Earlier Houses: There was probably an earlier house on, or near, the site of the current house.

House & Family History: Kellie is an ancient (the oldest part is believed to date from 1360), and reputedly haunted, Scottish castle. The house is particularly noted for its Scottish furniture designed by Sir Robert Lorimer, its beautiful painted paneling, and its fine 1620s plasterwork ceilings (the quality of which are in a league with those at the Palace of Holyroodhouse). There is also a permanent exhibition on the life and work of the sculptor Hew Lorimer, who sold the house and 16 acres to the National Trust for Scotland in 1970. James VI visited Kellie in 1617.

Collections: In 1830 the contents were sold at auction.

Garden & Outbuildings: Kellie is noted for its fruit trees, old fashioned roses, and the organic walled garden.

House Listed: Category A

Park Listed: Listed as a Garden & Designed Landscape

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSES: Sir Richard Sieward, 14th century. Walter Olifard (Oliphant), 14th century; Oliphant family here until 1613. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Thomas Erskine, 1st Earl of Kellie, until 1639; Thomas Erskine, 2nd Earl of Kellie, 1639-43; Alexander Erskine, 3rd Earl of Kellie, 1643-77; Alexander Erskine, 4th Earl of Kellie, 1677-1710; Alexander Erskine, 5th Earl of Kellie, 1710-56; Thomas Alexander Erskine, 6th Earl of Kellie, 1756-81; Archibald Erskine, 7th Earl of Kellie, 1781-95; Charles Erskine, 8th Earl of Kellie, 1795-99; Thomas Erskine, 9th Earl of Kellie, 1799-1828; Methven Erskine, 10th Earl of Kellie, 1828-29; John Francis Miller Erskine, 11th Earl of Kellie, 1829-30. James Lorimer (tenant), 1878-90; Hannah Lorimer (tenant), 1890-1916; John Henry Lorimer (tenant), 1916-36; Hew Lorimer, 1936-70.

Current Ownership Type: The National Trust for Scotland

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 0133-372-0271

Fax: 01333-720-326

Website: https://www.nts.org.uk

Historic Houses Member: No