A Russian plot? Dream estate is sold in roubles
IT is steeped in Scottish history, boasting a baronial title, golf course and links to Robert the Bruce.
But there’s a Russian twist to the sale of this magnificent property – its asking price is in roubles in a bid to attract rich oligarchs.
Johnston Lodge’s sellers are so confident of overseas interest they have given values in three currencies.
The price tag is 120million roubles, $2.1million or £1.7million.
The buyer of the two-storey Georgian mansion will have the right to become Lord Gardenstone, a title that dates from 1780.
As well as 32 acres, a helicopter pad and nine-hole golf course, Johnston Lodge in Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire, has a rich history. It is built on
‘Buying a piece of British heritage’
the site of land once occupied by Sir Alexander Fraser, the brother-in-law of Robert the Bruce.
The six-bedroom home is described by agent Reid Estates as a ‘highly desirable Georgian mansion house’.
The listing adds: ‘Price in US$2,119,050, Russian roubles 119,572,058.10.
‘It is very rare that a property of such magnificence comes on the market in Scotland.
‘Johnston Lodge dominates the Howe of Mearns and holds a major part in Scottish history. Purchasers would not be buying a home but a piece of British heritage.’
Included is a wine cellar, hot tub, four reception rooms, a study, two cloakrooms and a reception hall.
There is a ‘grand reception hall with bespoke solid oak sweeping staircase, ornate spindles, newels and balustrade’. The current lodge was built by parliamentarian James Farquhar in 1780.
The patronage of third owner Francis Garden, Lord Gardenstone, boosted the population of Laurencekirk, giving it the status of a Burgh of Barony.
Dominating the skyline above the home is Johnston Tower on the Hill of Garvock, which was built by Farquhar to commemorate Wellington’s defeat of Napoleon in the Peninsular War.
Wealthy foreigners are flocking to buy Scottish estates.
According to this month’s National Geographic: ‘Buyers from Russia, Saudi Arabia, Chile, and European countries like Sweden and Denmark [are] lured by the weakening British pound in the wake of Brexit and by the cachet of playing Lord of the Manor.’
From 2015 to 2016, foreign buyers snapped up half of the 16 estates sold in Scotland.