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UK: Campaigners seek potential buyers to convert Athlone House in Highgate in to a hotel.
The 1872 mansion on the edge of Hampstead Heat faces an uncertain future after the Planning Inspectorate said the house could, potentially, be demolished if high quality plans were submitted in future.
Members of the Athlone House Working Group – made up of members of the Highgate Society and the Heath and Hampstead Society, are exploring options to “rescue” the property.
Michael Hammerson of the Highgate Society said: “It could be the best five-star boutique hotel in London. We’re planning on hunting around to see if any hotel companies would be prepared to put in a realistic bid to buy it and talk to us about what we consider appropriate in terms of any extension. We would like any potential buyers to come forward. There aren’t any hotels in Highgate. Because of its location and because of the nature of the building, it would make a superb hotel and ensure public access.”
Athlone House was built in 1872 for Edward Brooke, a wealthy entrepreneur from Manchester. In 1942, it was taken for war service and housed the Royal Air Force Intelligence School.
www.thehighgatesociety.com
