The Burrell Collection Press Release

Scotland’s leading regeneration specialist The Burrell Company, in association with Places for People, has recently acquired the category A-listed House, Ault Wharrie, in Dunblane.  The Burrell Company will convert the two-storey Arts and Crafts building into four stunning, unique homes set within 14 acres of manicured grounds. 

The two-storey red brick mansion house was designed by George Walton in collaboration with Fred Rowntree around 1900 and is said to be their last collaboration.   George Walton was one of the `Glasgow Boys' and was renowned for his skills in interior design, furniture design, stencil decoration and stained glass.  His architectural works include Mrs Cranston's tearooms, The Kodak showroom, The Leys, Elstree; St David's Hotel, Harlech; and Ledcameroch, Bearsden.   The interiors at Ault Wharrie are remarkable examples of the talent of this great Arts and Crafts designer and justified its listing. 

Ault Wharrie was originally built for the businessman Mr J B Stewart of the firm Stewart and Lloyds and later passed to the Pullar family of Perth. In the 1950s the building became Scotland’s first Masonic Home specialising in the care of the elderly.  The building has remained redundant since the nursing home relocated in March 2000.

In 2006, The Burrell Company in association with Places for People, along with Simpson and Brown Architects started the process of careful restoration allowing Ault Wharrie to recapture its former glory, and sympathetically adapting the building for reuse. They will carefully repair, conserve and where appropriate, reinstate features of Walton's original design.

Andrew Burrell, Managing Director of The Burrell Company, said: “This is a very exciting project and we are looking forward to bringing this historic and elegant building back to life in the form of four individual, impressive four and five bedroom homes.

“The building possesses important architectural significance since it is the last collaboration of Rowntree and Walton as well as being a fine example of the ‘arts and crafts movement’ boasting features such as stained glass and fireplaces.” 

Simpson and Brown Architects, who will work alongside The Burrell Company in association with Places for People to transform the House, is one of the UK’s leading conservation practices, based in Leith, Edinburgh. Past projects include: 26-31 Charlotte Square, National Trust for Scotland headquarters, Edinburgh; Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh; Ardkinglas, near Inverary; Willow Tearooms, Glasgow; Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island and Queens Cross Church, Glasgow.

Sue Whittle of Simpson and Brown Architects adds: “The conversion will see many of the inappropriate additions and extensions removed to ensure the building regains its architectural and historic integrity and realises its full potential once more.  Where the building is to be sub-divided to allow for the separate dwellings, old doorways will be sensitively detailed and replica panelling introduced in order to make the alterations appear seamless."

Colin Rae of Places for People, adds: “I’m delighted to be involved in this restoration project, I’m confident these will prove popular with prospective buyers looking for a property which exudes historic charm in stunning surroundings.”

The Burrell Company celebrated 25 years in property development and regeneration last year and has built a strong reputation for its conservation and restoration work. Recent successful restoration projects include: Elmhill Hospital in Aberdeen, Glasgow’s Schaw House and Piping Centre as well as Drumsheugh Gardens and No 1 Parliament Square in Edinburgh. Exciting forthcoming restoration projects include the art deco Hawkhead Hospital in Paisley and Assembly Street in Leith.

For further information call The Burrell Company on 0131 220 3040 or log onto www.ardnablanehouse.co.uk