Altyre Estate

Altyre has been owned since the 14th century by the Comyn (Cumming) family (Gordon Cumming from 1795).

In 1891 Sir William Gordon Cumming married his American fiancee, Florence Josaphine Garner, a cotton heiress, and they settled at Altyre. Until the Wall Street Crash of 1929, they spent lavishly on the estate, first commissioning the Inverness Arts and Crafts architect WL Caruthers, and then John Kinross, based in Edinburgh. Kinross is known for his elegant, finely detailed and executed designs.

On Doors Open Days visitors to Altyre will be given special access to a range of buildings throughout Altyre Estate. The history and development of the estate will be explained by local volunteers.

A free mini-bus service, accessible for all, will circulate the estate at intervals, stopping at or near the various buildings that are open. Cyclists are welcome. Dog owners should leave their dogs at home as shaded parking areas cannot be guaranteed.

Buildings either open or part of the tour include:

Altyre House and Garden
Episcopal Chapel
Blairs Home Farm, Italian Steading and Clubhouse (pictured)
Blairs Cottages and Office Cottages
Foresters' Cottages, Cothall
Old Altyre Church
an Ogham Stone
Garden's Cottages, nos 1 and 2
Stables
Generator House

Toilets are available at the Clubhouse, Blairs and the Stables.