The owners of one of Derry’s best known hotels want to build a number of self-catering properties within its ground, it has been revealed.
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The owners of the Beech Hill Country House Hotel (pictured) have applied for planning permission to build a total of ten properties within its extensive grounds at Ardmore.
Five of the buildings would be two-storey, with the other five being single-storey.
A planning application for the new self-catering units has been lodged with the planning department of Derry City and Strabane District Council.
If granted, the scheme will mark a significant change in business direction for the award-winning hotel.
The hotel is regarded as one of the local area’s best places to stay.
Among famous guests in the past have been former US President Bill Clinton, actor Will Ferrell and fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger.
The main building at the Beech Hill was built in a Georgian style in 1739.
Modern wings have been added to the hotel in recent decades.
The hotel’s grounds were home to US Marines guarding the US Navy’s European Operating Base on the banks of the River Foyle during World War II.
The hotel is now home to ‘Base One Europe-Beech Hill Camp Museum’ which charts the history of the US Naval Operating Base and US Marine Corps in the city during World War II.
It recently earned a place in John and Sally McKenna’s annual bible of the ‘100 Best Places to Stay in Ireland’ and has been further recognised in the Irish Restaurant Awards 2016 as the best County Derry hotel for dining.
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