MOAT BRAE House closed its doors two days early on Wednesday and has already been put up for sale.
A fortnight ago trustees announced that the Georgian mansion in Dumfries, which was saved from demolition and underwent a multi-million pound overhaul, was to close.
They stressed that ‘every possible effort’ had been made to keep open the building, which had been operating as a children’s literature centre since 2019.
But they revealed it had faced problems with disappearing grants and funding and falling footfall.
An initial closure date of today, August 23, was given. However, earlier this week it was announced that Wednesday would instead be the last day, to give staff time to clear out the property.
And now it has been put on the market as an ‘extensively refurbished category B listed building’ and opened up to offers to take it over, including the cafe, function suite, exhibition space and kitchen.
There is no price attached to the listing for the grand, sandstone property, which is more than 200 years old.
The brochure says the four-storey building offers a ‘balanced mix of cellular and open-plan accommodation’ while ‘preserving outstanding architectural features.’
Shepherd Chartered Surveyors are handling the sale and associate
Fraser Carson 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.”
The author and playwright J.M. Barrie is said to have befriended the children who resided at Moat Brae 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 his famous Peter Pan story.
