August 25 2020

A disused hotel in Whithorn, Dumfries and Galloway, is to be lent a new lease of life by a community development trust.

All Roads Lead to Whithorn has teamed up with ARPL Architects to reimagine the Georgian Grapes Hotel as low-energy, fair rent homes, enhancing the vitality of the High Street in the process.

Currently, in shell condition, the C-listed building will be subdivided to form two homes facing George Street and Castle Hill, joined by a further two homes in the hotel grounds during a second phase of work - one new build and one housed within a former workshop.

Mike Staples, chief executive, Dumfries and Galloway Small Communities Housing Trust, said: “The Grapes building has been a source of frustration to the community of Whithorn for many years and we’re delighted to have helped the group identify and secure a solution that meets local needs.”

Hazel Smith, chairperson of All Roads Lead to Whithorn, added: “Our community are supportive of the development and keen to see this prominent landmark building be renovated to provide affordable housing.”

ARPL Architects are overseeing the development, which will leave the main hotel building largely unaltered externally. A traditional lime harl finish will be applied to the reconditioned workshop with a new build single-storey home planned for the centre of the site. 

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