The 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade

(1 Samodzielna Brygada Spadochronowa)

What Hope Is There
For Largo House?

A Largo House Copy

If you are like me, it's hard not to get a bit emotional about Largo House in Upper Largo, Fife. Such rich history pre WW2 followed by being such a landmark in the history of my grandfathers time with The 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade (1 Samodzielna Brygada Spadochronowa) and no doubt your relative too.

There are a lot of people that would like to see Largo House restored, perhaps as a museum acknowledging the Polish soldiers training in WW2 there.

Historic Scotland have an interest in the property as do Fife Scotland, but ensuring it's survival needs much more than reports, documents and say-so.

Sadly, the picture above is not Largo House. It's a take on it's design by a new build house. But what a thought! Imagine if Largo House was rebuilt!

The Ruin Of Largo House Today

I've been at Largo house this year and last year, nature is reclaiming it, going there is downright dangerous now, such is the predicament of the building.

Here's a few resources I came across that show the condition of Largo House today, the second video is outstanding.

Restoration Costs & Valuations

I did some digging around and found what it would cost to restore. Below are some estimates from various years, its rather scary how quickly it has gotten into the sort of money that would finance a small country!

It's also noticeable how planning has been sought on it yet nothing has happened.

  • 1980 - Repair costs estimated at £600K. Owners sought to demolish it but it was denied (thank goodness!)
  • 1990 - Planning permission sought to turn it into apartments
  • 1993 - Property is marketed for £100K in Country Life
  • 1994 - repairs Estimated at £1.4M
  • 2002 - Property is marketed at £2M
  • 2007 - Report highlights that deterioration is now rapidly accelerating

Why Is Largo House In Upper Largo Being Left To Rot?

It's easy to believe that the house was bought and then left to rot away. On the contrary, in 1901 17 estates were left as inheritance to one person. This persons descendants, to this day continue to own this property.

This family, the Maitland Makgill Chrichton family of Monzie Castle, Crieff will not sell to anyone and insist that the property and surrounding area is developed . Meantime, the house continues to rot away.