A new luxury hotel and spa is on the cards for the seaside town of Ayr following the handover this week of the 18th century Belleisle House in Ayr from South Ayrshire Council to John and Senga Campbell, owners of the Dumfries Arms Hotel and Railway Hotel.

Belleisle is surrounded by acres of parklands and a golf course.

It will now undergo major investment with restorative and development work to create a luxury hotel – the new Belleisle Mansion Hotel & Spa.

If the hotel gets planning permission, it will have 70 suites, a ballroom and a 20m indoor swimming pool.

-- Advertisement --

The first phase of the extensive development work being taken forward by the Campbells will focus on the renovation of the original main building to create a new reception and lounge, two new restaurants and bar, 15 guest suites (including a penthouse bridal suite) and the new state-of the art spa.

These facilities are expected to be open to the public by summer 2014.

South Ayrshire Council is also working with local community groups on a bid for lottery monies to fund a range of improvements to the estate, including footpath works, landscaping, play equipment and signage.

Councillor Robin Reid said: "It's the start of the next era for the wider Belleisle estate and I look forward to seeing the end result."

The current gatehouse at Belleisle will be refurbished later this year and will become the marketing suite for the new hotel.

(NE)