Scotland’s prettiest house for sale

A country house described by novelist Daniel Defoe as, “the most beautiful piece of architecture in all of Scotland, perhaps in all Britain” is on the market for the first time in more than 230 years.

Kinross House, on Loch Leven in Kinross-shire is a masterpiece, designed and built by Sir William Bruce for himself between 1685 and 1693. Bruce introduced classical architecture to Scotland and his other commissions include Holyrood House in Edinburgh and Hopetoun House at South Queensferry. However, Kinross is widely regarded as his finest work. The classical Palladian mansion boasts grounds of over 76 acres including formal gardens that are ranked as some of the best in Scotland.

In 1777, Kinross was bought by George Graham, great-great-great grandfather of the current owners. Offers over £4,250,000 are now being welcomed by agents Strutt & Parker and Knight Frank.