Scotland's richest man buys 17th Century historic house in central Scotland

Anders Holch Povlsen has bought the Kinross House Estate on the western shore of Loch Leven.

The Danish billionaire has purchased the 17th Century country house through his company WildLand, which owns 13 estates across the Highlands which are used for ventures in rewilding and hospitality. He is also leading the restoration of the Jenners department store in Princes Street, part of which is due to become a hotel.

Kinross House - which has 14 bedrooms - is used as an exclusive use venue at present.

WildLand said the purchase reflected the company’s ambition “to provide exceptional hospitality alongside a long-term commitment to protecting nature, land and architectural heritage.”

Kinross House was constructed from 1685 Scottish and is considered a masterpiece of architect Sir William Bruce, who led the introduction of classical architecture into Scotland. Kinross House is Scotland’s first Palladian mansion.

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Joe Dunn, Director of Built Development at WildLand, added: “Kinross House and Loch Leven are extraordinary places, shaped by centuries of history and by people who have cared deeply for them. We are very conscious that becoming the owners of a special place like Kinross House Estate comes with a responsibility that reaches far beyond us.

“Our ambition is not to put our own stamp on Kinross House Estate, but to be good custodians of what is already there - to protect its character, care for its people, buildings, landscapes and wildlife, and contribute to preserving all this for generations to come. An important part of that is also keeping Kinross House alive and welcoming, so that guests can continue to experience and enjoy this remarkable place.”

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“Kinross House Estate will continue to welcome guests and remain a place to stay, gather and experience this special part of Scotland.”

WildLand said the acquisition follows more than a decade of extensive restoration and careful development of Kinross House Estate under its previous ownership.

Donald Fothergill bought Kinross House and Estate in 2011 from the Montgomery family, who owned the property for more than 200 years, and led a comprehensive restoration of the property.

Mr Dunn added: “Donald Fothergill, together with his family and team, have been exceptional custodians of Kinross House Estate. Their dedication to restoring and preserving this exceptional place has been remarkable, and we have enormous respect for the work they have done. We will do everything we can to continue that stewardship with the same care and long-term perspective.”

In addition to protecting the built heritage of Kinross House Estate, WildLand will work to protect and enhance the freshwater features of Loch Leven SSSI, including the important breeding bird populations associated with the SPA and the diverse invertebrate life found within its waters.

Recent projects undertaken by Mr Povlsen, whose personal fortune is valued at around £8bn, and WildLAnd include the restoration of Aldourie Castle on Loch Ness, which is now an exclusive-use destination. He has recently bought the nearby Dores Inn, which is now being upgraded. Hope Lodge near Tongue has opened “as an immersive, exclusive-use retreat” following extensive investment and restoration.

Meanwhile, large-scale work across the WildLand estates has supported the regeneration of native woodland, restoration of peatlands and the recovery of natural habitats.