antiquesandartireland.com

Aldourie Castle, on the southern shore of Loch Ness, near Inverness is the winner of the Historic Houses Association (HHA) and Sotheby’s Restoration Award for 2011. The restoration work has included the remodelling of 57 rooms, furnished with over 2000 works of art, and the replacement and repair of 172 windows. The aim of the restoration was to ensure its revival as an important historic Grade A Listed building.  The restoration included the castle, the formal gardens and the mature woodlands at this Scottish baronial castle and estate.

Aldourie Castle was bought by Roger Tempest in 2004 and the restoration work began in 2007.  The interiors, which were allowed to develop as the project progressed, are ornamented with recently-acquired Old Master and British paintings, a specially-commissioned chandelier from Murano in Italy and curtains of Rubelli Silk.

The HHA/Sotheby’s Restoration Award was launched in 2008.  Projects are judged on the way they respect the historic quality of the building and must have been completed within the last two years.  They must be must also be readily accessible to the public for at least 25 days a year or to groups by appointment.