Plans for Lismore ‘wellness retreat’
Plans have been unveiled for a non-residential hall to be built as part of residential wellness retreats on the Isle of Lismore.
An application for planning permission in principle for a building to accommodate the hall has been lodged by Rognvald Livingstone with Argyll and Bute Council.
The proposal is for a site on land northeast of Point House. The proposed hall will be used for activities such as yoga, creative writing and painting.
A decision is expected from the council by late May, and the public can now submit comments on the proposal.
A design statement says: ‘The applicant plans to start running residential wellness retreats from 2026 as part of his farm business diversification.
‘This proposed hall building is an essential part of the business model and offering.
‘The intent is to offer residential breaks to the Isle of Lismore with this building providing a key and essential space for such activities.
‘Residential accommodation for guests and facilitators will be provided in the applicant’s house (Point House) and in partnership with other nearby property rentals (five such properties within a five-minute walk of Point House).
‘This application for planning permission in principle will be submitted for the bespoke design and construction of a 40 metre x 10 metre building at the northern end of the land.
‘The building will be of wooden and limestone construction with bi-folding, glass floor-to-ceiling doors for around 30m of most of one 40m wall, providing views out over a wooden decking and to the south over the sea.
‘The building will be single storey, with sloping roof from rear (higher) to front. The building will back up against a cliff face which is between 15 and 20 feet height (approximately) and topped with trees and shrubs.’
The statement adds: ‘Inside there will be an office room at one end of the building and a storage room at the other, with the main floor space taken up with one large hall area.
‘This large open, light space with terrific views will be used as a space for activities during the retreats – for example, yoga, creative writing sessions, painting, etc).
‘The Island of Lismore lends itself very well to retreats which have at their heart getting away from the cities and stresses and undertaking more peaceful activity in natural surroundings.
‘There is scope for what may be classified in general as ‘wellness retreats’. These have been identified by as a significant growth opportunity.’
‘The large open, light space with terrific views will be used as a space for activities during the retreats – for example, yoga, creative writing sessions, painting etc.’