A design by Hamilton Architects for the refurbishment of the family wing of historic Brownlow House, Lurgan, has gone to planners.
The main house was sensitively refurbished in 2004 following an arson attack some years earlier, but the Family Wing was left an empty shell.
Now Hamilton Architects have been commissioned to refurbish the family wing and bring it into use as hotel accommodation to complement the current wedding venue in the main house.
The Grade A listed building was designed by renowned Scottish architect William Henry Playfair in 1833 as a home for Charles Brownlow MP, 1st Baron of Lurgan.
Its dramatic Elizabethan style has been described as “the grandest architectural set-piece in the country.” A monument to the famous greyhound Master McGrath, who lived there, still stands on the front lawn.
The property came into ownership of the Orange Order in 1903 and the extensive grounds became a public park in 1911. Notably, it was requisitioned by the army during both World Wars and acted as General Patton’s HQ in 1943.
Conservation Architect Dr Andrew Molloy said: “We sourced the architectural drawings for William Henry Playfair’s original design, which has enabled us to replicate with a high degree of accuracy what was lost in the fire.
“The historic Sitting Room, Boudoir and distinctive cantilevered stone stair are to be restored to form an integral part of heritage tours of the building, as well as providing plush conference rooms and breakfast room.
“Six hotel rooms are to be created on the first floor, including a bridal suite that is to be faithfully restored according to Playfair’s drawings, while external improvements will include landscaping and the restoration of decorative steps.”