Bob Dylan's vintage Highland residence granted significant restoration permits

In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, a significant transformation is underway at Tomintoul House, the former residence of iconic musician Bob Dylan. The historic 18th-century Georgian mansion, now owned by Angus Dundee Distillers, is set for restoration and redevelopment, aiming to preserve its rich heritage while adapting it for modern living.

## Key Details of Tomintoul House Renovation

The renovation plans, approved by the Highland Council, include a range of updates to the property. The loft area will be converted into a self-contained annex, providing additional living space that can accommodate guests or extended family. The entire house will undergo extensive refurbishment, with improvements to living spaces that focus on enhancing comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, while preserving the historic charm of the building.

Upgrades to utilities and infrastructure, such as plumbing, electrical systems, and heating, will bring the property up to modern standards. Enhancements to the kitchen and bathrooms are planned to meet contemporary living requirements. External features, including repairs to the façade, windows, and roofing, will ensure structural integrity and energy efficiency.

## Modernizing the Property with Respect for History

The proposed renovations aim to modernize the property while respecting its historical features. En suites will be added to the first floor, and internal changes, such as upgrading bathrooms and adding cornice work, will help modernize the property without affecting the principal rooms or original architectural features. Staff accommodation will be created on the ground floor.

External drainage pipework will be replaced with cast-iron piping that matches the existing profile and colour. The driveway will undergo repairs and be resurfaced with a lighter shade of tarmac (grey or buff) with surface chips. The main entrance steps will be replaced with new stone steps.

## A Luxury Residence or High-End Retreat

Upon completion, Tomintoul House will be transformed into a luxury residence or high-end retreat, maintaining its status as a celebrity getaway. The added annex in the loft would allow for flexible use, potentially as a guest suite or rental space.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) advised that the main alterations to Tomintoul House, such as the removal of partitions in secondary attic rooms, would not negatively impact the historical fabric of the building. The property, originally built as a grand stately home, features a grand staircase with wrought-iron balustrades, marble flooring, and several late-18th-century chimneypieces.

Tomintoul House, located near Nethy Bridge and nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, boasts a rich architectural history dating back to the early 20th century. With its Mannerist classical architecture, polished ashlar dressings, bull-faced granite base courses, and urn-adorned parapets, the house stands as a testament to its historical significance.

The loft of Tomintoul House will be converted into larger leisure areas, such as a cinema and games room, making it an even more appealing retreat for future residents or guests. The renovation plans reflect a careful balance of preserving the historic essence of Tomintoul House while adapting it for comfortable, modern living.

This transformation is expected to enhance the value and appeal of the property, honouring its cultural and architectural significance linked to Bob Dylan’s legacy in the Scottish Highlands.

The loft area at Tomintoul House is being converted into a self-contained annex, providing additional living space that could accommodate guests or extended family.
The historic charm of Tomintoul House will be preserved during the renovation process, with improvements to living spaces focusing oncomfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
Upgrades to the kitchen and bathrooms are planned to meet modern living standards, while maintaining historical features such as cheminneypieces and marble flooring.
External repairs to the façade, windows, and roofing will ensure structural integrity and energy efficiency, while maintaining the property's historic profile.
The driveway will be repaired and resurfaced with a lighter shade of tarmac (grey or buff) with surface chips, and the main entrance steps will be replaced with new stone steps.
Upon completion, Tomintoul House will be transformed into a luxury residence or high-end retreat, featuring modern amenities such as en suites, a cinema, and games room while maintaining its historical character.