Built around 1850 by the Johnstone family, sugar planters from Jamaica, the Kingswood remained a private residence until around 1930. In 1986 the hotel was purchased by Rankin and Kathryn Bell who have personally managed it ever since. The Kingswood was sympathetically extended in 1990 to include the Alexander Suite and Conservatory. Further extensions and major alterations were completed in 2003/2004, doubling the size of the restaurant, Alexander Suite, reception and lounge area. From the grounds of the Kingswood you can see the monument commemorating the place where Alexander III, the last Celtic King of Scotland, fell from his horse to his death.