The Duke of Westminster and Coco Chanel’s former Highland love nest has been put up for sale for £3million.
The Rosehall Estate, built in 1820 near Inverness, was bought in the 1920s by the UK’s then wealthiest man, the Duke of Westminster, Over a six year period the Duke and Chanel would spend their summers together at the mansion.
The Duke allowed Chanel free reign to decorate the 20-room Georgian mansion that lies at the heart of the 700 acre estate.
The property boasted the designer’s classic, minimalist style thought to have been inspired by her personal Parisian apartment and despite leaving the home 85-years ago, a number of the rooms still bear her work.
She had hand-blocked wallpaper shipped in from France, and oversaw local workmen as they put together simple fireplaces.
Winston Churchill, a friend of the Duke of Westminster, was also a regular guest at the mansion and he stayed there is 1928 as he recuperated following an illness.
In letter to his wife, Clementine, the future PM described both Chanel and the main house as “very agreeable”.
He wrote: “The air is most exhilarating, keen and yet caressing. Coco got three fish yesterday.
“This morning it is raining, which is good for fishing. We all play Bezique so that the time is not burdensome.
“Coco is here in place of Violet. She fishes from morn till night, and in two months has killed 50 salmon. She is very agreeable – really a great and strong being fit to rule a man or an Empire.
“Bennie very well and, I think, extremely happy to be mated with an equal – her ability balancing his power. We are the only three on the river, and have all the plums.”
The mansion now requires millions of pounds of work to bring it back to its former glory, however, it is hoped it could be returned to a stunning family home or converted into a luxury hotel.