Taymouth Castle is situated just north-east of the village of Kenmore, Perth and Kinross in the Highlands of Scotland. It stands on the site of the much older Balloch Castle (built in 1550), which was demolished to be rebuilt on a much larger scale in the early 19th century by the Campbells of Breadalbane. It was visited by Queen Victoria in 1842.
Built in the neo-Gothic style on a lavish scale, no expense was spared on the Castle's interior, which was decorated with extravagant sumptuousness incorporating carvings, plasterwork and murals. Panels of medieval stained glass and Renaissance woodwork were incorporated into the scheme. Much of this decor survives, though the Castle has lost most of its original rich furnishings.
The grounds of the Castle hosts an 18 hole golf course which was designed by James Braid.
Renovation work was started on the castle to make it the first 6 or 7-star hotel in the UK. However work stopped in late 2006 and in April 2009, the company restoring Taymouth Castle was declared insolvent.
Following the purchase of the Estate by the Meteor Property Fund, work re-commenced late in 2010 and the restoration of the Principal Rooms is now well underway. A new boutique hotel is expected to open in 2012 together with the completion of holiday homes set in the designed landscape, and a re-designed and lengthened golf course.
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