THE birthplace of a Scottish general who fought on both sides of the English Civil War is up for sale for offers over £2.2 million.
Pitcairlie House in Newburgh, Fife, dates from the early 16th century and was formerly owned by the Leslie family, the Earls of Rothes.
Major General David Leslie was born at Pitcairlie in 1600 and went on to fight for both Royalists and Parliamentarians.
He led a cavalry charge for Oliver Cromwell in 1644 before going on to command Scottish Royalist forces later in the conflict.
The seven-bedroom, A-listed house in which he was born is now on the market through estate agents Savills. The price includes an indoor swimming pool and 99 acres of land.
The property’s history dates back to 1312 when the land on which it is built was passed into the ownership of the Leslie family.
The house dates from the early 16th century with the tower built by George Leslie in around 1550 before Major DavidLeslie was born there 50 years later.
Pitcairlie impressive history was continued when it was bought by Colonel James Cathcart of Carbiston in the mid-18th century and remained in family hands until the mid-1960s.
Savills, which is selling the property, said: “Pitcairlie House is set in beautiful rolling countryside in the hills of north Fife. The setting is scenic and secluded but also highly accessible. It’s an impressive house with nicely sized rooms.” Drawing room particularly impressive with the original painted wall panels. Victorian wing has been divided into 4 self catering flats.
“The area is steeped in history and is also well known for the quality of its field sports.
“Essentially Georgian in its present form, at its core is the 14th century tower. The house is constructed of stone under a mainly slate roof. It has a beautifully proportioned front façade.
“The interior includes a wealth of original features including moulded cornice work and fine wood panelling, window shutters, open fireplaces and bright well proportioned rooms.”
As a soldier, Leslie played an influential role during the critical Battle of Marston Moor in which he led a successful charge against Royalist forces.
He went on to command the force that besieged Carlisle in a later battle before being sent back to Scotland in 1645 where he took part in the Battle of Philiphaugh before later defeating the remaining Royalists in Kintyre, Argyll and Bute.
However, when the Scottish Covenanter government decided to instead back Charles II, Leslie found himself fighting on the other side for the King.
When the Parliamentarian army, under Oliver Cromwell, invaded Scotland in July 1650, Leslie was commander of Scottish forces.
Leslie went on to lead the Royalist army on an invasion of England, but was defeated by Cromwell at the Battle of Worcester and after his capture, sent to the Towerof London. Leslie was released from captivity in 1660 and later given the title of Lord Muir before dying in 1682, aged 82.
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