Duchy unveils £2.5m conversion of farms into holiday cottages

The Duchy, founded in the 13th century as a private portfolio of land, property and assets held for the Sovereign of the day, has announced it has started the construction of 11 luxury cottages - nine of which will be conversions of redundant farm buildings - and new leisure facilities at Scalby Lodge, near Scarborough.

The scheme, which complements the five, existing holiday cottages already on the site, will also include landscaped gardens and create direct access to the popular walking route the Cleveland Way.

Paul Clarke, chief executive of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “This investment will transform a range of redundant farm buildings into luxury cottages offering the highest standard of accommodation in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

“Our existing holiday cottages at Scalby Lodge Farm have had consistently high occupancy rates proving that there is a strong desire for superior holiday lets in the area.

“We’re confident that the quality of the new accommodation coupled with the dramatic cliff top setting will ensure that Scalby Lodge continues to be in high demand.”

Simon Law, vice president of property at English Country Cottages which will market the site, said: “Scalby Lodge has proved to be a hugely popular destination for holidaymakers looking to enjoy the dramatic beauty of this part of the North Yorkshire coastline.

“Visitors commend the exceptional standard of each of the five current properties, so we are confident the new cottages will prove to be just as popular and help give a further, much-needed boost to the local tourism economy.”

The announcement follows a Scarborough Borough Council planning committee decision earlier this year to back the first phase of a controversial masterplan to build nearly 500 homes in the nearby Domesday village of Scalby.

Hundreds of residents have objected to the scheme claiming it will swamp local services, lead to huge traffic problems, and ruin the village.

As part of the first phase, 142 new homes will be built, 71 one of which will be affordable.