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The kennels get a makeover |
Sitting at the side of Castle Lodge, on the private drive to the Castle,
are the extensive kennels and stable areas which used to service BrodickCastle on the Isle of Arran.
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The old stable buildings |
These kennels are about 100 years old and accommodated approximately 40
pointer dogs, which were used during the grouse season. Annually around 1400
grouse were shot until about 30 years ago when numbers declined and shoots
moved to pheasant which became more popular.
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Old plaster and timber - All to be removed |
The kennels and stable areas have not been used for many
years, becoming a redundant store area and falling into disrepair. Like many older buildings they have some
lovely architectural features and details, along with the not so lovely crumbling
lath and plaster.
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Kennel yard needs clearing |
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Cleared of weeds |
After much planning it was decided to restore these
buildings into two luxury holiday cottages and so the work began.
First all the planning, architectural drawings, costings,
planning applications and all the administration that goes with it.
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Out with the old drainage systems |
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In with new air conditioning |
Followed by totally gutting the buildings to remove all the
old and rotten wood, plaster, pipe work and grunge.
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Plastering, electrics, windows and doors, all replaced. |
Then the rebuild could begin in earnest. Drains, electrics, plumbing, plastering,
roofing, windows and doors. Some days it
seemed like it would have been easier to raise the whole lot to the ground and
start afresh.
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Keeping features such as the horse ties |
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Underfloor heating |
But it quickly came
together and the snaking lines of under floor heating were laid, and kitchens
started to be fitted.
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New kitchen going in |
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New bathroom being fitted |
The interior design is the next major element and samples
were obtained and colour schemes planned.
Laura Ashley seems to be the favourite and is in keeping with the luxury
that we are trying to achieve, and full interior pictures will be posted soon. (Link to Laura Ashley website here).
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Starting on the interior design |
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Laura Ashley fabrics |
Back in the heyday of Brodick Castle the head gamekeeper
enjoyed the benefits of living at Castle Lodge which is a fabulous house, to be
near all the animals he managed. Several
years ago Castle Lodge was renovated to a luxury standard and is also available
for holiday letting.
Bookings are being taken for all the properties and links
are below.
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Laura Ashley wallpapers |