A famous building in Dumfries described as the “birthplace of Peter Pan” has been put up for sale.
Shepherd Chartered Surveyors has been appointed to sell Moat Brae visitor centre, which it highlights as the "inspiration" for J.M. Barrie’s famous children’s story.
The chartered surveyor said: “A wonderfully designed and re-imagined house with ‘enchanted lands’ that lay claim as the genesis of J.M. Barrie’s classic story, Peter Pan, the category B listed building was originally designed by Walter Newall as a private residential dwelling in 1823.
“Such was its grandeur that at one time the property was known as ‘Number One Dumfries’.”
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Shepherd Chartered Surveyors observed the building had been “saved from demolition” in 2009.
It flagged “a unique opportunity to create a new chapter as a national visitor attraction” or “alternative uses” to support the local community.
Shepherd has not published any price for the property, declaring: "It's simply offers invited."
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Detailing the Peter Pan connection, Shepherd said: “During its use as a residential dwelling, the author and playwright J.M. Barrie is said to have befriended the children who resided here while he studied at the nearby Dumfries Academy. It is from these visits, and especially his time in the gardens, which he later alluded provided inspiration toward one of the world’s most famous children’s novels.”
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The chartered surveyor said the building was subsequently used as a private nursing home for “most of the 20th century” before closing in 1997 and then “falling into disrepair”.
It added that, after being saved from demolition in 2009, the building reopened as a visitor centre in 2019, “following an extensive multi-million-pound redevelopment project”.
The chartered surveyor said it had been instructed to sell the property by the trustees of The Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust. The trust was set up in 2009 to save Moat Brae house and garden from demolition and to "celebrate its international literary connection as ‘The Birthplace of Peter Pan'."
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Shepherd noted Moat Brae visitor centre is around 200 yards from the pedestrianised High Street of Dumfries, “and is therefore easily accessible yet retains a strong sense of seclusion from its woodland gardens”.
It said: “The imposing building of literary and architectural importance, set in a large riverside plot, is a linked four-storey property offering a mix of cellular and open-plan accommodation with modern access and welfare provision, while preserving outstanding architectural features such as a first-floor rotunda and domed skylight set above the main entrance hall.
“In its current configuration, the accommodation includes a ground-floor café and ground-floor function suite, exhibition space over all four floors, as well as staff welfare facilities, customer toilets, kitchen, and plant room at basement level.”
There is parking for up to five cars at the front of the property.
Fraser Carson, associate at Shepherd, said: “The comprehensive refurbishment of this local landmark has ensured it remains a discernible feature of Dumfries’ historic town centre.
“The story attached to this building, its setting and exceptional condition offer a unique opportunity to create a new chapter as a national visitor attraction.”
He added: “Alternatively, the adaptable layout and first-rate accessibility provide scope for alternative uses that would allow the property to continue playing its part in supporting the local community.
“Purchase offers are invited, and we welcome all notes of interest.”
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