The millionaire developer behind popular game Grand Theft Auto has splashed out on a Scottish Victorian hotel and has incredible plans to turn it into a plush beachfront family home.
Leslie Benzies has splurged out on the former Dalriada Hotel in Portobello for more than £1 million from hoteliers Terry and Alison Magill.
The Edinburgh based entrepreneur is now planning an extravagant £500,000 makeover to transform the B-listed building.
News website The Edinburgh Reporter has said that Mr Benzies will turn the hotel into a family home.
The property has stunning views and also boasts two private gardens, five large bedrooms and a bar.
His spokesman told the website: “I can confirm 77 Promenade will not continue as a licensed premises and that plans will be submitted in due course to convert the property back into private use. Other than that, Mr Benzies regards this transaction as a private matter.”
Overlooking Portobello beach, the hotel was designed in 1869 by renowned architect James Campbell Walker to be used as a prestigious private residence.
In the late 1890s it was known at the Beachborough Villa and owned by Portobello businessman Robert Cooper, who ran a local bottleworks, employing more than 200 people.
In the 1970s, the building was turned into a hotel, which was originally called The Temple Hall Hotel, before later changing its name to the Dalriada.
