The peaceful, lush countryside of the Orkney Islands and the hot, densely populated city of Lucknow in India are worlds apart, but one Highland home has connections to both.
Trumland, a historic residential and sporting estate on the Island of Rousay, was formerly owned by one of Britain’s great military figures, General Sir Frederick Traill-Burroughs.
After joining the 93rd Highland Regiment, he went to Crimea and fought at the Battle of Alama where his regiment was part of the Thin Red Line.
He was one of the heroes of the besieged town of Lucknow in the Indian Mutiny, and his bravery saw his men recommend him for a Victoria Cross, although this was not awarded.
He later commanded the regiment during the bitter fighting in the North West Frontier and at one time, he was in command of Edinburgh Castle.
After retiring in 1873, he built Trumland House which was designed by David Bryce, from Edinburgh.
In the following years, Sir Frederick, known locally as “the little general” due to his short stature, carried out a large number of improvements on the island, including the building of Trumland pier, island schools, a public market, the first steamship service, a post office and the first resident doctor.
Following his death, the estate was gradually split up. It passed from the Traill-Burroughs family in the 1920s and was later purchased by the Grant family of Grants Whisky who also owned the Highland Park Distillery in Kirkwall.
The current owners bought Trumland in 2001 and have spent a great deal of time and effort in its restoration process, but any new owner will need the same amount of determination as the original owner before taking it on.
John Bound, who is handling the sale for CKD Galbraith, said: “Not for the faint-hearted, this sale is a rare opportunity to own a diverse estate on a truly beautiful part of Scotland.
“Trumland house, although in need of some TLC interiorly, is very sound and as attractive as ever.”
At one time, the estate covered almost the whole of Rousay as well as the adjoining island of Wyre, but it now comprises an estate of some 1,746 acres (707 hectares in all).
The asking price of offers over £950,000 includes Trumland House, three charming estate cottages and former coach house as well as excellent shooting, fishing and sailing opportunities on the surrounding land and water.
The house, which enjoys spectacular sea views to the south-west and south-east, stands on around 44 acres of land and is approached by a gated and pillared entrance next to the gate lodge.
Although wind and waterproof, and having recently been re-roofed, the inside needs to be refurbished, but once complete, it would make a great family home or perhaps a small hotel.
The front of the house overlooks beautiful terraced lawns and a short distance from the rear is a well-maintained walled garden featuring a greenhouse and stone-built potting and storage sheds. There is also the opportunity to restore the estate’s private nine-hole golf course.
Although historically used as an upland sporting estate with regular grouse shooting until the 1980s, formal organised shooting has not taken place in recent years but there’s rough shooting with grouse, woodcock, duck and rabbit, along with superb fishing and sailing opportunities.
Rousay, known as “the Egypt of the North” due to its archaeological diversity and importance, has a population of just over 200 and is completely self sufficient with a shop, primary school, doctor’s surgery and Post Office as well as restaurants, a hotel and a fuel station.
Contact: CKD Galbraith on 01463 224343.