Kenmore sits on the banks of the River Tay and is home to around 100 residents. Arizona-based Investors Discovery Land Company has snapped up a slew of real estate in the region, causing concern among locals that the area is becoming “elite hoarded.”
There are fears that a peaceful Perthshire town is becoming a “ghost town” for locals who claim American billionaires are taking it over to create a “playground” for the super-rich.
Kenmore sits on the banks of the stunning River Tay and is home to around 100 residents.
Neighboring Taymouth Castle, built in 1842, and its vast tracts of land have been bought by an Arizona-based company that boasts of turning the area into a luxurious resort for the mega-rich.
Investors Discovery Land Company (DLC), which claims to be one of the most exclusive residential real estate development companies in the world, also absorbed and subsequently closed the local hotel and post office.
The foreign business empire has also bought several homes as concerns grow that the area is being “taken over by the elite.”
DLC clients have been reported to include billionaires, CEOs, presidents, and celebrities.
A recent sales brochure from the US firm suggested plans would include “a community that includes 208 residential units and club suites” and is only “30 minutes by helicopter” from Scotland’s major cities.
The castle restoration project received planning permission from the Perth and Kinross Council in 2011.
Locals suggest that their surroundings are being strangled and have filed a petition to “strike back”.
Campaigner Rob Jamieson told Sky News: “In their other developments, their houses range from £3m to £50m. They’re going to try to shut all this down. They don’t want the unwashed grandees going through their luxury homes.”
“None of us will set foot on it unless we want to tow a stadium. It’s everything a rich person could want, but they’ll never have to leave the confines of that property. They’re not going out for tea and scones at the local tea room.
“It is abhorrent to those of us who live around here.”
DLC turned down numerous interview requests from Sky News but insisted that all regulations were being followed, including Scottish law which gives the public the right to roam the paths around the historic castle.
A spokeswoman did not deny suggestions that the area will become a gated community.
The company’s website indicates that the golf course and amenities will be “reserved” for owners.
Ingrid Sheilds, from the local protest group, said: “People have questions about what the future plans are.
“They own the Kenmore Hotel; they own pretty much all these cabins here. A lot of times when you come here, it’s literally like a ghost town. There’s nobody here.
“Restaurants are closed and even public restrooms. Kenmore, like the town it once was, has truly been transformed.”
DLC officials said “hundreds of people” have already been employed and believe it will be “sustained for years to come.”
Peter Ely’s house looks out over the exclusive resort and is very supportive of what it will eventually become.
The local community council chairman said: “The castle has been in disrepair for 40 years. Steps are being taken to make Kenmore a sustainable village.”
“Over the last 20 years, there’s been a 20% drop in the number of residents living here. Since these guys have taken over and bought up all the surplus vacation rentals, (the) community is benefiting as the town is starting to grow again.
“It won’t be a gated community. I suspect they will use local facilities.”
The American investors claimed they were “working hard to reopen the community village store and hotel.”
It is unclear when the project will be completed.