A guest stay at the historic Gilford Castle could soon be on the cards!
Plans submitted to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in the name of Mr and Mrs Robert and Adrienne Moffett request permission for a “change of use” for the landmark 19th Century castle which include an element of landscaping.
If approved the category B1 listed property – which comprises a total of 10 bedrooms – would allow for up to 20 visitors to stay at the accommodation at any one time.
The bedrooms are arranged with one wheelchair accessible bedroom on the ground floor, eight bedrooms on the first floor an one bedroom on the second floor.
Each bedroom is equipped with its own ensuite bathroom or wet room with a W/C.
No other works are required for the change of use to guest accommodation internally, however, the proposals do seek permission for considerable landscaping works to repair surfaces which were damaged during restoration of the castle in previous years and to make the castle more accessible to future guests.
The current owners of the 21,000 sq ft Victorian Scottish-Baronial style country house requested permission for initial restoration works from ABC Council back in 2022 which largely included “structural repairs” and remodelling.
According to the Design Access Statement accompanying the current application, the landscaping proposals now being put forth will allow for better access to the entrances and create a “pleasing aesthetic appropriate for the listed structures”.
If approved the landscaping would encompass the existing driveway of “worn stone and gravel” would be replaced with an “oval shaped” driveway centred on the front entrance in Cotswold gravel with a reclaimed sandstone edge.
A new path is proposed across the front elevation with ramped access to allow wheelchair users into the accessible bedroom on the ground floor.
Gilford Castle is set on an expansive site, just off the Banbridge Road, within 207 acres of land on the border between Counties Down and Armagh.
There are three listed buildings within the estate including the castle itself, the stables yard and a Belfast Roof Truss Shed.
The application is due to be advertised shortly.
