The Glasgow office of surveyors, valuers and agents, Christie & Co, has been instructed with the sale of the Gretna Golf Club and Practice Range in the historic Dumfries and Galloway town of Gretna, the border between Scotland and England. The owners of the development, Mr and Mrs George Birnie, are retiring.
Gretna was founded in 1915 and was the first new town to be sponsored by the Government in Britain. It was built to house munitions workers from the nearby Cordite factory, built at the same time. Adjoining Gretna is Gretna Green, which achieved lasting fame for weddings performed over the anvil at its Old Blacksmith’s Shop. For over 200 years Gretna Green was the haven of fleeing lovers seeking matrimony in defiance of parental opposition. Surrounding areas are steeped in history.
The nine-hole course has a yardage of 3,215 and a par 32. The course is divided by an access road leading to the clubhouse, driving range and private bungalow. The clubhouse, which is laid over two levels, is a converted barn which was developed in 1985. To the rear of the clubhouse there are three adjoining workshops and the undercover driving range, which has seven bays and is floodlit. Adjacent to the driving range is the practice area (paddock) which extends to approximately four acres. The detached bungalow, built in 1981, offers first class living quarters for the owner/proprietor.
Brian Sheldon, associate director of Christie & Co, who is handling the sale commented, “The Club was developed in 1991 and is operated by our clients, who have made the business available for sale due to retirement. The course is open all year round, unless it has suffered badly from inclement weather, and is staffed by the partners with two assistants. The 50-acre grounds comprised of prime agricultural land before undergoing major transformation. A great deal of time, effort and expense has gone into the success of the business, however it is felt that there is still much potential for the further growth of the business. The clubhouse has a Public Entertainment Licence, which is currently not fully utilised by the present owners, and there is plenty of scope to make more use of the functions facilities.”
The asking price for the freehold interest in Gretna Golf Club and Practice Range is offers in the region of £495,000.
Brian Sheldon, Christie & Co, Glasgow office Tel: 0141 352 7300.