Published: Thursday, 17th July, 2008 9:00am

£1m town boost from holiday homes

THE OWNER of Dunbar"s historic 150-acre Broxmouth Estate has revealed plans to develop 25 upmarket holiday homes within its grounds.

Chester-based developer Simon Flame, who purchased the estate – including magnificent Georgian mansion Broxmouth House – for £2 million in 2003, is confident that his ambitious plans could net an extra £1 million a year for Dunbar businesses.

A planning application has been lodged with East Lothian Council.

'Jobs will be created and we will be fulfilling a need, a gap in the market, and giving more people the chance to explore the scenery and beauty of East Lothian,' said Simon, boss of Flame Estates.

'People can buy a caravan here but we are looking at a different market to that. We want to attract mansion flat owners from Edinburgh, or even London, to Dunbar.'

After acquiring Broxmouth – where Oliver Cromwell is believed to have slain 3,000 Scots at the Battle of Dunbar in 1650 – Flame Estates spent a seven-figure sum transforming Broxmouth House into an ultra-exclusive venue for weddings, private parties and corporate events.

A two-night stay featuring exclusive use of the property costs around £5,000.

Simon, wife and business partner Susan, and their family now plan to relocate to East Lothian to live in the stunning property (pictured).

However, the estate would still be available to hire for corporate events, at the company"s discretion, he added.

'We have held a number of corporate events at Broxmouth – we had a large wedding take place there just this weekend,' he explained.

'However, we feel it is an ideal family home.'

The proposed three-bedroom holiday retreats would be located half a mile from Broxmouth House. The properties are to be secluded within the estate"s walled garden area and bordered by a tennis court and courtyard.

If his plans are approved, Simon believes Dunbar businesses would receive a big boost from well-off holidaymakers. Between five and 10 jobs would also be created.

Designed by James Denholm, the architect behind Hydro Hotel Lodges in Crieff, the stone-built holiday homes are intended to look 'very Scottish and completely natural'.

'The development needs to feel like it"s very much part of the area,' he said.

'We thought about having log cabins but dismissed it because we thought this is not Scandinavia – it"s Dunbar!'

Each property would also be equipped with the latest in green technology.

Simon refused, at this stage, to be drawn on the cost of the development, or the likely price of staying there.

Secretary of Dunbar Community Council, Adam Sneddon, gave the plans a guarded welcome.

'In principle, and speaking for myself and not the community council, I do not have any objection to it,' he said.

'It will be quite a good thing and bring people and, of course, money into the town.

'But I would be more prepared to comment after I have thoroughly reviewed the planning application.'

Queen Victoria visited Broxmouth Estate in 1878.

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