Boutique hotel planned for listed building on Nethergate

A disused 19th Century house in Nethergate could be turned into a 13-bedroom boutique hotel.

Developers Molinaro have submitted a planning application for Caird Rest, a B-listed building that spent many years as a home for the elderly and was latterly used as offices by Dundee University.

The redevelopment would also include the neighbouring Spring Grove Cottage.

A design statement with the application said: “Located in the heart of Dundee’s cultural quarter, the impressive 19th Century building is ideally located to take advantage of road, rail and air links to the city.

“It will be more than simply a hotel, it will be an experience. It will provide our clientele with a haven from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city centre and all its attractions.

“The proposals have been deliberately limited to a size which creates intimacy and exclusivity within a luxurious commercial hotel model.”

Molinaro’s intention is to create lavish interiors with opulent furniture, with each bedroom individually styled and themed to offer “some of the most exquisite and exclusive accommodation” in the city.

Architects ARKTX said a key factor in the design would be maintaining the impressive Georgian town house facade of Caird Rest, which features fine internal plasterwork, an ashlar frontage and a columned entrance.

“First impressions are important for any hotel operator and it is proposed that the existing front entrance will be upgraded and enclosed within a modern glass entrance vestibule.

“Accommodated within the ground floor will be the bistro restaurant, lounge bar and reception area.

“For private dining, special events or business meetings, a lavish contemporary meeting and events space has been incorporated at the basement level, opening up on to the landscape patio concourse to the south.”

ARKTX added that proposed refurbishment works would preserve the key features of the house and its urban character.