A new era is dawning at an historic Scottish castle which has lain abandoned since the mid-18th Century. Baltersan Castle is thought to have inspired Charles Rennie Mackintosh and was visited by both Robert Burns and John Keats. A restoration plan was even pitched to the multi-millionaire investors on TV’s Dragons’ Den.
Built in 1584, Baltersan is considered an exceptionally refined example of a Scottish post-Reformation tower-house. It remained unaltered until its last occupants left in 1745. Now the landmark, located near Maybole in South Ayrshire, has a new owner, with its latest custodian picking up the baton from a man who has dedicated more than 30 years to safeguarding the roofless ruin and attracting interest to revive it.
Italian computer engineer Angelo Ovidi has completed a deal to buy the site outright for an undisclosed amount, having previously been part of the small Lichtsome Hoose partnership led by retired sales professional James Brown. READ MORE: Castle hotel in Scotland wins luxury travel guide award You can explore smugglers' caves beneath this famous Scottish castle Hotel named after infamous haunted Scottish castle for sale Mr Ovidi wants to restore the Category A-listed castle, with hopes that it could become home to a music school and arts events venue funded at least in part by the launch of a food and drink brand trading on the image of Baltersan’s structure. The acquisition is one that Nicholas Howie, an Ayrshire-raised corporate lawyer at Li.