Pool House is a former Clan Mackenzie house. Situated in the Londubh area of Poolewe, the Seaforth Mackenzies used Londubh as a port to sail to their estates on the Isle of Lewis. Pool House was used as an inn and was known for a time as the Londubh Inn.
The Inverewe and Kernsary Estate were sold to Mary Hanbury by the trustees of James Alexander Stewart Mackenzie of Seaforth who had died the previous year.
“Pool House of Inverewe” is well documented as an inn from the very early 1800’s until the 1840’s after which it was substantially enlarged and improved. In 1850 the widowed Lady Mackenzie and her eight year old son, Osgood Hanbury Mackenzie took up residence in the house with six staff including a butler, housekeeper, cook, maids and groom. Lady Mackenzie is shown as still residing in Pool House 10 years later in 1860 (Slaters Directory).
Osgood would go on to create his now world famous Inverewe Garden a short stroll around the bay. After building a new mansion within the garden, Osgood let Pool House to a succession of wealthy Victorian magnates who came to enjoy country pursuits such as fishing and deer stalking. One of his wealthy tenants was Sir Thomas Edwards-Moss who became Osgood’s father-in-law following his marriage to Minna Amy Edwards-Moss. The subsequent breakdown of their marriage caused a national sensation and scandalised Victorian society. Minna was responsible for the intricate carving of the banister rail on the main staircase of the house.
The house remained in Mackenzie ownership until around 1950 when it was sold. The current owner does, however, have Mackenzie heritage.
Pool House still retains its silverware stamped with the Mackenzie crest and also on display are Mackenzie costumes dating from the Victorian era through to the 1920’s, obtained from the Forres Heritage Trust.