AN HISTORIC country house first owned by Robert the Bruce is on the market for just over £800,000.
Drumkilbo House in Blairgowrie, Perthshire, dates from the 14th century and was owned by the King of Scots when it was first built.
After the Scots hero occupied it in the early 1300s, the house was remodelled by famed Scottish architect Sir Robert Lorimer before the Queen Mother discovered one of her favourite recipes there in the 1950s.
Nowadays, Drumkilbo is a successfully used as an exclusive venue for weddings and private events but parts of its original architecture still remain.
The nine-bedroomed house is now on the market for offers over £825,000 and comes with 14 acres of private grounds, a private tree-line drive and an outdoor pool.
Robert the Bruce is recorded as the first owner of Drumkilbo House which is located on the edge of the Scottish Highlands.
The King of Scots, who successfully led Scotland during the first War of Scottish Independence against England, owned the palatial property at the start of the 1300s.
The original remains of the fortified tower which would have been used by him are incorporated into the building today
Robert the Bruce, who is today revered as a national hero following his reign which helped regain Scotland’s place as an independent country, later passed the property on to a local landowner.
In 1920, the leading Scottish architect of the time, Sir Robert Lorimer was commissioned to make Drumkilbo larger.
He added a further two wings to the house which today incorporate the front door and the master bedroom suite.
The historical house also helped the Queen Mother to discover her favourite recipe in the 1950s when she tasted ‘Eggs Drumkilbo’.
Her brother-in-law, Lord Elphinstone was living there at the time and created the dish using leftovers to make a puree with a hint of salt, sugar and black pepper.
Bad weather had meant that the Queen Mother had been forced to extend her visit by a day and was served up the unusual offering.
She liked it so much that she ended up insisting on eating it in her picnics whenever she visited Scotland.
The new owner will have the option of maintaining Drumkilbo’s executive use for parties and weddings or keeping it for their own personal use.
The stunning property comes with nine bathrooms, five reception rooms, a 1920s stone engraved doorway and it’s own writing room.
Estate agent, Savills, who are selling the property say: “Drumkilbo House has established a presence over the last twenty years as a premier exclusive use venue.
“It was built in the 14th century as a fortified tower house and the original spiral stairways remain today.
“The house is substantial and impressive but also attractive, functional and comfortable.”
Robert the Bruce was King of Scots from 1306 until his death in 1329.
He was one of the most famous warriors of his generation and his body is buried in Dunfermline Abbey, while his heart was interred in Melrose Abbey.
