St Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Gourock

A historic Gourock church is set for new ownership after an offer was accepted for the property by the Scottish Episcopal Church.

St Bartholomew’s Church, which sits on the hillside at Barrhill Road overlooking the River Clyde, was put up for sale in December 2022 through property specialists and ICC Member, Bowman Rebecchi.

The property firm saw an unprecedented level of interest in the Church, with over 200 enquiries leading to a closing date being set for offers at over £80,000 – the valuation of the property.

A much-loved local landmark, the B-Listed building closed in July 2021 after 160 years of operation after its tight-knit congregation took the difficult decision to close.

Bowman Rebecchi held several open days for viewings, welcoming over 110 interested parties across a three-week marketing period, with several offers received at closing for the property which was comfortably above the asking price.

The church is now set for a new era under new ownership after the Episcopalian Church selected its preferred bidder in February 2023 with legal representatives now working towards concluding the sale.

Bowman Rebecchi Director, Andrew Bowman said:

“The level of interest shown in St Bartholomew’s Church was unprecedented and without a doubt, it has been the most popular property Bowman Rebecchi has sold to date.

“A lot of the interest received was with residential conversion in mind, but we also had commercial and community enquiries as well as other churches interested with a view to downsizing from their existing places of worship.

“Bowman Rebecchi has been supporting the Episcopalian Church over the past 6 months with the sale so naturally we are delighted to have achieved such a great result for our client.”

Designed originally by J C Sharp of Gourock 1867 and extended by H D Walton in c.1895, the church boasts stunning features, including a chancel extension enhanced by a beautiful window depicting the Ascension designed by George Walton.

In keeping with the Episcopalian design and architecture, St Bartholomew’s has a beautiful altar and relics, with many of its original features set to be retained by the new owners, with further details to follow upon completion of the missives.

Marco Rebecchi, Director at Bowman Rebecchi added:

“Due to its listed status and historic value, we received a large number of questions regarding the property and what it could be used for going forwards.

“Bowman Rebecchi received fantastic support from Historic Environment Scotland and Inverclyde Council to ensure we could satisfy the queries and support the interested parties towards a decision.

“We took great responsibility for this important piece of Gourock’s heritage and take comfort that the building will be in safe and loving hands going forwards.”

For more information, please visit www.bowmanrebecchi.com.