A historic asylum is getting a makeover into a five-star hotel and spa, blending history with luxury in a unique transformation
Dumfries: A 200-year-old Victorian asylum is about to undergo a stunning transformation into a five-star hotel and spa. It’s pretty wild to think about, right?
Photos from inside this eerie building have surfaced, showing its abandoned state. The place was once a pioneer in mental health treatment, which is fascinating.
Originally called The Crichton Institution for Lunatics, it was taken over by the NHS after World War II and operated until 2011. Can you believe it was founded by a wealthy widow back in 1839?
In 2019, the owners of Fonab Castle Hotel snagged it for just £50,000. NHS Dumfries and Galloway mentioned that this deal would save them a whopping £800,000 a year!
Now, the building has a spooky past, having housed many distressed patients. It’s become a hotspot for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike.
Explorers from various groups recently got a peek inside to document the place before renovations kick off. The asylum had room for 120 beds, with some for private patients and others for those sectioned under the Lunacy Act.
Inside, you’ll find Victorian tiles and even a beautiful stained glass door. The spiral staircase was once surrounded by mesh for safety, which is a bit unsettling.
Unlike many asylums of that time, this one had a flair for design. The walls were lined with dark wood, and the hallways had carved pillars. It even had a royal blue carpet!
Interestingly, the original ads for the hospital made it sound like a luxury getaway, with meals served with wine and entertainment options. It’s wild how perceptions of mental health have changed since then.
Despite the dark history, Crichton Hall was a leader in mental health care. It was even said to surpass other facilities in Europe back in the day.
Fast forward to the 1990s, and the last psychiatric hospitals in the UK closed as society shifted towards community care. The hospital was self-sufficient, with its own farm and bakery, which is pretty impressive.
Now, the future hotel and spa will sit on a vast conservation area, surrounded by listed buildings. It’s a shame Elizabeth Crichton’s dream of a university never happened, but now it’s home to several colleges.
After sitting empty since 2016, the new owners faced a hefty maintenance backlog. They finally got the green light for renovations in 2024, and it’s expected to create around 200 jobs in the area.
Historic Environment has called the building “extremely important” both architecturally and historically. It’s exciting to see how this unique place will evolve!