Charlie taking pic on Monday

The future of Stroove House in Skelmorlie is shrouded in uncertainty after it was recently boarded up.

The Victorian mansion building had been used by the YMCA for a number of years until 2013, but since then it has been left vacant.

Locals have voiced concerns to the 'News' about the future of the building with fears it could be another of the historic houses to be demolished to make way for new property.

It is a category C listed building.

Built by the renowned architect Ben Honeyman for himself, he was considered to be one of the foremost architects in Glasgow during the mid-late 19th century.

During the 1850s he had spent time working in London, and made a particular study of medieval Gothic architecture, becoming very knowledgeable on the subject.

Stroove is considered to be a strong example of architectural interest of one of the most respected West Coast architects of that period, with the property being built in 1869.

The waterfalls in the garden are cited as a good example of Victorian engineering, and together with the bridge.

A local resident who has a lot of admiration for the property said: "It would be a real shame to see it being demolished, and sold on to developers. Skelmorlie has lost so much over the years in terms of its architecture and lovely old buildings being pulled down, and this is very much the last one of its kind."

Stroove was bought by the YMCA in 1997 in order to provide holiday and respite accommodation for charitable and vulnerable groups.

Church groups and youth groups also benefited from the facility including Skelmorlie Cubs and Beaves, St Columba's Largs, and Clyde Muirshiel Park amongst others. Private functions were also held at the historic building with spacious grounds, which was built in 1868.

It includes a large conference room and games room,and had sleeping accommodation for 30 with twin rooms and family rooms.

Inverclyde Sports Centre had also used the facility for accommodation for overspill for sporting events over the years.

Scottish Opera had also hosted a number of performance events at the historic setting in 2008 and 2009.

NMW Property Solutions Limited are listed at Companies House as being current owners of the property, but were unavailable for comment.

Church of Scotland comment to follow