Old Largo Estate ~ Largo House Traditional Cache
This cache has been locked, but it is available for viewing.
Old Largo Estate ~ Largo House
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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One of three caches set in the old Estate of Largo
This cache has been set for the Lang Spoon Stirs Again Event please do not find or log prior to Friday 3rd April 2009.
Park at Largo Church and follow the GPS arrow past the old East Lodge.
Large mansion house between Upper Largo & Lundin Links in Fife.
The designer
Building commenced on this John Adam styled mansion in 1753 for estate landowner James Durham and served as the house for this important local family. Aside from this, the house was also a prominant local employer.
The Owner
Sir Philip Charles Henderson Calderwood Durham, Admiral of the Red. He was born on 29.7.1763. In 1777 he entered the R.N aged 14 joining the ship of the line HMS Trident. On 29th August 1782, while watch officer onboard the HMS Royal George, the ship , which was heeled for repairs, suddenly and catastrophically sank at Spithead. Being on deck, Durham was able to swim to safety, but the Admiral and over 800 persons lost their lives. He went on to have a long naval career which can be read about on many internet sites.
The House
During the second World War, it served as HQ for the Independent Polish Parachute Brigade who fought under General Sosabowski in Operation Market-Garden and then it housed the Polish Military Geographical Institute until 1946.
Declared derelict in 1951, the roof was removed (allegedly to avoid paying taxes) and it was left to rot.
In 1980 the owner of the building sought to demolish it as it had lain derelict for 30 but this led to strong opposition from the Scottish Civic Trust and demolition plans are refused. In 1990, the owner submits plans for a housing development in the grounds of the house and neighbouring farm but this again is rejected with Fife Council sanctioning only the resoration of the house itself.
In 1997, reports surface that a Scottish financier is hoping to purchase and restore the house. Restoration is estimated at £1.8 million and could take 5-6 years. however the owner reports that she has decided not to sell or develop the house at present. Deveopment ideas and planning applications/restrictions are argued over for the next ten years with little or no progress being made.
Today in 2009 and nothing has happened, the house sits there slowly being taken back by nature....
You will have to jump the fence to get the cache.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
haqre snyyra oybpxf pbirerq ol onex naq fgbarf