A KILMACOLM mansion owned by billionaire James Easdale is set to undergo a £1million extension following planning approval from Inverclyde Council.
Wimborne, which sits on the northern side of the village overlooking Knapps Loch, was bought by the business tycoon in 2021.
The 117-year-old property was designed by renowned Scottish architect James Austen Laird.
Proposed changes to the £2million house have been designed by Gourock firm Rebecchi Architectural and include removing the orangery and building an indoor swimming facility for leisure and therapeutic purposes.
A further extension within the rear courtyard will provide an enlarged open-plan kitchen and living space, leading to an outdoor entertaining patio complete with full outdoor kitchen facilities.
The works are expected to get underway later this year and be completed by the end of 2023.
James Easdale, alongside his brother Sandy, was named on The Sunday Times Rich List in 2022, placing eighth in Scotland after amassing a fortune of £1.363 billion.
They were able to develop their vast wealth based on their portfolio of property, manufacturing and transport acquisitions across Scotland.
Marco Rebecchi, director at Rebecchi Architectural said: “This is fantastic news for our client, and we are very happy with the proposed plans being approved.
“The design of the extension is sympathetic towards the existing beauty of Wimborne and its rich heritage, which was very important to maintain for our client.
“This further planned investment will make for a truly stunning family home, with modern facilities creating a wow factor for this historic property.”
