Mystery sale of equestrian estate denied

A Scottish aristocrat said he was stunned to find his estate and equestrian centre advertised for sale for £16.5 million.

Lord Rowallan said the Rowallan Activity Centre on the outskirts of Kilmarnock was definitely not for sale, despite two detailed adverts on the property sites Zoopla and Rightmove.

The 62-year-old peer, otherwise known as Johnny Corbett, runs the business with his wife, Claire. On being told that it was listed for sale, he said: "There is no truth in this at all. I’m going to find out what this is all about."

The detailed online descriptions say the business has a turnover of £1m a year and claim it has "excellent potential", an "excellent reputation" and "excellent growth opportunities". The estate features one of Europe’s largest equestrian arenas and a restaurant and pub.

The land also comes with planning consent for a 22-room hotel with health club and swimming pool at Rowallan. The two estate agents handling the "sale" are Surrey-based Robert Leech & Partners and Middlesex firm Turner Butler.

A spokesman for Turner Butler said they were unable to comment on the details behind the sale due to being bound "by a confidentiality agreement".