Stop talking yourself out of it - a grant could be available and it has vehicular access and a reasonable plot, failing that just stick a mobile home in the middle of it,,,
Ground and Land
Baltersan Castle stands within approximately 0.75 acres. The grounds are principally informal and provide an open setting around the castle, allowing the building to be appreciated from a number of viewpoints. The elevated position gives Baltersan a commanding presence within the surrounding Carrick landscape. Historical records describe Baltersan as a stately house surrounded by gardens, orchards, parks and woodland. Research has also identified evidence of former garden grounds, enclosures, drainage works, water-management features and a millpond within the wider historic landscape. The ground surrounding the castle may therefore be of archaeological interest. The former gardens, service areas and water-management features have not been comprehensively excavated and may provide further evidence relating to the development and occupation of Baltersan. References to the wider historic estate are included for historical context and do not imply that all such areas are included within the subjects of sale.
Restoration Potential
The surviving fabric, together with the extensive research already undertaken, provides a strong basis from which a carefully considered restoration project could be developed. Previous assessment work has examined the original elevations, floor levels, roof geometry, internal arrangement, architectural details and historic landscape. This body of work allows the design of the original building to be understood in considerable detail. Baltersan could have potential for restoration as an extraordinary private residence or, subject to the necessary consents, for an appropriate hospitality, retreat, events, educational or cultural use. Baltersan Castle is currently a roofless ruin and is not habitable. Any works will require a conservation-led approach. Listed building consent, planning permission, building warrant approval and other statutory consents may be required.
The former owner devoted more than three decades to the research, protection and promotion of Baltersan Castle, during which time a number of detailed restoration proposals were developed. Planning and funding applications were first submitted in 1996, with permission subsequently granted for the conversion of the castle to a luxury guest house. Further planning and listed-building consent applications were progressed in 2002, followed by a revised scheme submitted in 2007 for the consolidation of the ruinous structure and rebuilding of the tower house as timeshare residential accommodation. Listed-building consent for the revised scheme was granted by South Ayrshire Council in 2007 (Planning ref. 07/01435/LBC).
Historic Scotland also offered substantial grant funding towards the proposed repair works. The historic consents are understood to have lapsed. They cannot be relied upon by an incoming purchaser, and any future restoration or change of use will require fresh applications and consideration against the planning and conservation policies applicable at that time. Nevertheless, the previous applications demonstrate the considerable professional work already devoted to understanding the building and developing a comprehensive restoration scheme. The supporting archive includes plans, reports, documentary research and other material relating to the castle, its history and previous restoration proposals. The archive may be available by separate negotiation and could provide valuable background for a purchaser and their professional conservation team. No assurance is given that any former scheme, or any revised proposal, will receive consent again.
A substantial supporting research archive, together with the registered Baltersan tartan, certain Baltersan whisky-related assets and the Baltersan 1584 identity, may be available by separate negotiation. Further details are available from the Selling Agents.
References to the Barony and Regality of Crossraguel are included for historical context only. Research into potential historical baronial, regality and other incorporeal rights, including Baltersan’s possible status as a historic caput, remains ongoing. Nothing in these particulars confirms that any such dignity or right is established, held by the Seller or included in the sale.
Services
No services are currently understood to be connected to the property. Prospective purchasers should make their own enquiries regarding the availability of water, drainage, electricity and telecommunications within the locality and the potential for future connection.
Access
Baltersan Castle benefits from a heritable and irredeemable servitude right of pedestrian and vehicular access from the A77, proceeding initially along the private access road to Dalchomie Farm, shown as AB on the plan, and continuing thereafter through a farm gate and along an unfenced track approximately 4 metres in width, hatched black and marked BC on the plan. Purchasers should take independent legal advice regarding its full terms and obligations.
The property is sold subject to any public rights of access exercisable in terms of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, it being noted that such rights do not apply to the curtilage of a dwellinghouse.
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