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’. During its use as a residential dwelling, the author and playwright J.M. Barrie is said to have befriended the children who resided here, whilst he studied at the nearby Dumfries Academy. It is from these visits, and especially his time in the gardens, which he later eluded provided inspiration toward one of the world's most famous children’s novels.
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. In 2009, the property was saved from demolition and afterward re-opened as a visitor centre in 2019, following an extensive multi-million pound redevelopment project.
Location
Dumfries, with a population of around 33,000, is the largest town in Dumfries & Galloway as is therefore southwest Scotland’s main shopping and administrative centre. The town lies approximately 75 miles south of Glasgow and 34 miles northwest of Carlisle, occupying a strategic location at the intersection of the A75, A76 and A701 trunk roads. Connections to the A74(M) motorway are available at Lockerbie via the A709, Gretna via the A75, and Beattock via the A701. The A75 also provides a link to the Northern Irish ferry ports at Cairnryan. The property is set within a mixed commercial and residential district around 200 yards from the pedestrianised High Street.
Accommodation
Basement 339.56sq m ( 3,655sq ft )
Ground Floor 494.99sq m( 5,328 sq ft )
First Floor 195.11 sq m (2,100sq ft )
Attic Floor 181.92sq m ( 1,958 sq ft )
TOTAL 1,211.58 sq m (13,041 sq ft )
Terms
Fixtures & Fittings The building is being offered for sale on a vacant possession basis. Loose fixtures and fittings may be available through separate negotiation.
Services We understand the property is connected to mains supplies of water, gas, electricity, and drainage. There is a gas-fired boiler serving a series of radiators and underfloor heating systems.
Title The property is subject to various title burdens, including in relation to the use of the property, as well as conservation burdens regarding repair and maintenance. Further information is available on request.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Main Building: East Extension: West Extension: E C C A copy of the EPCs are available on request
Planning The property is registered as a visitor centre. Accordingly, we assume the subjects benefit from an unrestricted Class 10 (Non-Residential Institutions) consent, all in terms of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Scotland) Order 1997. Interested parties are advised to make their own planning enquiries direct with Dumfries & Galloway Council. Rateable Value RV - £30,000
Price Purchase offers are invited.
VAT We are verbally advised that the property is VAT elected.
Legal Costs Each party will be responsible for their own legal costs incurred in the transaction. The purchaser will be responsible for any Land and Building Transaction Tax (LBTT) and registration dues, if applicable.
Specification
- Extensively refurbished category B listed building
- Accessible town centre location
- Large secluded garden with full length riverside position
- Open-plan extensions, passenger lift, and private parking