Former religious retreat could become holiday accommodation

Plans have been lodged to turn part of a property once used for religious retreats in the Borders into holiday accommodation.

Peniel House is a category C-listed former hunting lodge in the Halterburn area near Kirk Yetholm.

Dating back to the mid-19th Century, it has been used for a number of purposes, including as a pub and hotel.

Now plans have been submitted to Scottish Borders Council to upgrade part of the property to ensure it is "suitable for modern-day family living" while converting an annex to be used for holiday lets.

"Due to the size and generous nature of the building, it is proposed that a portion of the building be used to generate income toward the maintenance and preservation of the listed building," said a planning statement accompanying the application.

It said the intention was to create a "high quality residential home" in the "heart of the Scottish Borders".

"This application aims to create modern family dwelling whilst ensuring that the listed building continues to be of use for future generations whilst preserving its architectural heritage," it added.

The plans would see the annex become a new three-bedroom property with the potential to be used as a holiday let, as well as internal alterations to the main building.