Developers eye Peter Pan property

A closing date has already been put on offers for Moat Brae

A number of property developers have shown an interest in buying a house which helped inspire JM Barrie's classic children's story Peter Pan.

The author credited the gardens of Moat Brae in Dumfries as playing a part in the "genesis" of his famous work.

The building is considered to be ideally suited for redevelopment as a hotel or flats.

Selling firm RE/MAX has confirmed a closing date of 9 May for offers on the property.

The former nursing home was sold at auction in November 2000 for £80,000 but is now on the market for offers over £140,000.

'Fabulous building'

RE/MAX office owner Christine Lloyd said major works would need to be carried out by any buyer.

"It is about as bad as it could get," she said.

"I could not get from the front to the back, the floors are giving way.

"But you could see what a fabulous building it had been."

JM Barrie was born in Kirriemuir in Angus but moved to Dumfries in 1873 at the age of 13.

Two of his childhood friends lived at Moat Brae, a place he later credited as his inspiration for Peter Pan.