Kinross House

Described in Country Life magazine as “The complete expression in stone of the Renaissance in Scotland”. Kinross House was the first neoclassical Palladian mansion to be built in Scotland. Built by Sir William Bruce, Surveyor and Architect to King Charles II, it boasts the first grand designed landscape in Scotland with Loch Leven Castle at its centre, a castle steeped in history having played host to Robert the Bruce, Sir William Wallace, John Knox and where Mary Queen of Scots was both imprisoned and abdicated in favour of her son James VI.

Throughout the years much has been written about this extraordinary home. In 1726 Daniel Defoe himself felt strongly about the significance of the house and wrote, ‘At the west end of the lake, and the gardens reaching down to the very water’s edge, stands the most beautiful and regular piece of architecture, for a private gentleman’s seat, in all Scotland, perhaps in all Britain, I mean the house of Kinross’.

Kinross House has been designed to retain the ambience of a private residence – “a Gentleman’s Seat”, with special touches of Kinross and Scotland as a whole, using a palette of the varied heathers and the local landscape.
Outside, the gardens have undergone a transformation, interpreting Bruce’s original layouts in a contemporary way. The wooded outer reaches of the estate play host to new walks through dramatic seasonal displays of native and exotic flora. The nine acre walled garden is reborn, a bold romantic composition of seventeenth century classical geometries overlaid with swathes of natural planting.

The house celebrates 14 feature bedrooms, spectacular reception hallway, State staircase and formal dining room which seats 28 and boasts a stunning ceiling painting. The Grand Salon, Garden Room, Gentleman’s Drawing Room, Ladies Drawing Room and Library create comfortable and individual public spaces. The grounds create a spectacular “once in a lifetime” backdrop for larger hospitality occasions.

The original features, columns and stone floors are further enhanced by a combination of the detailed restoration of the classical design with contemporary possibilities. Each room has been individually designed, inspiration being drawn from its aspect, size and historical use.

The basement offers a Whisky Library where guests can experience an array of sensational whisky and discover the aromas and flavours of the nation’s favourite drink. Another hidden gem within the basement is the Chef’s Table where our in-house chef can entertain guests with an intimate gourmet experience.

The professional kitchen can delivery up to 400 covers per sitting, for events either in the house or in the manicured 34 acres of formal walled gardens. The house has 14 en-suite bedrooms.

Kinross House has now fully renovated the beautiful Coach House which has a further 10 en-suite bedrooms.

Kinross House is only 35 minutes from Edinburgh City Centre and 25 minutes from Edinburgh Airport.