Summer Isles Hotel’s stunning transformation plans highlighted after planning application lodged with Highland Council for site in Achiltibuie, Coigach, Wester Ross
A Coigach hotel and bar’s major transformation looks set to continue after plans for the next phase of work were lodged.
Permission was granted recently for demolition work to remove many of the more modern extensions to The Summer Isles Hotel in Achiltibuie.
And the owner of the hotel, Summer Isles Enterprises, has now lodged a new application detailing the new building extensions which will replace them - as well as several other new buildings on the site.
If approved, the new-look transformation of the Summer Isles Hotel will include new extensions to the north-western and north-eastern facing flanks of the main building as well as a single-storey lean-to extension on the south-westward flank. There would also be a new large glasshouse building to the south, the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing cottage in the north-west of the grounds, and the construction of two new tin-clad cottages in the north-east containing additional new bedrooms.
The materials chosen for the new extensions and buildings have been inspired by traditional Highland architectural styles, with the main building’s new features making use of white rendering and exposed natural stonework. The two new ‘tin house’ ‘cottages’ being built of modern materials then clad in green-painted tin walls and roofs to ape traditional uses of the metal building material, and the other cottage will feature exposed natural stonework.
Once completed the refurbished existing cottage will house two one-bedroom accommodation units, each with its own lounge and bathing facilities, and separate external entrances. The tin houses would house three en-suite bedrooms and two en-suite bedrooms respectively - each of which would have its own private entrance door to the outside, essentially creating five self-contained accommodation units.
The large glasshouse meanwhile, would also feature exposed stonework. It is envisaged as an “amenity space for use by the community as an area for growing plants etc together with a kitchen workspace and meeting area”.
Parking at the hotel would also be rearranged to provide a total of 34 spaces.
In a supporting statement lodged with the application, Summer Isles Enterprises said: “The proposals develop the planning permission previously granted for the removal of the majority of older extensions and alterations and creates a quality development but with an overall reduction in the total number of guest bedrooms.
“The development will result in an overall reduction in the current quota of bedrooms which is 25 (16 guest bedrooms and nine staff rooms) to a new total of 13 guest bedrooms. In addition, it provides a new community hub in keeping with the ethos of the applicant, Summer Isles Enterprises Ltd, in lending support to community facilities and creating opportunities for skill development.”
It continued: “The proposal continues the applicants proposed upgrade and renovation of the Summer Isles Hotel which was commenced with the grant of permission for the demolition and erection of extensions to the hotel.
“This proposal is a result of a review and assessment of the existing guest facilities and seeks to replace and upgrade as appropriate.
“It will enhance the setting of the hotel, provide quality facilities designed to be in keeping with the historical pattern of development redolent of the area. It introduces a new community hub for the benefit of the wider community and will add interest for visitors to the site.”
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