration was fuelled by dedication to revive the hall's community spirit. Three years later, with a new baby in tow and a relocation from the South of England to West Cumbria, the Church Hall began to truly take shape. Their labour of love caught the attention of Channel 4 and Windfall Productions, who documented the transformation for the upcoming Great British Home Restoration series featuring acclaimed architect Charlie Luxton, slated for July 2024.
Now, nestled in the embrace of Seascale, John, Louisa, and their son Ted invite guests to experience the magic of The Old Church Hall. Each day brings new moments gratitude for all visitors, echoing the profound joy shared by its creators.
Inside The Old Church Hall
Explore the unique features of The Old Church Hall, where architecture meets design excellence.
Our locally crafted 4.5-metre table, tailored to sit around structural steels supporting the mezzanine bedrooms, seats up to 22 guests for memorable gatherings. The hall also showcases a striking Yves Klein blue structural steel staircase, adding an artistic touch to the vast stage area perfect for gatherings, children’s plays, yoga workshops. Delight in curated art pieces, antique furniture, and intriguing curiosities throughout the hall, carefully sourced as locally as possible.
Once a large, open plan hall, we have created a space for 5 large bedrooms sleeping 14 all in king-size beds, a generous kitchen, dining room and living space, 4 bathrooms, a study, a social stage area for gatherings, a mezzanine chill-out space with stunning views, utility room, boot hall and enclosed garden.
Committed to keeping some of The Old Church Hall’s character alive, the stage still remains, and the original 101 year old red pitch-pine floors still sweep the building. The long-standing century-old front doors and entrance hall tiles hark of years gone by, with enormous windows carefully designed over a century ago with privacy in mind while maximising light.
Your stay at The Old Church Hall
During your stay at The Old Church Hall, enjoy home-from-home luxuries and comforts.
You'll receive a comprehensive welcome pack detailing everything you need to know about the local area, including dining options, shopping spots, and must-see attractions. As a dog-friendly holiday let, we provide an enclosed garden for your furry companions to enjoy.
Inside, our dining room features a spacious 4.5-meter table, perfect for shared meals, alongside cozy sofas and a high-tech Samsung TV that transforms into digital art for those seeking a break from screens. With five bedrooms, including four with king-size double beds and one with three king-size beds, each equipped with sumptuously comfortable Emma Sleep mattresses, crisp cotton sheets, vegan feather duvets, and elegant William Morris blinds.
Relax in the mezzanine area, offering stunning sunset views over the sea from a plush deep sofa, while the stage area provides a versatile space for gatherings, gin & tonics, games, yoga sessions, and showcases carefully curated art pieces.
The owners live next door, so please don’t hesitate to ask for any help or advice about the local area.