A firm of architects in Aberdeen is targeting opportunities on the west coast to counter the impact of the oil and gas downturn.
Kilbowie Development Company (KDC) is marketing its first luxury flats after the redevelopment of Kilbowie House, a 19th-century waterfront mansion in Oban.
The business was launched as an offshoot of Michael Gilmour Associates (MGA), which is renowned for its work converting buildings into homes.
MGA’s award-winning projects in the north-east include work on Balgownie Lodge at Aberdeen Science Park, the sensitive conversion of Carden church, a walled garden at Fetternear and offices for Subsea 7.
Michael Gilmour died earlier this year, having invested an undisclosed sum in Kilbowie House for the purpose of converting the imposing grade B listed, sandstone property into luxury accommodation.
Three of the eight flats are pre-sold and the rest have just gone on the market. There are also plans for two new homes, or potentially seven townhouses in a second development phase.
The Gilmour family’s links to the west coast are long-standing – Mr Gilmour built a house on Seil and had planned to spend his retirement there.
KDC – now comprising his wife, Hilary, one of their sons, Jamie, and MGA business partner John Buchan – is exploring other development opportunities in Oban and elsewhere in Argyll.
“Kilbowie House gives us a foot into the west coast,” Jamie Gilmour said, adding: “The commercial and residential markets in Aberdeen had been in free fall.
“My father thought it would be wise to look for other opportunities. We think there is potential for further development on the west coast if the local market is as buoyant as it seems to be.”
Originally built in 1888 as a home for the Dunn Pattison family, Kilbowie House overlooks the Sound of Kerrera.
It was used as offices by Argyll and Bute Council for a while but then sat empty until Mr Gilmour acquired it.
Great care was taken by the developer and local building contractor Neil McGougan to make sure existing features which made the four-storey, baronial-style building so extraordinary, including fireplaces, wood panelling and oak shutters and doors, were retained.
Jamie Gilmour said: “My father fully appreciated the architectural quality and drama of its location.
“It was his intention to produce a development of the highest quality befitting such an iconic building and an important part of the heritage of Oban. We are happy that his wishes have been met and that, having been refurbished and returned to residential use, Kilbowie House has been given a new lease of life which will allow it to last long into the future.”
The new flats are in the £150,000-£250,000 range and marketed through the Oban office of property company Bell Ingram, whose brochure says the designers set out from the outset to “bring back to life this magnificent building and restore it to its former glory, while providing modern living spaces.”
