Plan to restore Neverland house where Peter Pan first took wing

A MULTI-MILLION pound plan to restore the house known as "the birthplace of Peter Pan" has been unveiled.

The idea is to convert Moat Brae in Dumfries into a visitor centre based on JM Barrie's classic tale of the Boy Who Never Grew Up, incorporating a respite home for sick children.

When Barrie was a pupil at Dumfries Academy, his pals Stuart and Hal Gordon lived in the house and they enjoyed adventures together in its sprawling garden beside the River Nith.

Later, when the author received the freedom of Dumfries, he revealed that during his escapades in that "enchanted land" he dreamed up his fantasy tale of pirates, fairies and lost boys. The house, unoccupied for more than ten years, is derelict and the garden that inspired Neverland is a wasteland.

But a trust formed to save the B-listed, ten-bedroom house has come up with a development scheme – at an estimated cost of 4 million. Architect Patrick Lorimer said the aim was to dedicate the basement to Peter Pan, the most famous children's story in the world.

It was estimated that it would attract between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors a year, who would be charged for admission.

The ground floor would have a cafe, shop and area suitable for music, art, weddings or other events and the first floor would accommodate commercial offices, generating additional income.

The top floor would be a luxury flat, providing respite care for sick children and their families.

The garden would have a formal area, adventure park and performance space.

When completed, the scheme would bring in an estimated income of 80,000 a year, giving a profit of 20,000, and would provide 24 full-time and seven part-time jobs.

Lorimer said the work would be carried out in phases, but no starting date has been fixed.