Abramovich eyes up £6m castle estate
12.04.2005, 21:22
SPECULATION is mounting that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has bought a 16th Century Perthshire castle.
The Russian billionaire has been linked with Aberuchill Castle Estate, near Crieff, which is set in 3300 acres of land and has 13 bedrooms, 12 estate houses, five reception rooms, a farm and 704 acres of forestry. It is selling for £6 million.
The PA understands that Abramovich – who is thought to have a personal fortune of around £7 billion – viewed the estate last week, but selling agents Strutt and Parker have not confirmed he is the new proprietor.
Andrew Rettie, a senior partner with the firm, said: "Purchasing a wonderful place like Aberuchill is really a grand statement to your friends and the wider world – it really says you’ve made it."
But we have clients looking for personal property for personal enjoyment rather than a commercial acquisition.
"The wealth of the Russian billionaires has been created in the past 10 years, primarily from the gas, oil, lead, nickel, aluminium and gold industries."
Abramovich made his money from the oil industry and bought Chelsea FC in 2003 for £150 million.
He is said to have spent £210 million on top players and lured former FC Porto manager Jose Mourinho into the manager’s hot seat last year.
His other homes include a 450-acre estate in West Sussex, a mansion in Knightsbridge and houses in Nice, St Tropez, Austria and Moscow.
Although it had a fire a few years ago, Aberuchill Castle was rebuilt and is regarded as an ideal country retreat.
It has a pheasant shoot, deer stalking, salmon and sea trout fishing, and a grouse moor.