Home with a view: Knockderry overlooks Loch Long
A home with a tangled legal past and built for a textiles magnate will get a makeover from its new owner, writes JULENA DRUMI
A baronial castle designed by the architect Alexander Greek Thomson for the textile manufacturer James Templeton will be restored to its former glory by its new US owner, bringing a new chapter to a tangled legal story.
Knockderry Castle in Cove near Loch Lomond is an ‘A’ listed home with a recently controversial past. It was at the centre of one of Scotland’s longest bankruptcy disputes.
The Victorian mansion was the main asset in a 22-year sequestration case that began over a disputed £230 bill. Former owner Marian Van Overwaele was taken to civil court over a 1996 invoice for repairs said to be carried out by a property factor. Over the years the legal fees and outlays grew to more than £1m.
Ms Van Overwaele’s family were evicted from the property in March last year and Shepherd Chartered Surveyors, together with Strutt & Parker, have now completed the sale for a sum believed to be over £1.25m.
Throughout the case, Ms Van Overwaele maintained that she had been the victim of a miscarriage of justice and a conspiracy to obtain her main asset – a claim fiercely denied by lawyers acting for the trustee.
The castle’s interiors account for its grade A listing
The castle itself is considered a masterpiece of the period, although it category listing has more to do with additional interior features by William Leiper.
Occupying an elevated position, Knockderry Castle overlooks Loch Long, a sea loch close to Helensburgh.
The property offers a wealth of original features including crows step gables, turrets, stone balustrades and an extraordinary wood panelled drawing room which includes a minstrel gallery and other features including period fireplaces, panelling and stained-glass windows.
The main property incorporates an entrance hall, four reception rooms, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms and extensive ancillary accommodation throughout.
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