A B-listed Victorian former mansion house has been put up for sale as a development opportunity.
Balnacraig School in Perth remains open as a residential establishment for care and education, preparing previously troubled young people for life after school. But its management has decided to sell up and continue its work in smaller, therapeutic settings elsewhere.
The 19,000 sq ft building in the Barnhill area is in 1.6 acres of gardens, within walking distance of the city centre. It was built in 1896 but became a school in 1948 and was extended to the north.
It is being marketed by Savills as suitable for similar institutional users or developers interested in refurbishing the properties for housing, retirement living or leisure uses.
Alison Morley, chief executive of Balnacraig School, said: “In recent years, care has been increasingly provided in smaller therapeutic environments away from Balnacraig School which has proved very successful in delivering improved outcomes for the young people living there. This decentralised approach more closely resembles a traditional family home, providing consistent staff and close individualised support, preparing young people for transition to independent life after care.
“Given this strategy, delivering education at Balnacraig School has been under review. While we have been privileged to operate in such an enviable location, young people will now be provided alternative accommodation locally, in smaller homes separate to learning, suiting young people’s needs more closely. It is anticipated that current staff will move to support the young people either in their care setting or in education.
“We will continue to develop our blended approach to delivering education, using local resources, work placements and other education establishments, providing a more diverse learning experience and one which young people have a greater chance of engaging in and achieving.”
Richard Cottingham of Savills said: “Balnacraig School provides a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial detached property in the desirable Barnhill area of Perth. The original Victorian house has a wealth of original features and a rich history. Given the size, location and appearance of the property, it is likely to have wide appeal to a range of occupiers and developers.”
