Strategic planning and day-to-day estate management from The Estates Office

Your estate in safe hands

case studies & examples

The Estates Office delivers an extensive range of services, tailored to the needs of clients. Some examples of both our strategic planning and day-to-day estate management work are detailed below.
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New Neigbourhood Development

Case study: New Neigbourhood Development, Dunbeg

Paul Nicoll has been involved with the Dunbeg Development Corridor since 1998 when the land was initially put forward for possible development as it seemed to be the only reasonable ground to sustain the development of Oban over the next 30 years.

Paul has taken the development from its initial inception and master planning to its inclusion within the Local Development Plan. The area now has a Marine Science Development as well as Argyll College. In addition, 75 houses have been built and 300 houses will be completed and delivered by 2021.

There is planning permission for a new roundabout from which a road will link up with the Scottish Association of Marine Science as well as the Marine Science Park and see the development of up to 425 new houses plus a commercial area providing facilities for the houses as well as for Oban in general. There will also be community facilities as well as an expansion of the school.

Co-ordinating the project required liaision between the landowner, government agencies, private developers and Argyll & Bute Council. Dunbeg was one of the first projects in Scotland to be included within a Tax Incremental Financing initiative.

LAND Development

Case study: Land Development, Saulmore

On behalf of Estate clients, Paul worked to obtain planning consent for an 18 hole golf course 3 miles to the north of Oban. In addition, there is zoning for marine tourism to include a Marina of 250 berths plus a hotel, residential and holiday accommodation which is currently with developers.

This project involved liaison with various agencies, preparation of detail and residual appraisals.

COMMUNITY BUYOUT

Case study: Community Buyout, island of Ulva

Paul had managed the Island since 2004 and regrettably a decision had been taken to sell the island due to the lack of capital available to invest in the infrastructure.

The property was jointly marketed with Knight Frank and drew interest from high net worth individuals from around the world. However, within 10 days of the property hitting the market, the Community Group of North West Mull registered an interest. Paul was involved throughout the complex negotiations and provided advice to the owner throughout the sale, liaising with lawyers, the Scottish Government and the Community Group.

The community buyout of Ulva, which was probably one of the most politically motivated acts under the Land Reform Legislation, has given Paul a unique insight into the process and he is able to advise landowners on all aspects of the legislation and procedure.

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Estate Property Management

Case study: Estate Property Management (Isle of Lismore)

Sophie acted on behalf of the owners to manage the renovation and upgrade of a detatched Victorian property available for holiday rental on the isle of Lismore, Argyll. Sophie oversaw the upgrade of heating system, installation of windows and doors, internal and external painting, re-roofing and general refurbishment.

Holiday Let Management

Many of The Estates Office's clients provide holiday let accommodation. Sophie manages all aspects of the rental of estate properties - including property management and maintenance, property renovations, recruitment and management of housekeeping staff and, in some cases, dealing with holiday let bookings.

Venue Management

Case study: Venue Management, Lochnell Castle

Sophie handles venue hire management on behalf of the estate owners. Dedicated parts of Lochnell Castle have been developed into a unique venue for weddings and commercial events. Sophie promotes the events hire service, manages the bookings, arranges venue viewings, liaises with the party hiring the venue as well as providing advice on caterers, wedding designers, florists and photographers.

Sporting lets

Sophie provides various estates with support for sporting lets - stag and hind stalking and duck and partridge shooting. This service includes creation of terms to let, advertising, client liaison and booking management, sourcing of birds.

developing new revenue streams

Case study: Developing New Revenue Streams, Lochnell Estate

Sophie became involved in diversification ideas for Lochnell Estate. The estate's coastal location near Oban was ideal for the development of a boat storage and maintenance facility. Sophie manages Lochnell Boat Services on behalf of the estate's owner and is involved in the project management of the recent expansion of boat storage area.

case studies & examples

Lochnell Shooting Club

Rural Rising Star Award Finalist

The Estates Office Estate Agency