December 9 2020

Detailed plans to transform the A-listed Crichton Hall in Dumfries and Galloway into a 5-star hotel have been filed by Edit Architecture.

The former psychiatric hospital was sold by the NHS to Jed and Joanne Clark, owners of Fonab Castle Hotel in Pitlochry, last year paving the way for creation of a spa resort to compete with the likes of Gleneagles and The Savoy.

The application calls for a full conversion and refurbishment the landmark building, located 2.5km south of Dumfries, retaining as many period features as possible while creating 90 rooms complemented by a new build spa.

Outlining their design objectives Edit wrote: "To create a spa within the confines of an existing listed structure would be a huge challenge, one that would require compromises to the layout, design and most importantly to the fabric of the listed building itself. It was felt that the best approach for the creation of the Spa would be to build a new contemporary building that compliments Crichton Hall.

"It is proposed to use traditional materials in a contemporary fashion to the new build element, The Spa will reflect the heritage of the local area, create interest with layered facades and sit positively within the landscape."

A three-storey glazed link will conjoin new and old elements from the north elevation, serving as a mediating structure between the red sandstone hotel and timber clad extension. 

7 Comments

#1 Posted by R Bennett on 9 Dec 2020 at 14:02 PM

Exciting and welcome news that the crichton is going to become a hotel. Although its bad form to judge a design from 2 3d visuals it looks like the spa extension needs a bit more design work. Apart from being next to it, the extension bears it relationship with the building. Could do with being more murphyesque or dare i say a bit of pastiche of the main building.

#2 Posted by Mary Hill on 9 Dec 2020 at 15:26 PM

Erm.....thanks for that R Bennett......

#3 Posted by Bridget Meisak on 10 Dec 2020 at 18:55 PM

Great idea, the town needs the economic lift. But, let’s treat this A listed piece of history with sensitivity. The ‘contemporary’ element looks to me headed straight for the carbuncle award.

#4 Posted by Christine on 10 Dec 2020 at 20:46 PM

Whilst I agree the planned Spa Resort Hotel is wonderful news for Dumfries, I cannot agree that the aluminium & glass monstrosity planned should be stuck on to the existing A Listed sandstone building. Please have more sensetivity for the existing structure & beautiful surrounding grounds

#5 Posted by Vicky Keir on 11 Dec 2020 at 00:30 AM

I can't believe that a building the size of Crichton Hall will only have 90 rooms. Any contemporary additions should be sited at the back, preserving the beauty of the front of the building.

#6 Posted by The Bairn on 11 Dec 2020 at 15:26 PM

Yes the lunatics have literally taken over...
Greenery designed to 'stick' to the outside of any building in Scotland is naïve to say the least.
You cannot be serious man!!

#7 Posted by Gordon Hodge on 11 Dec 2020 at 17:42 PM

William Burn would be turning in his grave if he could see this!

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