Exciting leisure development opportunity located in East Lothian, 23 miles southeast of the city of EDINBURGH. Prime location overlooking the 18-hole, Castle Park Golf Club, By Gifford, East Lothian. Scenic 7-acre site with planning permission granted for 26 self catering lodges with potential to increase development by a further 14 lodges. On site car parking for 71 vehicles. Would suit holiday park operators with an interest in the golfing market.
Location: Adjacent to Castle Park Golf, by Gifford, East Lothian, EH41 4PL
Scottish Business Centre is delighted to present an exciting development opportunity in the picturesque countryside of East Lothian. Situated at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills, the site lies 7 miles south east of Haddington and 2.6 miles from the closest neighbouring town, Gifford. The site is situated to the east of Castle Park Golf Course. Access is provided via the Golf Club which is connected by a secondary un-named road off the B6355.
The seven-acre site which overlooks the beautiful 18-hole, Castle Park Golf Club, offers a prime location for commercial buyers, land investors, and holiday park and leisure operators. Our client has successfully obtained planning permission for a unique type of holiday lodges designed to be a Sheltered Retreat for guests. The lodges will be sunken into the landscape and surrounded by lush greenery, with extensive use of green roofs.
The vision for these lodges is to offer a secluded and peaceful environment, with clusters of lodges arranged in various groupings to cater to different types of guests, from solo travellers to larger family or friend groups. Each lodge will feature a private amenity area, as well as access to communal green spaces, providing a harmonious blend of privacy and community for guests to enjoy.
Situated adjacent to the 18-hole Castle Park Golf Club in the scenic Lammermuir Hills region. East Lothian, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh, features 40 miles of award-winning coastline and serene countryside. The proposed development site is nestled in the tranquil setting near Gifford, offering a perfect retreat for holidaymakers.
While our client has successfully obtained valuable planning permission to develop the site, it is important to note that new owners may wish to explore different designs and layouts for the development. The current permission is based on a 5-acre section of the 7 acres that is being offered for sale.
Planning permission for 26 holiday lodges with 71 spaces for parking has been passed with potential for an additional 14 units within the additional 2 acres. Unique sunken single-aspect holiday lodges, including 19 two-bedroom bunkers and 7 one-bedroom bunkers. Each bunker features an open-plan kitchen/living/dining area, separate bedrooms, and accessible en-suite bathroom(s).
East Lothian is known for its stunning coastal scenery, historic golf courses, and welcoming hospitality. Golf enthusiasts are attracted to the area to experience world-class golfing opportunities at renowned courses such as Muirfield, North Berwick, and Gullane. The leisure & golfing market in East Lothian is a significant draw for both local and international tourists.
In addition to day trips for golfing, East Lothian also offers options for short breaks and self-catering holidays and provides easy access to prosperous towns such as Haddington, North Berwick and with the city of Edinburgh around a 30-minute drive to the west. The lodge site is nestled at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills, an area which is hugely popular with walkers and cyclists. The neighbouring Whiteadder reservoir caters for water sports enthusiasts.
Short breaks in East Lothian provide golfers with the opportunity to enjoy a few days of uninterrupted golfing at multiple courses, while also exploring the charming towns and villages in the area. Self-catering holidays are typically popular among golfing enthusiasts who prefer flexibility in their schedules and accommodations. Renting a self-catering property allows visitors to tailor their golfing experience to their preferences, whether they want to play at different courses each day or focus on perfecting their skills at a particular course.
Overall, the leisure golfing market in East Lothian offers a diverse range of experiences for golfers of all levels, making it a desirable destination for those seeking a golf-centric getaway in a picturesque setting.
The increased demand for letting accommodation in East Lothian has not only enhanced the options available to visitors but has also attracted interest from the leisure break sector looking to invest in the area. The growing popularity of East Lothian as a golfing destination has led to an increase in visitors seeking high-quality accommodation options that cater to their specific needs, such as proximity to golf courses, stunning views, and convenient amenities.
As a result of this increased demand, investors in the leisure break sector have recognised the potential for lucrative opportunities in East Lothian. By investing in letting accommodation in the area, these investors can capitalise on the steady stream of golfing enthusiasts and tourists looking for comfortable and well-equipped places to stay during their leisure breaks. This trend has led to the development of new accommodations, renovations of existing properties, and the introduction of luxury options to cater to the discerning tastes of visitors.
The wider UK holiday park, self-catering, and golf & leisure breaks market is currently experiencing a significant increase in popularity among both domestic and international tourists. Holiday parks offer a wide range of accommodations, from caravan parks to luxury lodges, providing visitors with a variety of options to suit their preferences and budget.
The appeal of holiday parks lies in their family-friendly atmosphere, on-site amenities such as swimming pools, entertainment facilities, and restaurants, as well as their convenient locations near popular tourist attractions.
Additionally, the self-catering aspect allows guests to enjoy a flexible and cost-effective holiday experience by preparing their own meals. Golf & leisure breaks are also gaining traction within the UK tourism industry, with many holiday parks offering access to on-site golf courses, spa facilities, and other recreational activities. These breaks cater to individuals and groups looking to relax, unwind, and engage in leisure pursuits during their vacations.
Looking ahead, the future growth of the UK holiday park industry appears promising. Factors such as increased disposable income, a growing interest in domestic travel, and a trend towards staycations are expected to drive the demand for holiday park accommodations. The industry is also adapting to changing consumer preferences by introducing eco-friendly initiatives, enhancing digital experiences, and offering unique and immersive activities to attract a diverse range of visitors.
Overall, the UK holiday park, self-catering, and golf & leisure breaks market is set to continue thriving, providing a wide array of options for travellers seeking memorable and enjoyable holiday experiences within the country.
The site at Castle Park Golf Club presents an excellent opportunity for hospitality investors, holiday park operators, and property developers. The development could also provide seamless integration with golf and leisure sector operators’ current setup. Additionally, the sale offers the opportunity for a larger-scale development with surrounding land, subject to planning approval. This expansion potential adds further value to the investment opportunity.
