Badenoch 'castle' sells to Scottish couple as their private home
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The estate manager at Glentruim House, near Laggan, has confirmed that the sale of the house and its 53 acres has gone through.
The deal officially concludes at the end of October, the Strathy was told today.
Contrary to local rumour it has not been sold to Middle Eastern interests – as some neighbouring estates have – but to a Scottish family.
A former seat of Clan Macpherson, the estate was acquired was a holiday home in 2008 by Gordon and Sydney Ingram, but within years they had completely refurbished the house which, astutely marketed as Glentruim Castle, quickly assumed a reputation as a highly prized wedding venue complete with smoking room, library, beauty spa, sauna, gym and home cinema.
It has retained its original main reception rooms and comprises eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms.
Its cottages have also been totally upgraded.
Estate manager Deirdre Falconer told the Strathy the place went from strength to strength: "I would say we maintained an average of 10 weddings a year."
Latterly, though, with the Ingrams wanting to move on the property has been on the market via agents Strutt & Parker for offers over £3 million.
A deal has now been concluded and the new owners, who have not as yet been identified, were said to have been looking for a private home for themselves.
"I'm delighted that the estate will be in Scottish hands," Mrs Falconer said.
"I hope the new residents will be very happy. It is a very beautiful place and I have enjoyed my 14 years here, but now I intend to retire and indulge in some nanny duties!"
Her husband Ackie, the estate's maintenance manager, will also be retiring.
Their granddaugher Maisie Falconer was born in June.
"But I am also retaining my seat on the board of the Cairngorms National Park Authority and fully intend standing in the next elections."
Mrs Falconer, a former chair of Kincraig and Vicinity Community Council, will aim to retain her seat on the CNPA board on a platform of "a real increase in truly affordable housing to both rent and buy for those living in the park area."
She will continue her fight for decent jobs and improved local services.
