SHEPHERD Chartered Surveyors is offering Moat Brae visitor centre in Dumfries – the ‘birthplace of Peter Pan’ – for sale.
Described as a ‘wonderfully designed and re-imagined house’ with enchanted lands that lay claim as the genesis of J.M. Barrie’s classic story, Peter Pan, the B-listed building was originally designed by Walter Newall as a private residential dwelling in 1823.
Such was its grandeur that at one time the property was known as ‘Number One Dumfries’.
During its use as a residential dwelling, the author and playwright J.M. Barrie is said to have befriended the children who resided here while he studied at the nearby Dumfries Academy. It is from these visits, and especially his time in the gardens, which he later alluded provided inspiration for the iconic novel.
The building was subsequently used as a private nursing home before closing in 1997 and then falling into disrepair. In 2009, the property was saved from demolition and later re-opened as a visitor centre in 2019, following a multi-million-pound redevelopment project.
The property is a linked four-storey building offering a mix of cellular and open-plan accommodation with modern access and welfare provision, while preserving architectural features such as a first-floor rotunda and domed skylight set above the main entrance hall.
In its current configuration, the property includes a ground floor café and function suite, exhibition space over all four floors, as well as staff welfare facilities, customer toilets, kitchen, and plant room at basement level. There is parking for up to five cars at the front .
Fraser Carson, associate at Shepherd, said, “The comprehensive refurbishment of this local landmark has ensured it remains a discernible feature of Dumfries’ historic town centre. The story attached to this building, its setting and exceptional condition offer a unique opportunity to create a new chapter as a national visitor attraction.
“Alternatively, the adaptable layout and first-rate accessibility provide scope for alternative uses that would allow the property to continue playing its part in supporting the local community. Purchase offers are invited, and we welcome all notes of interest.”
