PLANS to bring holiday accommodation to an historic site in the Tweed Valley have been backed by the council.

The 238-acre Kailzie Gardens Estate can be found around a mile east of Peebles.

And proposals to turn the unused cider press building into two one-bedroom holiday lodges have been given the green light.

The plans also include upgrading three cottages on the estate.

A Scottish Borders Council report states that the works “will preserve the listed building and its setting and will not adversely affect its special architectural or historic interest”.

No objections to the plans were received by the council, according to the papers.

All cottages will be used for “holiday rental purposes”.

A report submitted on behalf of the applicants sets out the desire to create “high quality” accommodation for visitors.

It adds: “Through the use of minimal and carefully considered external alterations, these historic buildings will retain their significance and provide a viable and attractive holiday destination securing the buildings’ purpose for years to come.”

The applicants are aiming to “improve the visitor experience and to focus on the educational role that the gardens and estate can provide from horticultural, wildlife and historical viewpoints”, according to the report.

Along with the plans for cider press building, “improvement and alteration work” will go ahead on Grooms Cottage, Stables Cottage and Coachmans Cottage. On the plans, the council’s heritage and design officer said: “The stair to Grooms Cottage appears to be historic (likely late 19th century) and would benefit from retention.

“This would allow more of the plan form and historic character (albeit non-decorative) to remain.

“The intention to retain oversized doors in Stables Cottage previously from the main estate house is noted and is appropriate. The surviving features such as the picture rail, cornice and shutters also add to the character of this space and should be retained / re-applied.

“Throughout, historic door styles should be retained/replicated based on existing within each cottage.”

The proposals were approved with a number of conditions.