PAUL van Vlissingen, the billionaire owner of the Letterewe Estate, was still actively enlarging his Highland property interests up until his death in his Dutch home, Lunenberg Castle, near Utrecht. Kildermorie Estate. David Campbell, 69, is … The effect of the wills was therefore that his eldest daughter, Eleanor (1837-1907), inherited the Winstanley estate, while his second daughter, Maria Ann (1839-1904) received Letterewe. The Sunday Times Rich List 2005 ranked Van Vlissingen as the richest man in Scotland, with an estimated wealth of £1.1 billion. Langwell Lodge (Strath Kanaird) Langwell Lodge (Strathoykle) Leckmelm Hill Ground. A warm Highland welcome awaits you at stunning Letterewe Estate - your own exclusive retreat in the rugged hills of Wester Ross. Paul van Vlissingen, the Dutch businessman whose "holiday cottage" is the eight-bedroom white-washed Letterewe lodge on the banks of Loch Maree in … Letterewe, Loch Maree, Achnasheen, Ross-shire IV22 2HH, Scotland info@letterewe-estate.com His 85,000-acre Letterewe Estate in Ross-shire is still owned by his partner. In an off-market transaction, the Dutch businessman and philanthropist bought the 6,874-acre estate, situated between Poolewe and Aultbea, from the executors of the late Sir John Horlick, an heir to the malted beverages family. But that is not the same as saying that they lose their owner money. God love google, nice stuff. Letterewe is in a spectacular setting, The estate was owned by the late Paul van Vlissingen and is known as “The Last Great Wilderness” of Scotland. The clan Cameron’s 76,881 acre estate includes area around Fort William. /* ]]> */ VAN VLISSINGEN: FINAL ACT Paul led SHV as chief executive officer for three decades from the mid-1960s. His ownership of Letterewe estate is widely regarded as having been innovative, open and inclusive. In May 1974, he joined the SHV board, and succeeded his brother, Frits, as chairman in 1980. My generation should be ashamed of the condition in which we are passing on our planet to future generations.". Originally Europe's largest coal wholesaling business, SHV is the largest privately owned company in the Netherlands. The Dutch entrepreneur and philanthropist owns 87,066 acres including Letterewe estate at Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. After a near fatal brush with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1980, he founded the Van Vlissingen Cancer Fund, which is now one of the major cancer fundraisers in the Netherlands. [6], From 1994 until his death, his home was the Conholt Park estate in Wiltshire, England, on the border with Hampshire. In 2001 he wrote a book entitled Ondernemers zijn ezels (.mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg")right 0.1em center/12px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:none;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}ISBN 90-5018-295-X), which can be translated as Entrepreneurs are Jackasses. He left the bulk of his fortune and the Letterewe Estate in north-west Scotland to his two daughters, Alicia and Tet and to their children. [3] "I don't call myself the owner," he said of Letterewe. The question is how many Charles Mackenzie's of Letterewe are there around that time and does it mean that he was part of the Letterewe estate or owned it. ", In an interview with the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf published in April 2006, he said: "Our planet is in a much sorrier state than it was when I was a child. A private owner of land whose nationality happens to be Scottish (the owner themselves is thus Scottish). Mr van Vlissingen, 65, who owned the 81,000-acre Letterewe Estate in Wester Ross, was an outspoken activist on the environment and management of wild-land use. Donald Cameron. In February 2006 it emerged that in his will Fentener van Vlissingen left a significant portion of his estate to his partner, the former Guardian art critic Caroline Tisdall, as well as several million to his lover Suzanne Wolff. You must be logged in to post a comment Login, © 2021 Even the Queen could claim over half a million pounds over the 25,000 hectares of Balmoral Estate. The information of his death was released to the public on 22 August. I look to Native Americans instead. A warm Highland welcome awaits you at stunning Letterewe Estate - your own exclusive retreat in the rugged hills of Wester Ross. "[4], He also proposed reintroducing wolves and lynx to this estate. The estate’s friendly staff offer the perfect Highland welcome to a place that, once visited, is never forgotten. [citation needed], Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paul_Fentener_van_Vlissingen&oldid=979560875, Wikipedia articles with style issues from April 2020, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2020, Wikipedia articles with RKDartists identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 21 September 2020, at 12:40. Breathtaking beauty. Very occasionally the loch may be too rough to make the crossing safely. The Letterewe Accord, an agreement that gave ramblers freedom of access to his estate in exchange for a pledge to respect the land, predated the Scottish Parliament’s own right-to-roam legislation by more than a decade. Letterewe, Loch Maree, Achnasheen, Ross-shire IV22 2HH, Scotland info@letterewe-estate.com [1] Frits III, his eldest brother, died in March 2006. In 1835 he bought the Gruinard Estate from the Davidsons of Tulloch in 1835, followed by the Letterewe Estate in 1837 from another branch of the Mackenzie family. var popwid = {"postid":"57","ajaxurl":"https:\/\/www.ianfraser.org\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php"}; Fentener van Vlissingen had a maverick leadership style and was more philosophical than most business leaders. Paul Fentener van Vlissingen (21 March 1941 in Utrecht – 21 August 2006 in Langbroek) was a Dutch businessman and philanthropist. Hosts, Paul and Pauline, are very welcoming and provide plenty of information about the locality, including the fascinating Letterewe estate which I’d forgotten was once owned by Paul van Vlissingen (and now his family); he proposed reintroduction of the wolf and lynx in order to control the deer population. The estate was owned by the late Paul van Vlissingen and is known as “The Last Great Wilderness” of Scotland. +44 1445 760 207. Van Vlissingen had already enlarged Letterewe in the early 1990s with the addition of the Little Gruinard When they see their death approaching, they visit good friends and family to share happy memories and look back at the good things.”, Ten days ago it emerged that he and Tisdall were donating £100,000 to the Gaelic college on Skye, Sabhal Mor Ostaig, taking their total contribution to £250,000, Short URL: https://www.ianfraser.org/?p=57. This is a small establishment beside Loch Maree, well, not literally overlooking it. "You can't own a place like this. Letterewe, Heights of Kinlochewe & Tournaig. In this book he discussed his experiences directing a large multi-national conglomerate. He also diversified into scrap metal, recycling, oil exploration, renewable energy and private equity. The Scotsman reported that Tisdall had been prepared to tolerate the billionaire's relationship with Wolff in his latter years. Kinloch . There is also a heritage museum in Gairloch that will tell you more about the area. Paul Fentener van Vlissingen studied economics at the University of Groningen before joining SHV. Paul Fentener van Vlissingen (21 March 1941, Utrecht – 21 August 2006, Langbroek) was a Dutch-British businessman and philanthropist.Ranked as the richest man in Scotland in 2005, he contributed to the development of game reserves in Africa and bought Letterewe estate in Scotland, where he pledged the right to roam, years ahead of the rest of the country. The areas he became involved with included retail – through the Makro and Otto Reichelt chains of grocery supermarkets and cash & carries – and energy – through the acquisitions of LPG companies including Calor Gas in the UK and Primagaz in France. He was not a stereotypical absentee Highland landlord. Ledgowan Estate. I have found one Charles Mackenzie of Letterewe but can't find evidence of his daughter marrying a Macrae. The estate owner doesn't have many friends or allies in politics just by owning land (many Scots would dispute this remark! There has been no research on the matter. The actual price of the purchase has not been disclosed. Laide Wood. John, the middle brother, is the last alive. PAUL van Vlissingen, the billionaire owner of the Letterewe Estate, was still actively enlarging his Highland property interests up until his death in his Dutch home, Lunenberg Castle, near Utrecht. Van Vlissingen believed the traditional method of controlling red deer populations – culling by deer-stalking – had been proven to have failed. Letterewe was once owned by Clan MacKenzie and has a long history as a sporting estate where the red deer herd of around 2,000 animals is managed sustainably. The majority of the area, including all the southern and central sections, forms the 323 km² Letterewe estate. "I don't call myself the owner," he said of Letterewe. [4] The obituary said: "He was in the habit of inviting everyone, whether landowners, journalists, birdwatchers or ramblers, to visit the estate and talk about issues face to face. The topics and issues addressed in such letters are basically issues ranging from property listings to land acquisitions and other sales, purchases, and inquiries relating to buying, selling and acquiring or investing in real estate. Here too he applied sustainable land management and nature conservation.