Castle could be new hotel

Castle could be new hotel

20 July 2016

QUINTIN Castle could have a new lease of life with a company linked to crisp manufacturer Tayto.

A planning application has been lodged to turn the historic landmark outside Portaferry into an eight bedroom private hotel for employees and guests of the firm.

The castle, which dates back to Norman times, has its own portcullis and stone turrets, could also at some point be used for weddings.

However, it is largely proposed as a private estate and it is not expected that members of the public will be able to tour the castle.

Property developer Paul Neill bought the impressive castle in 2006 for £3.75m just as the property boom was about to hit its peak, then began to renovate it.

However, it became the most expensive property ever to be repossessed in Northern Ireland after he was declared bankrupt.

In April 2012, the Irish government’s National Asset Management Agency repossessed the castle.

The building, which still has the remains of a demolished heliport standing in its grounds, was later placed on the market with an asking price of £1.65m.

The planning application is being made by Tayto linked Mullahead Property Company Ltd.

Now potentially Tayto’s second castle in the UK, if planning permission is granted for a hotel, it is thought that the development will be the only one of its type owned by the company.

The Anglo-Norman castle was originally built in the 12th century by John De Courcy.

At one stage it was virtually a ruin but was restored in the 19th century and further renovated in recent years.

Set on 22 acres, its many impressive features include a private jetty, portcullis, roof terrace, formal garden, library, study and billiards room.

The planning application requests permission for “alterations, extension and change of use from dwelling house to boutique hotel and conference centre, including garden ancillary building”.

The application is for an eight bedroom hotel with permission to use a courtyard for events such as weddings. The submission also proposes the addition of a marquee-style covering over the courtyard.

A community consultation report submitted with the application says the hotel might be more accurately described as “a private venue which could be hired on request”.

It adds that Tayto also intends to use the venue for visiting customers and for training and conference purposes.

It additionally states that improved road links between the castle and Portaferry will be required if permission is granted.