Renwick Methodist Church in Penrith, a Grade II Listed building, has gone under the hammer. 

The historic property, constructed in 1904 at the cost of £800, was auctioned by Auction House Cumbria for £103,000 on December 6. 

The auction for the property started with a guide price of £50,000, with numerous interested parties involved in the bidding. 

The church closed its doors for the final time in September after being a cornerstone of the Penrith community for over a century.

Its closure marked a huge loss for the local community which had been using the church hall – known as the school room – to host a weekly coffee morning since April 1992.

Methodist Circuit Stewards said a decline in membership and dwindling numbers attending services had led to the tough decision.

Shrinking congregations, coupled with the financial burden of building maintenance, have resulted in the sale of many historic methodist buildings across the country in recent years.

Agents Auction House Cumbria described the sale as a “a fantastic opportunity to acquire a unique property in the North Pennines area of outstanding natural beauty.

“This Grade II Listed building offers tremendous potential for conversion, subject to the necessary planning consents," they said.