Mohamed Al Fayed  standing with what is believed to be the Chair of William Wallace outside his castle, Balnagown, in the Scottish Highlands.

Balnagown Estates

Steeped in a history that spans five centuries, the Balnagown Estates have been transformed into a breathtaking retreat in the Scottish Highlands.

Scottish scenes

Balnagown in the winterCarved by the great glaciers of the last Ice Age, the rugged landscape makes for a dramatic scene, and stretches to some 65,000 acres.

Home to wild deer, golden eagles and osprey; woodland, rivers and glens, Balnagown is a sweeping space of natural Scottish beauty, with an incrAedible history behind it.



Grand designs

Incorporating the Estates of Inveroykel, Duchally, and Balnagown itself, the Estates were originally owned by the Clan Ross, known descendants of Scottish legend Sir William Wallace.

Mohamed with the William Wallace ChairWhen Mohamed Al Fayed came across  it in the 1970s, years of neglect had taken its toll of the castle, but Mohamed was mesmerised by it. On the discovery that the Estates were for sale, he made an offer and within a week they were his. Twenty million pounds worth of investment later, the Estates have been meticulously restored to their former glory both inside and out, a process that took years and saw the discovery of what is believed to be William Wallace's chair (pictured with Mohamed).


Visitors welcome

Open daily to the visiting public, the Estates offer an abundance of sporting and recreational pursuits. Holiday-makers can enjoy a longer stay, with accommodation available in the cosy comfort of the Estates’ authentic shooting lodges and cottages, all of which have been furnished to the highest standards.

Further information

To find out more about the Estates, the accommodation, and the outdoor pursuits available, please see the Balnagown website

 

Share your thoughts

Leave a comment

Send to a friend

* Denotes compulsory fileds

Related Articles

  • Restoring Balnagown Castle - Mohamed spent millions restoring Balnagown Castle, the former home of the Clan Ross.

  • Restoration of Harrods - London grime had tarnished the building’s terracotta frontage, and many of Harrods original interior features were damaged when Mohamed bought it.

Related Photos

  • Open Image Gallery

    Balnagown

    True beauty in the Scottish Highlands, Balnagown Estates are steeped in history stretching back five centuries. The Estates have now been transformed into a breathtaking retreat complete with holiday cottages.

  • The facade of l'hotel Ritz at night. Open Image Gallery

    Ritz

    View pictures of one of the most pretigious hotels in Frace, l'Hotel Ritz in Paris.

  • A famous Harrods Greenman standing outside the store ready to welcome customersOpen Image Gallery

    Harrods

    The world's most famous store offers a little of what you might expect, and so much more!

  • Open Image Gallery

    Fulham Football Club

    Mohamed purchased the freehold of Craven Cottage along with a major share of the Club itself. The rest is history.

Related Videos

  • Mohamed sits on a red settee at l'Hotel Ritz in Paris.

    The Ritz and Mohamed

    Mohamed shares his passion for l'Hotel Ritz and reveals the secret of the Napoleon Generals of 1812.

  • The Legend of The Ritz

    Since the age of twelve the Ritz has been part of Mohamed's dreams.

  • An Insight into Balnagown

    A portrait of Balnagown Castle, in the words of its laird, Mohamed Al Fayed.

  • Balnagown

    Discover the history, intrigue and restoration of Mohamed's highland estate that covers 65,000 acres.

  • Harrods

    Harrods, the Palace in Knightsbridge that was once going to be an office block!