Castletown Heritage has joined Manx National Heritage in calling for an immediate Building Preservation Notice to protect Westhill House in Castletown.
The building is an early 19th‑century Georgian villa now facing demolition under proposals from Hartford Homes.
The charity says the propertym set within the Castletown Conservation Area and dating back to at least 1818, is one of the island’s finest Georgian residences, retaining original limestone masonry, glazing, plasterwork and Pooil Vaaish stone fireplaces.
The wider estate includes a gate lodge, walled garden, coach house, well, hill‑top folly and an unbroken limestone boundary wall.
Westhill House Importance
Built by the prominent Quayle family, Westhill House has been home to notable Manx figures and later became the Buchan School in 1940.
Its wartime “Collet House” extension is believed to be the only civilian building permitted during the island’s strict Second World War regulations.
Castletown Heritage argues the site’s architectural and cultural importance, including its role in the advancement of girls’ education, makes demolition unacceptable and contrary to the Isle of Man Strategic Plan, which prioritises re‑use of historic buildings.
Architectural historian Peter Kelly MBE said the property was “undoubtedly of rare Georgian type”, while Castletown Heritage’s Sue Scott warned that losing it would “irrevocably” erase part of the town’s story.
The charity is urging residents and former pupils to lodge objections with the Planning Service, and says housing needs can still be met while retaining the historic buildings, as seen in neighbouring developments.
