A COMPLEX tale of a townhouse in Glasgow's west end - and luxury accommodation for the stars - took another twist yesterday as Alex Mackinnon emerged as either the luckiest or the unluckiest man in the city. Ever since two of Glasgow's best-known hotels - One Devonshire Gardens and the Devonshire Hotel - announced a merger last Thursday, speculation has been growing as to what will happen to 4 Devonshire Gardens, a sumptuous townhouse sandwiched between the buildings.
Now Mr Mackinnon, owner of one of three flats in 4 Devonshire Gardens, has contacted the hotel owners to say he's willing to sell his home at the right price - about #500,000. This would allow owners of the five-star accommodation to take over the street and match their corporate marriage.
If all the residents sell, 4 Devonshire Gardens could be worth well over #1m. However, experts believe that where Mr Mackinnon's flat is situated could put off potential buyers, who could be wary of entering a bidding war with the powerful hotel.
Meanwhile, rumours abound that the top-floor flat of No 4, sold a few months ago by a Mr Matthew Parker, may already have been snapped up by the hotel. And downstairs neighbour Brian Quinn, a photographer, says he is perfectly happy and has no intention of selling up.
Mr Mackinnon, 31, who lives on the first floor, said he bought his flat around two years ago after moving from London. The three-bedroomed property was advertised at offers over #178,000 and he secured it for #225,000. Although he claims to be ''delighted'' at living in the building, which boasts a stunning 1892 William Burrell-commissioned stained glass window in the main stairway, he says it would be ''short-sighted and silly'' not to sell for the right price.
''I would be looking for a lot of money to move, around #500,000. I am happy here, but if the hotel wants the place badly enough I should be happy to negotiate. I have expressed my interest in selling to One Devonshire.''
Mr Mackinnon, a businessman in the leisure industry, went on: ''The flat above me has lain empty since it was sold a few months ago. There has been no-one near it,. You cannot help wondering if the purchaser was One Devonshire.'' He added: ''If my neighbour, Brian Quinn, is dead against selling, I'm not sure how that would affect me. I guess it could be a problem; however, I have not had a chance to discuss the matter with him yet.''
Brian Martin, managing director of Residence International, which owns One Devonshire Gardens, refused to comment on speculation that the top-floor flat had already been bought by his organisation. He said: ''We are bemused at the interest in No 4, because we have never considered it a credible proposition to acquire flats from the different owners. We have in the past been offered other properties in Devonshire Gardens but have always turned them down, and we certainly have no plans to ask anyone to leave their homes. We will, of course, take a look at Mr Mackinnon's offer, as it may be suitable for staff accommodation.''
Mark Horden of Glasgow Solicitors Property Centre said that if the property came up for sale and the hotel wanted it enough, he would be surprised if the total price tag for the building did not reach #1m.
''If the flats became available the hotel would have a very strong motive for buying No 4 to complete the row, expand their business, and ensure they did not get landed with undesirable neighbours. With separate flat-owners to negotiate with, however, the task becomes more difficult. There could also be a downside for the flat-owners if they decided to sell: private buyers might be put off if they thought they were bidding against One Devonshire.''
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