THE IDYLLIC Scottish hideaway that Lord Richard Attenborough once called home has been put on the market.
Buyers are being given the chance to snap up two separate lots on the Isle of Bute, which were bought by the actor and director after he “fell in love” with the place.
The first, listed at £680,000, includes a two-bedroom cottage, 48 acres of woodland and the main farmhouse where Lord Attenborough used to entertain Hollywood guests.
The other contains a three-bedroom cottage with a garden and view of the water and is available for £175,000.
Lord Attenborough, also known for his appearances in Jurassic Park and winning best director Oscar for Gandhi, bought the 1,700-acre Rhubodach site on the island in 1988.
The film director, known to his friends as “Dickie”, described it as love at first sight and said the island had the “unmistakable feel of home”.
Along with his wife Sheila, he would often entertain superstars at the large, white farmhouse and enjoy the “expansive beauty” of the area.
In 2010 he sold the surrounding forestry estate to a community buy-out group for £1.5million, but kept his house and its outbuildings.
In a piece he wrote for the Bute tourism guide, produced in 2013, Lord Attenborough described his love for his adopted Scots home.
He said: “My wife Sheila and I had no idea what to expect. We had decided to invest in and support the natural world in some way and someone suggested that we take a look at the Isle of Bute.
“What we found exceeded all expectation. It was love at first sight. We knew almost immediately that this was somewhere we wanted to live; the awesome peace and expansive beauty totally captivated us.
“The house itself was clearly packed with potential and had that unmistakable feel of home.
“Decades later, we still look upon it as a home, even though our advanced years mean we don’t get there as often as we would like.”
He added: “It has over time been a gathering place for the Attenborough clan, as our children have blessed us with beautiful grandchildren, all of whom have shared our love of the island.
“We count ourselves truly lucky to have such a special home.”
Following his death in 2014 the site was put up for rent with groups of 10 able to stay at the main farmhouse for up to £1,700 per week.
It is now being sold after Lady Attenborough passed away in January this year.
The main property, Rhubodach house, boasts “stunning views” and has a master bedroom with brass four-poster bed, a large living room and dining area with open fire and a Victorian bath.
The smaller Rhubodach Cottage – available for £175,000 – comes with front and rear gardens and stunning views over the water.
Nearby sightseeing can be enjoyed at the Victorian Gothic mansion of Mount Stuart, Bute Museum, Rothesay Castle and the gardens of Ascog Hall and Ardencraig.
Estate agents Bidwells said: “The late Lord and Lady Attenborough’s Scottish island idyll has been brought to the market.
“Rhubodach on the Isle of Bute is a 48-acre property with a charming collection of beautiful houses enjoying fantastic views over the Kyles of Bute.
“It is with some sadness that the executors of Lady Attenborough’s estate are now selling this wonderful place.”
