The first phase of works to redevelop Birkwood Castle and the surrounding estate has been completed.

The project, which will see the historic castle transformed into a boutique hotel and residential development, is being carried out by Envestco.

Birkwood Castle started as a family home in 1860, before it was turned into a hospital for mentally-disabled children. In 2002, it closed and was left to fall into a state of disrepair.

Under the first phase of works on site, the property developer has completed the clearance of numerous dilapidated and unsightly buildings from the site. Now, attention will turn to make the castle structurally secure, before the team moves on to the visible repairs of the building. The repair work will begin with the roof and windows of the castle, before a final, detailed conversion gets underway to transform it into a luxury boutique hotel.

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Costing more than £7m, the ambitious project has an anticipated completion date of April 2016. When finished, it is hoped the venue will become a major destination for weddings, conferences and special events.

In addition to the castle, work to improve the 86-acre estate, to which Envestco have recently added a further 38-acre plot to the south east of the existing site known as Abbey Green, will also be carried out.

On this land, a significant housing development will be created, consisting of five housing areas, while other more secluded plots will be transformed into woodland holiday chalets. The first phase will see eight detached four- or five-bedroom homes.

Furthermore, a new network of public footpaths are to be created throughout the grounds, connecting the estate with the local village of Lesmahagow.

(JP/IT)