Ardverikie House is a charming Scottish mansion built in the 19th century, nestled in the picturesque Kinloch Laggan area near Newtonmore in the stunning Scottish Highlands.
For as long as history has been documented, the Macpherson Clan, a significant member of the Clan Chattan confederation, inhabited the lands in the upper regions of Strathspey and the western part of Badenoch. The leadership of this formidable alliance was a source of dispute with Clan Mackintosh, and the matter remained unresolved until 1672 when it ultimately favored the Mackintosh Clan. Originally, the Macphersons’ right to occupy the land was granted by the Bishop of Moray and, in more recent times until the mid-19th century, by the Duke of Gordon. Regardless of the legal intricacies, the Macphersons considered the land rightfully theirs due to undisputed possession.
The grounds were originally owned by Clan Macpherson. Ewen Macpherson, the 20th chief, leased Benalder and Ardverikie to The 2nd Marquess of Abercorn in 1844. The Marquess, an Ulster-Scots peer and influential figure in the rising interest in deer stalking in Scotland, expanded the original shooting lodge. He even hosted Prince Albert and Queen Victoria at Ardverikie for three weeks in the late summer of 1847.
In 1860, the lease passed to Lord Henry Bentinck, another avid stalking enthusiast, who resided there until his death in 1870. Sir John Ramsden acquired the Ardverikie and Benalder forests in 1871 for £107,500. Unfortunately, in 1873, a fire destroyed the house. The rebuilding process took place between 1874 and 1878, adopting the popular Scottish baronial style and designed by architect John Rhind.
Ardverikie stands as one of Scotland’s oldest and renowned deer forests. With a continuous ownership spanning over 150 years, Ardverikie holds a distinctive status, having been managed with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship throughout its history.
This sustained approach has shaped the diverse landscape and species composition we appreciate today. The hills around the estate host a thriving herd of over 1000 Red Deer, meticulously cared for to safeguard their well-being and vitality. The management strategy also ensures that their numbers are regulated, preventing any adverse impact on the natural habitat.
Upon Sir John Ramsden’s passing in 1914, his son, Sir John Frecheville Ramsden, inherited the lands. Post-World Wars, most of the land was sold off, and in 1956, Sir John transferred the Ardverikie Estate to a family company chaired by his son, Sir William Pennington-Ramsden.
Presently, the company, Ardverikie Estate Limited, continues to own and manage the estate, engaging in activities such as renting cottages and hosting weddings on the property. The house gained widespread recognition as the fictional Glenbogle estate in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen.