PART of a Borders mansion which was previously used by Scottish Girl Guides may soon be available to holidaymakers.

In August 2020 it was announced that Netherurd House, near West Linton, was closing.

Earlier this year, Scottish Borders Council approved plans for the 19-bedroom Georgian mansion to be made into a residential home.

And now a proposal to turn the single storey wing to the north of the house – formerly used as a “shop and adjacent staff sleeping accommodation” – into a holiday retreat has been filed with the local authority.

“We aim to undertake a series of sympathetic interventions to the existing building at Netherurd House,” a report submitted by Jefcoate Anderson Architects Ltd on behalf of the owners states. “The property has a history of change with alterations to the plan, function and elevation being able to be read, for the most part, in the building’s remaining structure.

“These changes have been driven by the user requirements of the property and also of technological advances in building services.

“We are keen to reinstate traditional details wherever possible and upgrade insulation and services to improve the environmental performance of the building.

“Allowing the conversion of the existing shop and staff sleeping accommodation to form a two-bedroom residential property suitable for holiday lets, will not only provide a revenue stream which will assist with future restoration works and upkeep at Netherurd House, but will also allow the history of people being able to visit this unique and beautiful property to continue.”

Netherurd House – built between 1791 and 1794 – is situated 7.5km away from West Linton and just over one kilometre from Blyth Bridge.

The mansion was used by generations of Girl Guides as a holiday and training centre, before the coronavirus pandemic contributed to its closure.

Among the changes proposed are to upgrade the existing insulation levels, and install a new kitchen and dining area in the existing shop.