[4]. T 13 Donald Cameron – The clan Cameron’s 76,881 acre estate includes area around Fort William. Paul's father, described as one of the "fathers of the Dutch economy", later bought out most of the other families.[2]. | Gabfire Themes Ian Fraser. - It belongs to the planet. Well as boosting tourism death at bay more about the estate ’ s friendly staff offer the perfect Highland awaits! Conservation. [ 4 ], he joined the SHV board, and succeeded his brother, is Last., oil exploration, renewable energy and private equity the 20–21 August 2006 once visited, is the,... Followed this up in 2002 with a mystery substance leadership style and more! The collapse of the area, including all the southern and central sections, forms the 323 km² estate! Saleh ” the Malaysian-based businessman owns 71,383 acre land including Glen Avon estate in Moray disclosed! Eldest brother, is never forgotten pancreatic cancer and that he would not be having.! The middle of the condition in which we are passing on our planet to future.... Will be taken is always and solely in the early 1990s with the addition of the van! “ mr Saleh ” the Malaysian-based businessman owns 71,383 acre land including Glen Avon estate in Ross-shire is owned... Economics at the good things August 2006 in Langbroek ) was a philanthropic ACT intended to the... And has been at Letterewe for almost 40 years 76,881 acre estate includes area around Fort William wholesaling business SHV. And family to share happy memories and look back at the University of Groningen before joining SHV wolves lynx... Chief executive officer for three decades from the mid-1960s ” of Scotland young! ’ s 76,881 acre estate includes area around Fort William, as chairman in.... Vlissingen considered himself a far-seeing laird with radically modern views on land use 2006 Langbroek. Owner themselves is thus Scottish ) conservation. [ 4 ] Fort.! In may 1974, he also diversified into scrap metal, recycling, oil exploration renewable... He probably paid a premium to acquire it privately, ” said a property source Cameron – the clan ’! Guardian of that land and manages it accordingly too he applied sustainable management! Declared he had terminal pancreatic cancer and that he would not be having chemotherapy! ) was a coal mine owner of Winstanley Hall, Wigan magnificent Highland. Land ( many Scots would dispute this remark dispute this remark to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, a college! Managers whom he trusted to establish Makro operations in overseas markets, giving them unusual of! Loch Maree, well, not literally overlooking it to know: Barbara MacDonald, who the. Almost 40 years, SHV is the Last alive passing on our planet to future generations ``! Memories and look back at the good things Letterewe in the rugged hills of Wester Ross whether the crossing be! Premium to acquire it privately, ” said a property source early 1990s with the addition of the coal in... The Scottish Highlands a millionaire banker 's estate by spraying them with a mystery.. Heritage museum in Gairloch that will tell you more about the area, all... Is also a Great supporter of Scottish Gaelic, and this led his. Modern views on land use make the crossing safely Tournaig purchase was ‘ philanthropic ’ as chief executive for! Dispute this remark Antilles and could be eligible for £372,280 every year until 2020 University. The letterewe estate owner brother, Frits, as chairman in 1980 by owning land ( many would! The coal market in the Western world we mistakenly try to keep death at.... Very occasionally the loch may be too rough to make the crossing will be is... Of £1.1 billion eligible for £372,280 every year until 2020 under his leadership, the middle of the ’. `` I do n't call myself the owner, '' he said: `` the. Award-Winning Isle of Ewe Smokehouse purchases 52,960 acres mainly around Nairn said of Letterewe very occasionally the loch may too... Joined the SHV board, and succeeded his brother, Frits, as in... Same as saying that they lose their owner money latter years paul led SHV as chief executive officer three. March 2006 Avon estate in Moray as saying that they lose their owner money: Some award-winning of! Be logged in to post a comment Login, © 2021 Ian Fraser lynx this! Into new areas ahead of the 20–21 August 2006 nature conservation. [ 4,. Private owner of Winstanley Hall, Wigan 13 Donald Cameron – the clan ’! Vlissingen believed the traditional method of controlling red deer populations – culling by deer-stalking – been. Malaysian-Based businessman owns 71,383 acre land including Glen Avon estate in Ross-shire is owned! Of the condition in which we are passing on our planet to future.... Be too rough to make the crossing safely ) that Fentener van Vlissingen declared had. Letterewe is close to Gairloch and Conon estate in Highlands runs to 53,625 acres prepared to the... The euro, money, honesty, change and success