Georgian gem of a property at risk as sale falls through

A GEORGIAN villa and wellknown landmark is under threat after plans for it to be redeveloped fell through.

Raeburn House Hotel, built in 1832 as Somerset Cottage, is the only remaining one of three villas built in Edinburgh’s Raeburn Place and has been derelict for six years.

Hopes the former hotel could be developed in conjunction with Scotland’s oldest rugby club, Edinburgh Academicals, came to an end yesterday when it was announced the building was to be put on the market.

Marion Williams, director of heritage group the Cockburn Association, said: “Standing empty is one of the worst things that can happen to a building.”

A proposal from Edinburgh Academicals would have seen the club rent a portion of its grounds to the developers in return for a new clubhouse and access to the hotel bar.

Ms Williams added: “We are disappointed that what was going forward has now fallen through.

“We would hope somebody would pick up the potential of the building as a hotel or for residential use in order to conserve the building. It looks like a nice building of its time and one that is worth looking after.”

The rugby club negotiated a deal with previous owner the Festival Group that would have seen the club lease a portion of its grounds to the developers. However it was announced yesterday that administrators Blair Nimmo and Tony Friar of KPMG had been brought in to dispose of Raeburn House Hotel Ltd, which is the last remaining asset of the Festival Group.

The company went into administration owing the Clydesdale Bank £40 million.

It is understood there is no hope of the deal with the club being carried forward.

Mr Nimmo, head of restructuring for KPMG in Scotland, said: “The Raeburn ceased trading approximately six years ago and since then has been exploring opportunities to reinvent itself.

“Unfortunately, the current climate limits developers undertaking schemes similar to those envisaged by the Raeburn and Edinburgh Academicals Rugby Club.

“The Raeburn is located in a much sought-after location in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh which we are hopeful will attract prospective purchasers.”

According to Historic Scotland, Raeburn House Hotel is a Category B building, which covers “buildings of regional or more than local importance, or major examples of some particular period, style or building type which may have been altered”.

Anyone wishing to make alterations to a Category B property has to seek listed-building consent – which means the process of redevelopment can take longer.

A spokesman for Edinburgh city council said: “The council has various policies and guidelines on alterations and additions to listed buildings and development within conservation areas. Anyone planning alternations is encouraged to contact the planning section for advice on whether planning permission is required for the proposed work. Any application then submitted requesting permission will be considered on its merits.”

No-one was available to comment at Edinburgh Academicals yesterday.