Interiors: Whitecroft Mansion

Diane Scholes was initially reluctant to visit an old empty house in Carrutherstown that seemed destined to be converted into four homes. At the time, Diane and her fiancé Stephen Bryson were working for a group-owned hotel in Dumfriesshire but had no intention of staying in the area long term.

"However we did have ambitions to run our own place," says Diane.

The day, back in 2006, when Diane was persuaded by a colleague to take a look at Whitecroft Mansion proved a turning point in the realisation of that dream. Although the grand Georgian house, unused for nine years, was cold and run down, Diane had a good feeling about it. Most recently the house had been a nursing home, meaning plenty of hospital curtains, green bathroom suites and handrails. The nursing home had closed before a new owner snapped it up and hatched the plan for conversion. Then he received a call from Diane and Stephen.

"He agreed to lease us the building," says Stephen.

Having worked in hospitality for years the couple's decision to turn this house into a swish venue was far from naive. But it was nevertheless a substantial challenge, given that the house needed so much work and this was their first go-it-alone venture.

Today Whitecroft Mansion boasts a high rate of repeat business, testament to the commitment Diane and Stephen showed towards the resuscitation of the ailing, but beautiful building.

Structurally sound, the house was reconfigured to create ten bedrooms where once there were 17. "We wanted to focus on quality, not quantity," says Stephen.

The entire house was re-wired and re-plumbed; the old kitchen became a restaurant and an adjacent bedroom was transformed into a shrine to stainless steel, otherwise known as Stephen's kitchen.

A bit of wrangling was required with local planners before the couple could make these changes, but ultimately their persistence won out.

Downstairs, the hotel opens to a series of three reception rooms that remain unaltered, retaining original features such as lustrous timber panelling and fireplaces. The large hearth in the reception hall means you're always sure of a warm welcome, while the fireplace in the neighbouring lounge is in use again for the first time in 20 years.

Dark, stained floorboards in the reception hall were stripped to reveal lighter wood and boards beyond repair were replaced. Timber panelling in an adjoining snug is older and darker than that in the reception hall, creating a different ambience. With its Chesterfield sofas and drinks cabinet this snug is perfect for after-dinner drams. Then there's a vast, airy lounge graced by sofas and antique chairs, ideal for parties.

The owner of the building, Alastair Johnstone, maintained an involvement in the refurbishment, recommending local suppliers such as Latimers of Langholm, a great resource for traditional furniture and rugs that complemented the style of the house.

Guests love the individuality of the bedrooms, all of which have their own feature fireplace.

"Many guests are working their way round the rooms on repeat visits," says Diane.

Names such as Garden View and Solway View speak for themselves (the house sits in three acres of ground with perspectives to the Solway Coast), while others such as Honey Bee require a little explanation.

When the couple moved in (their living space is confined to the attic) they were not alone. Thousands of bees had taken up residence in an upstairs bedroom and honey was running down the wall above the stairs; hive marks are still evident in the room's timber beams. Furnished with a four-poster, this high ceilinged room has a quirky design feature in the form of a staircase leading to the bathroom.

Each room has a distinctive style, from classic country to chic sophistication. Amongst the most glamorous is the Marble Suite, at ground level with access to a private patio. Its centrepiece is a king-size mirrored bed, hand-built in the room, ensconced within marble clad walls. The room's en suite is also lined with marble, and boasts twin basins as well as a roll top bath. Most of the bathroom fittings in the house are sourced from Bathstore.

Also in demand is the Burns Suite, fitted with timber panelling for a traditional feel. A four-poster bed made of roughly hewn wood enhances the room's rustic qualities, as do original timber beams, and a guest donated the framed painting of Burns himself.

The Howard Suite, named after a former owner, is a favourite with honeymooners and has a separate lounge. There's more than a hint of French Renaissance style here, with the Louis XVI chair, chaise longue, wall mounted tapestry and gilt-framed mirror above a bed flanked by candelabras and flamboyant table lights.

The couple constantly add new finds. Paintings are picked up in antique shops and old pieces of furniture bought at auction have scrubbed up nicely. In the name of individuality, Stephen has fixed up unique additions such as a water feature in the Fountain Suite, which also has its own lounge and patio.

Lots of time was spent getting the look of the restaurant right. About 50 layers of paint were stripped away before heraldry was suspended against the walls. Flagstones create an original feel and a local tradesman built a fireplace that looks as though it has always been there.

Guests at Whitecroft Mansion are required to pre-book, which means that the couple can devote their attention to an expected number of people. Recently they hosted a wedding party for four days, and house parties are a speciality. The location of the mansion, close to the A75 yet tucked quietly on the fringes of Carrutherstown, brings guests from all over, although a few from the village have also checked in for the night.

Local opinion as to the couple's chances of success varied. It has been no mean feat to establish such a venue and customer base from scratch, but Diane and Stephen have pulled it off, in a unique house packed with wow factor.

www.whitecroftmansion.com, (01387 840129)

• This article first appeared in the Scotsman on Saturday 2 January, 2010