Plans to open holiday lets at a country mansion which was once home to a distinguished family have gone on show.

The Salomons Estate, near Tunbridge Wells, was taken over by Elite Leisure Collection in 2013 who have now revealed plans for a revamp.

The company has already invested £32.2m in the estate but now want secure the future and conserve the heritage of Runcie Court - the estate's Grade II listed coach house by increasing the accommodation and function room space.

The elaborate building was constructed by David Lionel Salomons in 1884, a keen scientist and engineer, and was the first person to install electricity into a private home.

Elite Leisure Collection said the project would promote local tourism and help it to generate the funds necessary to restore the estate’s main building, Salomons House, which has been an important historical site for over 190 years.

Last Thursday (October 20), people from Tunbridge Wells were invited to architect Gaby Higgs' presentation and tour of the stables.

The proposals presented include a change from private commercial uses to visitor accommodation of 17 holiday or short stay flats, as well as a public meeting spaces and a café.

Gaby explained: "It is vital to give this building a long-term viable and sustainable use. We want to restore and conserve the Grade II building fabric, whilst allowing people access to experience and understand the fascinating history revealed by its unique interiors.

"The proposed conversion will give people the opportunity to engage with the building, rather than 'look but don’t touch'. Runcie Court will become a place to visit, or stay a while to live in, eat, sleep, meet and socialise – in short, to bring the building back to life.”

Local historian and Salomons’ museum curator Chris Jones gave a talk on the fascinating history of David Lionel Salomons and Runcie Court.

He said: "David Lionel Salomons was not someone who did things by halves. When he decided he needed a new stable block, he got the help of noted local architect William Barnsley Hughes.

"Together they produced a stunning creation in red-brick and Portland stone, with fittings and carpentry to the highest standard. It has been likened to a miniature 16th century French chateau."

"And much of it survives today. Gaby's proposals are a way of ensuring its continued survival."

Salomons Estate, which says it recognises its duty to approach the project with sensitivity, is now waiting for the proposals to be approved. If successful future events will take place to involve the local community throughout.

A spokesman for the estate said: "The value embodied in Runcie Court cannot be understated, but the plan to expand, revitalise and re-use the asset for long-term sustainable uses is sustainable in both social, economic, and environmental terms, promising an exciting future for the estate and our community."