DEVELOPERS have begun work on a multi-million pound restoration at the heart of a proposed luxury resort designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus.
Today, developers start work on the derelict mansion Ury House, near Stonehaven, turning it into a hotel at the centre of the Ury Estate.
Planning consent has already been granted for 230 homes on the 1,600-acre site, which was an enabling development for the restoration of the B-listed Ury House.
The renovation is the first stage of an £80million development, with plans also lodged for more residential homes and an 18-hole elite golf course designed by Nicklaus.
The award-winning American golfer has built up a reputation as one of the world's leading golf landscapers.
John Lilley, project director for Ury, said: "We are working on what will be a top-class, luxury hotel providing the highest level of service to guests.
"In keeping with its character, the finest calibre of materials will be used in the renovation work on the historic listed building.
"If the golf course gets the go-ahead then the hotel will be home to the golf club and provide, luxury accommodation for visiting golfers."
Montrose-based construction firm Pert Bruce secured the restoration contract which will see most of the original walls and stonework retained alongside with some of the building’s original features reinstated.
Douglas Samways, chairman of Stonehaven Town Partnership, said there was a need for new leisure and event facilities in Stonehaven after a number of hotel closures in recent years, also bringing much needed employment.
He said: "Seeing the historic Ury mansion house reinvigorated and redeveloped as an outstanding hotel and leisure facility will be a real boost for the town.
"In its heyday it was a stunning property but has sadly been neglected for too long."
Situated on the outskirts of Aberdeen, Ury House was designed by architect John Baird and dates from 1855. It was later extended in 1884 by Alexander Ross.
After falling into disrepair, the building had its roof removed by the owners in 1959 to avoid the payment of rates on the property. It was placed in the ‘high risk’ category of the Buildings at Risk Register in 1990.
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