Donald Trump has won the right to turn five properties near his Aberdeenshire golf course into luxury guest houses. The US President’s family firm spent more than £600,000 in recent years buying up the homes which overlook Trump International Golf Links on the Menie estate. His staff have carried out a series of renovations at the row of empty terraced homes, which are known as Coastguard Cottages. A planning application was submitted to Aberdeenshire Council earlier this year to change the use of the properties from residential dwellings to ‘hotel guest accommodation’. They will be used as ‘additional accommodation’ for the five-star Macleod House and Lodge hotel on the grounds of the estate. The plans show the cottages will have two en-suite bedrooms, a living/dining area and a kitchen. Planning officials have given the go-ahead to the development after no objections were received. The Trump International Golf Links website says the cottages will be renamed the Great North Sea Residences.

It states: ‘Boasting panoramic North Sea views, luxurious guest accommodation, exclusive putting green and private access, the Great North Sea Residences bring to life the rich character and heritage of the original 19th century Coastguard station resting on the dramatic coastal escarpment. ‘Dating back to the mid-1800s, the historic estate buildings have been meticulously restored to reveal their stunning Belhelvie Blue granite facades, marrying heritage conservation and luxury accommodation into five truly resplendent links cottages.

‘Cast-iron log-burning stoves, bespoke cabinetry, wood panelling in sage and woodland tones are met with sumptuous textures, fabrics and superior finishes. ‘The exquisite heritage stone cottages offer the ultimate in comfort and Scottish luxury living for golfers and guests.’ A six night stay at one of the cottages for four people with exclusive access to the golf resort is being advertised at a ‘special introductory rate’ of £3,500 per person.

In a written report approving the proposal, planning officials said: ‘The submission has stated that the properties will form part of the existing hotel operations to provide additional resort accommodation, the cottages will be serviced daily by resort staff and guests will have access to resort facilities. ‘The change of use to form additional hotel guest accommodation is considered to fall within the developments that are permitted, in that it is an ancillary development located within the grounds of an established recreational use.’

Last July Mr Trump, 79, visited Scotland to attend the opening of a new golf course at the Aberdeenshire site. He cut the ribbon on the 18-hole links MacLeod Course and said it had made the resort ‘more beautiful’. The Trump International Golf Links was opened by the tycoon in 2012 following a battle with environmental campaigners. In 2022 Aberdeenshire Council granted permission in principle for 550 properties at the site.