Castletown gate lodge could become holiday accommodation
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A disused gate lodge on the outskirts of Castletown could be transformed into holiday accommodation if an application is approved by Highland Council.
The plan has been submitted by Keith Butcher from St Anne's in Lancashire and is "under consideration," by the local authority.
The site, near Stanergill Crescent, covers 846 square metres and would have enough space for two vehicles. In a supporting statement, Mr Butcher's agent says the building was once the lodge for the now demolished Castlehill House and is described as "an attractive 19th century small gabled gate lodge."
The building would be restored and turned into holiday accommodation. The agent says: "The gate lodge is not listed or in a conservation area, but is included in the Historic Environment Scotland Buildings at Risk Register. Its inclusion in the register is a consequence of ongoing and accelerating deterioration through lying unoccupied for some considerable time."
He adds: "The current owners acquired the building with the intent of restoring it to its original appearance for use as holiday accommodation. The building is well regarded locally, and the owners have undertaken the project as a community project and have encouraged and received considerable local input and support. The building is being reinstated as far as possible to its original appearance, with upgrading only as necessary to comply with the Building Standards Regulations and secure a completion certificate.
"The roof structure has been extensively repaired to its original profile, and reslated with original and matching second hand natural slate. Walls will be re-pointed with lime mortar, and windows replaced with double -glazed timber framed sash and case windows."
The lodge has been unused for many years and was a in state of disrepair until recently. Castlehill House, the home of James Traill who founded the local flagstone industry, burned down in 1967.
