Cog Icon signifying link to Admin page
Stock image - to be replaced
Stock image - to be replaced

Avoch & Killen Live

Connecting You with Everything Local

Rosehaugh Estate

Rosehaugh Estate, located near Avoch on the Black Isle in Scotland, has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. Originally known as Pittanochtie, the estate was owned by the Mackenzie family for several centuries. In the late 17th century, Sir George Mackenzie, a prominent lawyer and Lord Advocate, built the first documented manor house on the property. 

In 1864, James Fletcher, a merchant with familial ties to Avoch, purchased the estate and renamed it Rosehaugh. Fletcher initiated significant agricultural improvements and commissioned architect Alexander Ross to make alterations to the existing house. Upon James Fletcher's death in 1885, his son, James Douglas Fletcher, inherited the estate and undertook extensive renovations. He employed architect William Flockhart to transform the manor into an opulent mansion exemplifying late Victorian architecture. This grand structure, however, was demolished in 1959 due to high maintenance costs. 

Several buildings from the estate's heyday remain:

●      The Dairy: Constructed in 1907 by William Flockhart, this building operated independently from the main farm, housing a pedigree herd of Jersey cows that supplied milk, butter, and cheese to the estate. During wartime, it also provided milk to the local village. The Dairy is now a Category A listed building, denoting its national significance. ​Ross and Cromarty Heritage


●      Stables: Located west of the former Rosehaugh House site, the stables were expanded in 1874 under Alexander Ross and later modified by William Flockhart around 1900. These buildings have been repurposed and currently serve as the estate office for the present owners, Broadland Properties Ltd.


●      Gray's Cottage: Built circa 1900 in the English Vernacular Revival style with Arts and Crafts details, this two-story, asymmetrical house served as the residence for the estate's head gardener. It remains a notable example of the period's architectural style.


●      Fletcher Burial Enclosure: Designed in 1928 by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, this circular enclosure serves as the resting place for James Douglas Fletcher and his wife, Lilian Maud Augusta Stephen. The structure features a heavy stone balustrade with a continuous bench seat and is marked by a simple yet elegant design.

Today, these surviving structures offer a glimpse into the estate's storied past and architectural heritage.

^