In 1768, the property was purchased by by Scottish doctor Lewis Hutchinson, who gained a reputation as "The Mad Doctor". He was known to shoot passers-by from the estate's circular towers, causing the locals to avoid it as much as possible. However, the main road of the area lay parallel to the manor, meaning travelers were an easy target for Hutchinson. His victims would be robbed off their valuables, following which their bodies were tossed into a nearby sinkhole.