Balcarres has remained in the possession of the Lindsay family since 1586 when John Lindsay purchased the semi-fortified tower house that had originally been built in 1505. The property has undergone considerable alteration since then with two major extensions added: in 1840, General James Lindsay commissioned the distinguished architect William Burn to design the south west wing and in 1864, Sir Coutts Lindsay engaged David Bryce to construct an extensive addition to the northern aspect of the property.

Sir Coutts was also responsible for the design and construction of the striking garden terraces, which form part of the wider landscaped park and gardens surrounding the house.

The family maintains a longstanding and close connection with the local community—particularly the village of Colinsburgh, named after the 3rd Earl of Balcarres, Colin Lindsay. In the early 18th century, he founded the village directly south of the park to provide homes for soldiers who had served under his command.

In 1986, the family leased the house, along with its gardens and parkland, to a charitable organisation—The Balcarres Heritage Trust—which now holds responsibility for the care and maintenance of the property.

Through recent years, significant investment has been made in the fabric of the Estate, with improvements to farm buildings, housing stock, woodlands, and environmental practices aimed at encouraging a greater diversity of wildlife.

The principal commercial activities on the Estate are farming and the provision of residential accommodation in the farmhouses and cottages.  A new holiday letting business has developed which has brought new faces to this corner of Fife and helped to boost the economic activity in the area.

Farming

The majority of the agricultural land is farmed in-hand in partnership with contractors. The principal crops include wheat, barley (primarily for the brewing industry), oats, and a range of vegetables such as peas, carrots, and broccoli. Almost all produce is sold into local markets. A substantial area of permanent pasture supports the rearing of cattle and sheep.

In recent years, the Estate has embarked on its own cattle enterprise which is focused on a grass fed rotational adaptive multi-paddock grazing system (AMP grazing or Mob grazing) in collaboration with Gilston Estate, utilising the coastal grassland. Mob grazing is short duration, high density grazing which allows the grass a significant recovery period. We have already seen a transformation in enhanced soil structure, increased organic matter leading to carbon sequestration, increased biodiversity and healthier cattle.

This initiative has involved the removal of several kilometres of traditional wire and barbed fencing, replacing it with a simple two-strand electric system that has significantly enhanced the landscape. Cattle now overwinter comfortably on this coastal pasture, with the land naturally fertilised by the livestock, reducing the need for artificial inputs.

Farming practices have evolved dramatically over time. Today, the Estate prioritises soil fertility and sustainable land use through Integrated Farm Management principles. The incorporation of green manure and cover crops into the rotation improves soil organic matter and provides essential nutrients for subsequent plantings. The Estate fully recognises that maintaining soil health is fundamental to the long-term viability of food production.

House and Holiday Rentals

Balcarres is widely regarded as a highly desirable place to live. The Estate offers a range of two- and three-bedroom cottages and several traditional farmhouses, set across its 4,500 acres. Tenant turnover is low, reflecting the popularity and stability of the community.

In addition, guests now have the opportunity to stay on the Estate in one of four beautifully appointed and distinctive holiday lodges – The East Lodge, North Lodge, South Lodge and Lathallan Mill Farmhouse.

These charming and beautifully decorated properties offer visitors the chance to experience the tranquillity and natural beauty of the Estate while enjoying all that the East Neuk has to offer.

Woodland and Environment

The Estate encompasses approximately 800 acres of woodland, which are actively maintained as both a community amenity and a valuable environmental resource. Considerable emphasis is placed on conservation and biodiversity, with ongoing initiatives including the establishment of grass margins, the planting of new hedgerows, and the creation of ponds. A red squirrel conservation programme, now several years in progress, continues to show promising results.

The Estate has long collaborated with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) on a project aimed at increasing the population of corn buntings along its coastal lands. Through the annual sowing of narrow strips of bird-friendly seed mixtures, the Estate has created a more supportive habitat not only for corn buntings but also for other species such as grey partridges.

In 2023, the Estate took part in the Balcaskie Wetlands Restoration Project, focused on the upper reaches of the Dreel Burn. This initiative sought to address the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss by restoring wetland habitats. At Balcarres, a series of ‘leaky dams’ was constructed to slow water flow, helping to mitigate flooding while simultaneously creating broader wetland environments that support vulnerable species. The project was led by Balcaskie Estate, supported by the Forth Rivers Trust, and funded by both the Fife Environmental Trust and the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund.

In 2024, Balcarres, in partnership with the Gilston and Kilconquhar Estates, participated in a research initiative led by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) to improve understanding of snipe migration routes. Their research study covers 3 areas, Cornwall, Northern Ireland and Fife.  Four snipe were successfully caught and tagged with Transmitter Terminals at Balcarres and Kilconquhar.  These transmitters enable their movements to be monitored for educational and conservation purposes.

The Estate is also home to over 40 beehives. As key pollinators, the bees play a crucial role in both agricultural and ecological systems. The hives are strategically placed to complement the cropping programme, thereby enhancing crop yields, while also supporting the pollination of wild plants, which benefit a variety of birds, mammals, and insects dependent on their seeds and fruits.

Community

The Estate continues to maintain a close and supportive relationship with the village, providing the recreation ground with a football pitch and also a woodland area regularly used by the local primary school as well as walkers.

Recently, the Estate leased 4.5 hectares of land behind the Town Hall and Primary School to the Community Trust for the development of a communal garden, featuring raised beds for growing fruit and vegetables. The wider plan also includes the creation of an orchard, the planting of hedges and trees, and an expanded play area for the school.