An American couple who purchased a historic Scottish castle discovered its foundations were decaying, putting the entire structure at risk of collapse. They are now undertaking a massive restoration project to save the 175-year-old Knockderry Castle.
An American couple, David and Chelom Leavitt, who splashed out £1.25 million on a Scottish castle, have been astonished to discover that their dream home was on the brink of collapse due to its decaying foundations. The couple relocated over 4,500 miles from Utah after purchasing the 175-year-old Knockderry Castle in Cove, Argyll. They embarked on restoring the historic property, which features four reception rooms and offers stunning views of Loch Long, in 2023.
However, two years into their project, they've only just discovered how perilously close their castle was to crumbling. David commented, 'One thing that strikes me in January 2025, if you look back at January 2024 and compare where we are now, it would look like we're actually gone backwards in our progress. 'Except for the attic which is everyone's happy place because it's finished and we can go and see what the rest of the castle might look like one day. If you look at it, it's like we are in a worse spot today than we were a year ago. That's not the case. We started at the bottom and have so many structural repairs. 'The thing I didn't know a year ago was exactly how close this castle was to absolutely collapsing. This castle would not have lasted another five years.'Tough to believe we're starting our third year with Knockderry. 'It's amazing to think how our lives have changed since we purchased the castle. 'Many relationships we've formed with people who work on the castle, visit the castle or who have seen it on Instagram and stop by to say hello. 'We've been so fortunate to meet so many people who share a similar dream. Argyll and Bute Council gave the green light to the couple's plans to renovate the property last January, and they hope to restore the building to its former glory. The couple are sharing their renovation journey with their one million Instagram followers, providing regular updates. David, a former prosecutor known for his efforts to extradite US fugitive Nicholas Rossi, who faked his own death to evade rape charges and was apprehended in Glasgow, commented: 'The rocks, the stones, if they ever were there they are not there now – people say how in the world is this still standing, reports the Daily Record. 'It's become a sense of purpose to save something that is larger than us and the save something that to me, Knockderry, there's a spirit about it.' The castle and its grounds retain original features such as cow step gables, turrets, stone balustrades, and a wood-panelled drawing room with vintage fireplaces, panelling, and stained glass windows. Council-approved plans include replacing timber sash and case windows and doors, installing door and glazing to existing arches, and fitting a replacement external steel staircase. However, the pair stress that the renovation will not be a quick process but rather a 'labour of love.' Chelom stated: 'I see a lot of five or 15-minute transformations of big, historic buildings – it's not realistic. 'This hard work, it's thousands of decisions a week – it's a huge team, it's not just us. This is going to be a long process and it should be. It's a labour of love. This is a beautiful building and it's going to take some time.' The mansion was designed by renowned architect Alexander 'Greek' Thomson in the 1850s for James Templeton, a textile manufacturer. When John Templeton, a carpet manufacturer, took over ownership, he commissioned William Leiper to add some Baronial features to the estate. The castle was later owned by businesswoman Marian Van Overwaele, who went bankrupt in 2000 and, after a lengthy 22-year legal battle, was finally evicted in 2022. Chelom commented: 'This really is a special place. One visitor this summer put it this way, There was a reason the Vikings built this very spot, and a castle was built on this very spot and you guys are restoring it to probably how better than what it was originally. It really is an enchanted castle.
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