HPB’s holiday booking service has been rated 4.7 out of 5
based on 14732 customer reviews on Feefo.
Feefo Platinum Award Feefo logo

Work gets under way at Coo

Posted by Jonathan Broom on 8 March 2018
Related property: Coo Palace
Work gets under way at Coo

The first steps have been taken to turn the Coo Palace, also known as the Corseyard Farm and Model Dairy, into 26 luxury holiday cottages and apartments, plus a reception and clubhouse with an indoor swimming pool.

A little history

The iconic landmark overlooking Wigtown Bay in Dumfries & Galloway was once a dairy farming facility, built by eccentric millionaire James Brown, half of Affleck & Brown, whose flagship Manchester department store was once known as ‘the Harrods of the North’. Brown used his wealth to indulge his passion for the Arts & Crafts movement, Art Nouveau and the Italianate style – and indeed the Coo Palace, built early in the 20th Century, reflects all three.

The place was built to house Brown’s small herd of 12 prize Belted Galloway cows – and from what one can still see the bovine beauties must have lived in some style: curved finials here, decorative glazed tiles there, Palladian water troughs to drink from...

Whether the herd was ever ‘productive’ is, sadly, not known; but it seems certain that the heyday of the Coo Palace was short-lived. James Brown died in 1920, and interest in the Coo Palace died with him; the family had other battles to fight, as wealthy families often do. The complex fell into disrepair, and in 1991 was A-listed by Historic Scotland in the category of ‘important buildings at risk’.

The Coo Palace underwent various changes of ownership – at various stages it was to be converted into film and TV studios, then a suite of offices, then what would have been a substantial private house – but none of the owners were able to fulfil their ambitions. And of course, as the years passed the condition of the Coo Palace became steadily worse.

Until now.

Coo Palace restoration

Overseen by JMP Architects of Lancaster, since the turn of the year a 20-strong team of builders from Ayrshire-based 3B Construction has been working to restore the Coo Palace to its former glory.

“We started with demolition, funnily enough,” says JMP partner Joel Pinnington. “Much of the roof had to be taken down in order to make the place safe for constructors to operate in. But right now the team are installing timber-frame kits for two blocks of new holiday cottages being built alongside the existing structure; the roofs should be on within the next couple of weeks.

“Then comes the fun part: working on the Coo Palace itself. At the moment we have a conservation specialist on site, conducting a series of what are called ‘historic building recordings’ – this is a Grade A-listed site, and the conservation specialist has to report back to both Historic Environment Scotland and Dumfries & Galloway Council, who will determine what can and can’t be done. It’s all about preserving as much of the Coo Palace’s character, and as many of its original features, as possible.”

Restoration work is expected to start in a few weeks. “My colleagues and I – I think the whole team – are really looking forward to it,” says Joel. “Quite apart from what the ‘powers-that-be’ say, we’re committed in any case to retaining and reusing the Coo Palace’s original features wherever and whenever we can. We’re keeping all the glazed bricks, the tiles, the stall partitions, the balustrades – all the elements that make this place unique.”

“We’ve been given two years to do this,” adds 3B site manager Kevin Marr, “but with fair weather, luck and a following wind, I reckon we’ll be finished by mid-2019. Furnishing, fixtures and fittings may take a little while, but I expect the Coo Palace to be welcoming its first holidaymakers by Christmas.

“What a place to spend the Festive Season. I envy them already!”

Jonathan Broom

Jonathan Broom

How can I find out more?

The Holiday Property Bond could do as much for your quality of life as it has done for many thousands of families who have already invested. That's why we invite you to get in touch with us in any of these 3 ways and please don't forget our unique 'Money back promise' and 'interest free loan' options.

Request our brochure Speak to a representative Explore one of our UK sites

Please request our fully illustrated holiday property brochure

Please read "How HPB works" and then we will be delighted to send you our brochure, including our property portfolio, and your FREE copy of Insight Magazine. See the beautiful holiday homes and magnificent locations where you can spend your holidays as a Bondholder and learn how impressed Bondholders have been by our handling of the problems caused by coronavirus.

Please complete and submit the form or, alternatively, telephone our FREE brochure request line on 0800 230 0391

Request a brochure
Title *
First Name *
Surname *
Email address *
Postcode *
Telephone number
How did you hear about us?

We will use the details you provide above to send you our detailed HPB brochure and keep you updated about HPB holiday offers. Details of how we use the information you provide are in our privacy policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

SUBMIT SUBMIT
* Indicates required fields
HPB’s holiday booking service has been rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 14732 customer reviews on Feefo.

You can speak to one of our representatives

Your local HPB representative will be happy to call or video call you at a convenient time for an informal chat. Simply fill in your details and we'll do the rest.

Most of our representatives are Bondholders themselves and all have visited a number of Bond sites.

The representative will give you all the information you need and then leave you to make up your own mind. He or she will talk to you about your holiday requirements and what level of investment is needed to secure the kind of holidays you want.

Video chat now available with a local representative

This request is for new enquiries only, if you are an existing Bondholder please contact us via myBond.

How should we contact you? *
Title *
First Name *
Surname *
Email address *
Telephone number *
Post code *
Preferred Date/Time
Preferred Date/Time 2
Preferred Date/Time 3
OR
Please contact me to arrange a date

Your local representative will contact you to confirm the date and time.

Date/Time *
How did you hear about us?
Chosen date (choose above) *
Chosen time (choose above) *

We will use the details you provide above for a representative to contact you. Details of how we use the information you provide are in our privacy policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

SUBMIT SIGN ME UP
* Indicates required fields


See our stunning holiday properties for yourself

Having a Private Tour at an HPB holiday location is an enjoyable way to see the high standards of furnishings and facilities you could enjoy with HPB. One of our representatives will show you around the site and answer any questions you may have.

Alternatively, you are welcome to book a Personal Presentation at a hotel near you. You can chat to one of our representatives, ask your questions and view the complete portfolio of HPB locations.

BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR OR PERSONAL PRESENTATION

This advertisement is issued by HPB Management Limited (HPBM), the main UK agent and the property manager for HPB, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registered at HPB House, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8EH. HPB is available exclusively through HPBM. HPB is issued by HPB Assurance Limited (HPBA) registered in the Isle of Man and authorised by the Financial Services Authority there. The Trustee of HPB is Equiom (Isle of Man) Limited, registered at Jubilee Buildings, Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2SH. The Securities Adviser is Stanhope Capital LLP of 35 Portman Square, London W1H 6LR. No medical examination is required.

HPBM promotes only HPB and is not independent of HPBA. Holders of policies issued by HPBA will not be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if the company becomes unable to meet its liabilities to them but Isle of Man compensation arrangements apply to new policies.