Italian businessman becomes new laird at 440-year-old Ayrshire castle and lays out £2m makeover plan

An Italian businessman has taken on a monumental task by becoming the new owner of the 440-year-old Baltersan Castle in Ayrshire. Angelo Ovidi, a computer engineer, expressed his excitement and vision for the castle, which has remained unoccupied since 1745. Acquiring the castle for an undisclosed sum, Mr. Ovidi now plans to embark on an ambitious restoration project worth £2 million to revive the historic landmark and its surrounding grounds.

Baltersan Castle holds significant historical value, having inspired renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and hosted visits from poets Robert Burns and John Keats. Previously featured on TV’s Dragons’ Den, the castle has now found a new custodian in Mr. Ovidi, who follows in the footsteps of the previous owner, James Brown, dedicated to preserving the castle’s legacy for over 30 years.

Mr. Ovidi envisions transforming the Category A-listed castle into a music school and arts events venue, potentially supported by the launch of a food and drink brand leveraging the castle’s iconic structure. Working closely with Scottish specialists, including stonemasons, Mr. Ovidi aims to tackle the restoration project in phases, prioritizing stability before addressing major structural issues.

Noteworthy is the handover ceremony where Mr. Brown presented Mr. Ovidi with historic items from nearby Crossraguel Abbey, symbolizing the passing of the baton to the new custodian. Mr. Brown, having poured his heart and soul into restoring the castle, expressed confidence in Mr. Ovidi’s commitment to continuing the preservation efforts and realising the full potential of Baltersan Castle.

Jointly sharing a passion for investing in Scotland’s historic landmarks, legal adviser Nicholas Howie sees Mr. Ovidi’s acquisition as an exciting opportunity to revive Baltersan Castle, highlighting a growing market for individuals worldwide interested in owning a piece of Scottish history. With plans to engage local producers and entrepreneurs to contribute to the castle’s restoration, Mr. Ovidi is poised to write a new chapter in the castle’s storied history.

In conclusion, the story of Baltersan Castle’s restoration under new ownership exemplifies the enduring appeal of Scotland’s historical heritage and the potential for vibrant preservation projects to breathe new life into iconic landmarks. With Mr. Ovidi at the helm, Baltersan Castle stands ready to be reimagined as a cultural hub and economic driver for the local community, carrying forward its legacy for generations to come.