Owner Black Corries Estate plans to rejuvenate one of Scotland’s oldest licensed inns into an idyllic stopping point for walkers, hikers, skiers, tourists and travellers.

The landmark building is ideally situated overlooking the 3,345ft Buchaille Etive Mhor.

Plans, which have been created by Benjamin Tindall Architects, involve a revamp of the older parts of the hotel while an extension built in the 1960s would be removed.

Black Corries Estate has also proposed opening a hostel on the site and adding a new wing to increase the hotel’s bedrooms from 45 to 80.

Architect Ben Tindall said: “My designs are aimed at making the Kings House one of the finest hotels in Scotland, appropriate to its superb location on the West Highland Way and a heritage that includes famous guests such as Charles Dickens and William Wordsworth as well as climbing giants such as Dougal Haston and Doug Scot.

“Externally the design fits well into the landscape and incorporates a wing of turf-roofed bedrooms. Internally, a wide variety of spaces will provide high quality facilities which capture the views and allows the retention of the Climber’s Bar. The dining room’s dramatic views are enhanced by cantilevering the structure over the River Etive. Ten superb bedrooms on the first floor, including the King and Queen rooms, enjoy the incredible views that Kings House affords.”

Susanna Thomson, of property managing agents Bidwells, said: “Whilst most of the public spaces will be significantly changed and improved to take in the spectacular surrounding scenery, we will be keeping much of the Climbers’ Bar intact.

“We know we have some very loyal customers, many of whom have good memories of times had in the Bar, and it’s important to retain that connection.”

She added: “We hope to have a new hostel open before the summer and this will remain in operation during the development period along with a temporary bar serving simple, good food and refreshments.”