A US property tycoon and entrepreneur has been granted permission to enhance the offering at his 16th century Ayrshire castle and private hire retreat.
Rip Cathcart has been given permission to make alterations and change the use of former stables on the family’s sprawling 143-acre estate.
The plans involve new amenities at the stables, in the form of a gym and games room, and will be part of the current offering to anyone staying at the castle.
Virginia-based Mr Cathcart has also been given permission to build a 12m-long pavilion near to his castle.
A report said the pavilion would be formed on a “slabbed area” and constructed from oak/slate.
It would also be 12 metres in length, 7.5 metres in width and reach a height of approximately 5.5 metres.
Apart from a 70-year interruption, Killochan Castle had previously been in the Cathcart family for generations - before Mr Cathcart and his wife Millie purchased the castle, near Girvan, in 2021 - and brought it back into family ownership.
Last summer, Millie Cathcart spoke of her excitement at returning the property to the family fold after an extensive makeover.
She said at the time: “There is a lot to appreciate about South Ayrshire and Girvan, and we look forward to showcasing this beautiful area to guests and tourists staying at our property. We can’t wait for guests to discover the history, beauty and warmth of this place.
“We live on a farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The terrain and weather are very similar, as is the friendliness of the people.
“Add to that, all the activities that our family enjoys: biking, fishing, hiking, history, exploring the mountains and seaside and it feels like home from home.
“One of the best parts is that we are returning Killochan to the Cathcart family.
“Rip has had a small pencil drawing of the castle ever since he was a boy, and it’s always been on the wall in our home.”
A planning report into the site description said: “Killochan Castle is a distinctive late 16th century L plan tower house, extended and remodelled in the 1730’s to create a Classical interior.
“The Georgian drawing room, created in the tower house’s former great hall has particularly fine timber panelling, quality plasterwork, Georgian sash and case windows and a Corinthian pilaster flanked large chimney breast.
“This early 18th century interior contributes to the category A listing of Killochan Castle.”
Last year Ayrshire Live told how the castle and estate were set to open as an exclusive private hire luxury retreat — but you’d need deep pockets if you wanted to bag it.
We told how you could live the life of Riley at the 22-bedroom Killochan Castle, near Girvan, which came with its very own butler, private chef, housekeeping staff — and even a dungeon for unwanted guests.
And the cost of being Monarch of the Glen? Prices started from £18,000 per week for exclusive hire.
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