Buccleuch Estates has submitted plans to develop a large-scale holiday park at Irvine House, an 18th-century country mansion near Canonbie in southern Scotland.
The proposal, now before Dumfries and Galloway Council, outlines the construction of 143 holiday lodges alongside the restoration and repurposing of the historic house, which dates back to 1792.
The plans include repairing and adapting the main property to serve as a visitor welcome centre, café, and holiday accommodation. Several outbuildings would also be renovated as part of the project.
According to the applicants’ economic impact statement, the development could create approximately 36 full-time jobs once operational and nearly 40 during the construction phase. In addition, it is estimated to contribute about £3.4 million annually to the local economy.
Ed Morris, Buccleuch’s Borders Estate director, said the company had received encouraging feedback during the consultation process. “We have been working to bring the best scheme forward for Irvine House,” he told the BBC.
“Our proposals include development of the site to include 143 holiday lodges, designs for renovations of outbuildings and the transformation of Irvine House, currently uninhabited, into a visitor welcome centre and café.”
Morris added that the project could generate up to 106,000 visitor nights each year, creating a steady stream of tourism to the region.
“It is estimated that the holiday accommodation at Irvine House could bring up to 106,000 visitor nights annually and has the potential to make a significant economic impact within the local community and wider Dumfries and Galloway community.”
The mansion, located between Langholm and Canonbie on the River Esk, has a long history. Originally considered in 1783 as a potential site for a new country house for the Duke of Buccleuch, Irvine House was instead constructed in a more modest style in 1792 for Capt. George Maxwell.
The property was remodeled in 1836 by architect William Burn for Alexander Harley Maxwell, chamberlain of the Duke’s estates in Eskdale and Liddesdale.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, the project reflects a broader trend of blending heritage assets with modern accommodation. By restoring historic properties while adding scalable lodge-based lodging, operators can both preserve cultural landmarks and expand tourism capacity.
The scale of the Irvine House proposal also highlights the growing demand for lodge accommodation in rural areas, offering insights for park owners considering ways to diversify offerings and attract long-term visitor spending in regional markets.
