A historic Highland mansion, twice devastated by fire, is set to open its doors to the public for a rare glimpse into its ongoing restoration. Boleskine House, located on the southern shore of Loch Ness near Foyers, has undergone a remarkable transformation since being acquired by Keith and Kyra Readdy and the Boleskine House Foundation.
The 18th-century B-listed house, known for its past owners—occultist Aleister Crowley and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page—has been meticulously restored to revive its former grandeur. This project is not just about preservation; it’s about transformation. The mansion, once a burned-out shell, is being reimagined as a center for education, arts, and culture. Recently, it received a significant boost with a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the restoration work is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The Readdys are preparing to celebrate this significant milestone by offering free entry to the public on Saturday, August 31. This special open house event will allow visitors to explore the historic site and witness firsthand the progress of the restoration. The event is set to highlight the mansion’s evolution from its troubled past to its new role as a beacon of architectural heritage and modern sustainability.
A spokeswoman for the Boleskine House Foundation expressed excitement about the event, stating, “Join us for a special open house event at Boleskine House, celebrating the remarkable transformation of one of the Highlands’ most misunderstood buildings. This historic site, often shrouded in mystery and misconception, is currently undergoing a meticulous restoration, turning it from a burnt-out shell into a shining example of architectural heritage and contemporary innovation.”
The open house offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the intersection of history, culture, and community, marking a new chapter for Boleskine House and its storied past.
