A new bid has been made to save a historic A-listed building in Perth that dates back to the 19th century.
The Barnhill Tollhouse in Dundee Road has deteriorated significantly and is officially ‘at risk.’ Numerous uses for it have been suggested over the years but these have failed and it is back on the market.
The Tollhouse once marked the entrance to the city of Perth from the south-east and still has its ‘dues table,’ which can be seen on one of its walls.
Although it has been vandalised and has a damp problem, the Tollhouse commands panoramic views over the River Tay, the King James VI Golf Course and Moncrieff Hill.
The listed building is the work of celebrated architect Sir Robert Smirke, who also designed Perth Sheriff Court, Kinfauns Castle, Castle Huntly and the British Museum in London. With 2.91 hectares of land that could be developed, the Barnhill Tollhouse is described by selling agents Hayes Macfarlane as a ”unique property” with ”magnificent” Greek Doric columns.
In 2009 planning permission was granted by Perth and Kinross Council for restoration and conversion of the tollhouse to residential use. It became a building at risk in 2004 when it was also disclosed that there were concerns over the condition of its roof.