Plans to convert kennels built for historic Whittingehame Tower into new home unveiled

Plans to convert kennels built for an historic tower in East Lothian into a new home have been unveiled.

The Whittingehame Estate has applied for permission to created a house on the site of the kennels at 15th century Whittingehame Tower, formerly known as Whittingehame Castle, near East Linton.

The estate is home to a famous yew tree where it is reported the plot to murder Mary, Queen of Scots, husband Lord Darnley was first cooked up by her future husband the Earl of Bothwell.

The tower itself is Category A Listed and the kennels were added on as an extension in the 19th century but have more recently been used for storage on the estate.

The plans to convert them into a house include retaining much of the structure including a castellated sandstone block at one end of the site which has a number of lean to buildings at the back of it.

In a design statement on behalf of the estate, agents say: “The proposals remain single story so as to remain respectful to neighbours and existing structures and ensures that accessible living quarters are promoted.

“The materials that are intended for the proposals have been selected to also remain respectful to the kennels, using natural finishes and components where possible.”

The design layout of the new house would see two bedrooms created with the master bedroom in the turreted block and the living area at the bottom of the site overlooking Whittingehame Waters and some of the spectacular trees on the land which includes the famous yew tree.

It is said that in 1567 the Earl of Bothwell and Queen Mary’s secretary were staying at the estate when they sheltered under the tree and first discussed the murder of Lord Darnley.

Darnley was murdered a month later and within three months Bothwell and the queen were married sparking an uprising which eventually saw Mary abdicate making her son with Darnley King James IV of Scotland who would go on to be crowned King James I following the union of Scotland and England.