THE former Belleisle House Hotel, which has been stripped back to a shell after a devastating fire around four years ago, has been put up for sale as a development opportunity.

The sale, which is being conducted by Shepherd Chartered Surveyors on behalf of South Ayrshire Council, includes the South Lodge at Belleisle, a stone gatehouse dating back to the 18th century with a pitched roof. This lodge house, which has planning permission for change of use to a dwelling house, is described by Shepherd as being “in poor order” and awaiting refurbishment.

Planning permission in principle has been granted for the restoration of Belleisle House and the creation of a new hotel and associated facilities, Shepherd noted.

The properties are set within Belleisle Estate, a popular public park which is home to Belleisle and Seafield golf courses and features mature woodland and formal gardens, as well as a children’s play area.

Shepherd noted Belleisle Estate is “located towards Ayr’s southern boundary in the Doonfoot district in an established residential location with town centre services and facilities a short distance to the north”.

The former Belleisle House Hotel comprises a category B listed two-storey property with an attic and basement dating back to the late 18th century with some 19th-century additions, Shepherd noted. A 1970s extension was demolished some time ago, it added.

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Shepherd observed: “The building has been stripped back to a shell, having been fire damaged around four years ago. Included within the sale is an adjacent car park and landscaped area on a site of over two acres.”

Partner Kevin Bell, who is handling the sale, said: “The footprint of the shell of Belleisle House is 6,780 sq ft. We understand that the hotel, prior to any demolition or fire damage, had a gross internal area of around 40,365 sq ft, while the lodge house has a gross internal area of around 665 sq ft.

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“Last year planning in principle was granted by South Ayrshire Council for the restoration of Belleisle House and the creation of a new hotel and associated facilities. And planning consent permitting change of use of the vacant lodge house to form a dwelling house was granted this year.”

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Offers, either unconditional or subject to planning consent, are now being invited.

Shepherd said a closing date for offers is likely to be set and interested parties are advised to note interest.

It added: “While sale as a single lot is preferred, individual offers for the former hotel and the lodge house may be considered.”