ONE of Inverclyde's best-known historic buildings which has played a huge role in Greenock's social and industrial development over the years has been put up for sale. 

Lindores Manor Hotel is being marketed by Bowman Rebecchi for offers in the region of £350,000. 

The C-listed Victorian property, which Historic Environment Scotland says was built in the 1880s, was built by renowned architect John Honeyman and spans 21,500 sq ft. 

Andrew Bowman, director and co-founder of Bowman Rebecchi, said while the property needs a lot of work, it presents an incredible development opportunity. 

He added: "The house itself needs a lot of love. It's been left completely untouched for around six or seven years, so there are some broken windows and water ingress. 

"A lot of traditional features are still in place and there's a real grandness to it."

Historic Environment Scotland says the first owner of the property, Robert Mason, was a partner with James Richardson and Co sugar refiners in Greenock. 

Greenock Telegraph:
In 1897, it was bought by Alexander Park Lyle, Lyle Shipping Company Limited, and son of Abram Lyle of Tate and Lyle.

The building was used as Lindores Reception Hospital by the Red Cross during the First World War. 

In 1919, Greenock ship owner Peter McCallum Lang bought the house, and during the Second World War, is became home to 80 Canadian Wrens (women from the Women's Royal Naval Service).

The building functioned as a naval picket (a unit which maintained a watch over the area) until October 1946 when it was bought over by building contractors W.H Kirkwood. 

Greenock Telegraph:
Lindores was a hotel and guest house for many years. 

In 2022, Inverclyde Council granted planning permission for the building to be converted into three flats, despite opposition. 

The objections raised focused on the 30 trees which sit around the manor.

Since 2022, trees have been removed from the grounds, which Mr Bowman says leaves a 'lot less to maintain'.

Planning consent allows for adding an extension to accommodate a staircase, installing an enlarged dormer window at the front, adding a window on the first floor, and creating a rooflight at the side.

Greenock Telegraph:
The building holds 10 en suite rooms, with four on the top floor, five in the middle, and one on the ground. 

Andrew said the roof and joists are in good condition but admits a lot has to be done in terms of modernisation to the property.

Even with the planning consent in place, he can envisage the former hotel being transformed into a complete family home. 

He added: "I think that's the most viable option. 

"For a large family, it will give great value. 

"The five rooms in the middle could be converted into three larger rooms, and you could have a home office, gym, and a study. 

"It's on the market as commercial and residential, so there's so much scope and potential.

"There are a fair few properties like this in Greenock but they rarely make it to market, as they're often sold privately or stay in families for decades. 

"It's a fantastic insight into Greenock's past. 

"It's a proper character property and there's so much heritage and history attached."

Bowman Rebecchi have reported a 'huge amount' of interest in the property already and it's been on the market for less than a week. 

Mr Bowman said: "Most of the people viewing it specialise in taking assets and turning them around, and are capable of bringing in the manpower to do it. 

"It's all really positive. 

"I'm really interested to see what the end use will be."