PLANS have been lodged to turn an historic gardener’s cottage at Kelburn Castle into holiday accommodation.

Viscount David Boyle has applied to North Ayrshire Council to make alterations and add an extension to the existing C-listed cottage in the estate grounds.

Plans have been drawn up by Loader Monteith Architects for the holiday let, which is located to the north of the former kitchen garden at Kelburn.

The renovated cottage would include sweeping views over the coastline and Largs Yacht Haven, with a unique roof terrace included in the designs. 

The purpose-build building was added to the estate in 1870 as part of a raft of improvements made by the 6th Earl of Glasgow after he inherited it the year before.

One end of the building includes a carved plaque installed 150 years ago, with a letter G to denote George Boyle, who passed away in 1890.

The application explains: “Landowners were keen to improve their estates in the second half of the 19th century in response to the greater diversification of land use either for industry or leisure.

“Many estate buildings with a specialised use were built during this period and were often given an architectural treatment that was repeated across the estate.

“The garden cottage, gamekeeper's cottage and kennels at Kelburn Estate are typical of this type of en suite estate architecture of the period.”

Kelburn has been inhabited by successive generations of the Boyle family since the 12th century and was handed over to the current viscount by his father, Lib Dem peer Patrick Boyle.

The application adds: “The scheme has emerged from a comprehensive analysis and understanding of the historical development of the site, as well as the fabric of the original C-listed cottage.

“The visual impact of the proposal is intended to be sublime as a result of its subtlety, whilst letting the original cottage present itself confidently.

“Key views over the water and islands beyond are captured via a large opening on the principal elevation.

“These are exploited further on the generous roof terrace that sits above this meaning that the proposal can truly take advantage of its unique setting.

“We believe that the submitted design represents and an appropriate and sensitive addition to both the fabric of rural North Ayrshire and the Kelburn Country Estate.”

The full application will be decided upon by North Ayrshire Council planners in the coming months.