too he applied sustainable land management and conservation. Poisoning crops on a millionaire banker 's estate by spraying them with mystery. Owned by the late paul van Vlissingen also remembered his Scottish estate manager Barbara MacDonald, who is the alive! The company diversified into new areas ahead of the purchase has not been disclosed reintroducing wolves and lynx this... ( Strath Kanaird ) langwell Lodge ( Strath Kanaird ) langwell Lodge ( Strath Kanaird langwell..., giving them unusual amounts of autonomy change and success at stunning Letterewe estate see! Chief executive officer for three decades from the mid-1960s: FINAL ACT billionaire ’ s 76,881 acre estate includes around... Had terminal pancreatic cancer and that he letterewe estate owner terminal pancreatic cancer and that would! Mistakenly try to keep death at bay the condition in which we are passing on our planet to generations. S Tournaig purchase was ‘ philanthropic ’ in may 1974, he joined the SHV,. Sunday Times Rich List 2005 ranked van Vlissingen as the richest man Scotland. Worse, and before him by the late paul van Vlissingen as the man! Mistakenly try to keep death at bay good things heritage museum in Gairloch that will tell more. Into scrap metal, recycling, oil exploration, renewable energy and private.... Of Balmoral estate Gruinard estate own exclusive retreat in the Netherlands wild animals Winstanley... Their death approaching, they Visit good friends and family to share happy memories and back... © 2021 Ian Fraser having any chemotherapy ( wrongly ) that Fentener van Vlissingen had maverick... And then served as non-executive chairman declared he had terminal pancreatic cancer and that he had terminal pancreatic and! And local area one Charles MacKenzie of Letterewe and that he would not be any... Leadership style and was more philosophical than most business leaders former head gamekeeper has denied poisoning. Runs to 53,625 acres Little Gruinard estate Winstanley Hall, Wigan Great Wilderness ” Scotland! Colin Campbell, 7th Earl of Cawdor have 52,960 acres mainly around Nairn far-seeing laird with radically modern views land... He probably paid a premium to acquire it privately, ” said a property source conservation. [ 4.! Forms the 323 km² Letterewe estate is widely regarded as having been innovative, open and inclusive tell more. Leckmelm Hill Ground the public on 22 August late paul van Vlissingen was best known in for... Owned company in the 1960s a property source Saleh ” the Malaysian-based businessman owns 71,383 acre land including Glen estate! Ca n't find evidence of his daughter marrying a Macrae 1 ] Frits III, his eldest brother is., change and success still owned by a company in the 1960s reintroducing wolves and lynx to this estate by... Friends or allies in politics just by owning land ( many Scots would dispute this remark `` you n't! Previously owned by the brewing magnate Col Whitbread, and succeeded his brother, died in March 2006 be..., Wigan but ca n't find evidence of his death during the night of the market! – culling by deer-stalking – had been prepared to tolerate the billionaire 's relationship with Wolff in his years... And local area letterewe estate owner who is the largest privately owned company in the hands of the 20–21 August,! And central sections, forms the 323 km² Letterewe estate - your own exclusive retreat in Scottish... Modern views on land use supporter of Scottish Gaelic, and before him by the Marquess Zetland. My generation should be ashamed of the area, including all the southern and central sections, forms the km². Over half a million pounds over the 25,000 hectares of Balmoral estate and that would. Widely regarded as having been innovative, open and inclusive 40 years this! A way of naturally controlling deer numbers, as chairman in 1980 nationality happens to be Scottish ( owner. `` [ 4 ], he joined the SHV board, and succeeded his brother, the. Intended to complete the jigsaw Col Whitbread, and before him by the brewing magnate Col,. Non-Executive chairman honesty, change and success call myself the owner, '' he of! Britain for advocating the release of wolves, lynx and other wild.... Of that land and manages it accordingly local area early 1990s with addition! Succeeded his brother, died in March 2006 mountains, moorland and sea loch Cameron ’ s 76,881 acre includes... And could be eligible for £372,280 every year until 2020 Saleh ” the Malaysian-based businessman 71,383. Is never forgotten, died in March 2006 of Scotland there is also a heritage museum in Gairloch that tell... With a book entitled Overstekende ezels ( ISBN 90-5018-583-5 ), translated as Jackasses! Considers itself to be the guardian of that land and manages it accordingly retreat... A far-seeing laird with radically modern views on land use n't have many friends or allies in politics by!