Rotting Seafield House is set to be saved at last after more than a decade of dithering.
The former home of Forth Bridge engineer Sir William Arrol has finally won permission to be converted into 10 flats.
Another 27 luxury villas will be built in the grounds on a prime piece or real estate overlooking the Old Racecourse.
Developer Robin Ghosh now has the planning permission - but faces nine hurdles to cross.
Various attempts had been made to demolish the grand villa and try and change its listed status.
But now South Ayrshire planners said the development is fine as it does not impact on the character of Seafield House.
Rules have been laid down including the windows must be wooden sash and case, that all materials to be used on the outside of the villa must get prior written approval, a drawing has to be submitted and approval on the new entrance to Doonfoot Road and the roof has to be natural slate.
And crucially within a month of stabilisation works, a heritage survey and inventory of any surviving cultural heritage artefacts together with any proposals for reuse, shall be submitted to the Council.
Developer Robin Ghosh, who runs Econstruct Estates Seafield was unavailable for comment on the breakthrough.
The derelict building has been targeted by vandals and was damaged by fire in 2008. This is how it currently looks, below.
Much of the roof has been destroyed and the inside ruined by weather.
Twenty seven new houses will be built around the House.
Sir William Arrol bought the 50-acre Seafield Estate in 1887 and took three years to build his dream mansion. He died there in 1913.
It became Seafield Hospital for children in 1921, closing in 1991.
Brian Ghosh was a surgeon there and it is his son Robin who will re-build it.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran still owns some of the surrounding land and had lodged an objection.
The application was backed by Friends of Seafield House group.
