Kinross House

Kinross House stands beside Loch Leven in Kinross-shire, a late 17th-century country mansion built by Sir William Bruce. The architect designed it as his own home, and Daniel Defoe later called it the most beautiful piece of architecture in Scotland. Tobias Bauchop of Alloa carried out the construction, which began in 1685. The Montgomery family lived here for two centuries after buying the house in the late 18th century. The building remains largely unchanged inside, and its grounds and gardens are recognised as historically important. The estate covers one hundred acres of formal gardens, woodland and Loch Leven itself. Castle Island in the loch holds Lochleven Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots met John Knox to discuss the Reformation. She was later imprisoned there and signed her abdication in favour of her infant son James VI. The house and grounds were restored in 2010 by Donald Fothergill, who now lets them for events. Reception rooms and 24 bedrooms are available between the main house and the Coach House, which also contains a day spa. Visitors find a grand country house with fine original decoration and sweeping views over the loch. Formal gardens stretch around the building, leading to wooded paths and the water’s edge. Castle Island can be seen from the shore, marking the site of Mary’s imprisonment. The Coach House provides additional space for smaller gatherings and spa treatments. The estate’s history and architecture make it a notable example of Scottish country life.