Plans lodged to transform Aberdour’s Doune House into office space

Doune House is currently part of the B-Listed Woodside Hotel, but it was originally a separate property that was redeveloped as a recreational hall in 1913. The Earl of Morton gifted the property to the village in 1913.

Since then, it was acquired by the hotel and converted for domestic use. Now, Xafinity Pension Trustees Ltd has secured planning permission to turn it into a commercial office space.

“Doune House is currently disused and in poor condition requiring significant maintenance both internally and externally,” a planning statement explained.

“The current roof, rainwater goods and windows to rear are in a state of disrepair and require significant investment to protect and retain this building as a key property within the conservation area of Aberdour and the built heritage of the village – albeit with a different use to the consented dwelling house or disused part of the hotel as it currently stands.”

In late November, it was reported that the Woodside Hotel building had secured planning permission to be turned into sets of flats and housing.

Owners of the prominent well-known landmark said it was no longer possible to make a viable living from its operation as a hotel.

Now, Doune House will undergo a similar transformation.

The plans “seek to conserve the built fabric of the existing property.” Internally, developers want to remove the first floor level bedrooms and reinstate the 3.5 metre ceilings to re-establish the open floor plan that once served as the recreational hall.

Externally, developers say the only changes will be the removal and replacement of existing signage and the replacement of existing ground floor windows.

“The conversion of Doune House promises to breathe new life into this historic building and the local commercial environment,” a planning statement said.

“The proposals create an opportunity to stimulate economic activity and lead to an increase in foot traffic for local business, thereby contributing to the overall prosperity of the community.”

Developers continued: “In addition to the economic benefits, repurposing the disused space within The Woodside Hotel for commercial use demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and responsible land use. Rather than allowing valuable real estate to languish unused, this proposal aims to maximise the potential of existing infrastructure, minimising the need for new construction and preserving the character of the community.”