A charming Scottish mansion nestled in the breathtaking Kinloch Laggan area near Newtonmore, Ardverikie House is a gem of the 19th century, set amidst the stunning Scottish Highlands.
The lands surrounding Ardverikie House hold a rich history, deeply intertwined with the renowned Macpherson Clan. As a prominent member of the Clan Chattan confederation, the Macphersons have long inhabited the upper regions of Strathspey and the western part of Badenoch. Their leadership over these territories often sparked contention, particularly with the Clan Mackintosh. This dispute persisted until 1672 when the scales tipped in favor of the Mackintosh Clan.
The Macphersons’ claim to these lands dates back to grants from the Bishop of Moray and, more recently, the Duke of Gordon until the mid-19th century. Despite the legal complexities, the Macphersons held steadfast to their belief in rightful possession, considering the land their own due to generations of uninterrupted occupation.
Originally belonging to Clan Macpherson, the grounds of Ardverikie saw a significant transition in ownership during the mid-19th century. Ewen Macpherson, the 20th chief, leased Benalder and Ardverikie to The 2nd Marquess of Abercorn in 1844. The Marquess, an influential figure in the burgeoning interest in deer stalking in Scotland, expanded the original shooting lodge. Notably, Ardverikie hosted esteemed guests such as Prince Albert and Queen Victoria for three weeks in the late summer of 1847.
Following the Marquess of Abercorn’s tenure, the lease transferred to Lord Henry Bentinck, another passionate enthusiast of deer stalking. He resided at Ardverikie until his passing in 1870. Subsequently, Sir John Ramsden acquired the Ardverikie and Benalder forests in 1871 for £107,500. However, tragedy struck in 1873 when a fire ravaged the house. The reconstruction efforts spanned from 1874 to 1878, overseen by architect John Rhind and embracing the popular Scottish baronial style.
Ardverikie holds a prestigious position as one of Scotland’s oldest and most esteemed deer forests. With a legacy of ownership spanning over 150 years, Ardverikie has garnered a reputation for its unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship.
This enduring commitment has profoundly influenced the landscape and biodiversity we marvel at today. The hills encompassing the estate are home to a flourishing herd of over 1000 Red Deer, meticulously tended to ensure their welfare and resilience. Through carefully crafted management practices, the population of Red Deer is thoughtfully regulated, safeguarding the delicate balance of the natural habitat.
Following the passing of Sir John Ramsden in 1914, his son, Sir John Frecheville Ramsden, assumed ownership of the estate. In the aftermath of the World Wars, a significant portion of the land was divested. Then, in 1956, Sir John transferred the Ardverikie Estate to a family-owned company chaired by his son, Sir William Pennington-Ramsden.
Today, Ardverikie Estate Limited retains ownership and oversight of the estate, engaging in various activities such as leasing cottages and hosting weddings on the premises. The estate gained widespread recognition as the fictional Glenbogle estate in the beloved BBC series “Monarch of the Glen.“
