Scottish Castles For Sale 2023: Here are 9 stunning castles on the market in Scotland - if you have the cash to splash
A man’s home may be his castle – but the people looking to buy these properties will have a home that actually is a castle.
There are few more evocative sights in Scotland than centuries-old historic castles, set against backdrops of lochs, glens and mountains.
Many of these castellated and turreted buildings are in the hands of the National Trust of Scotland or Historic Scotland, run for the good of the nation and open to visitors wanting to know more about Scotland’s past.
But occasionally one of the approximately 3,000 castles in the country comes up for sale, offering property hunters the chance to buy into the dream of living like royalty.
Most come with extensive grounds and a host of original features, from huge main halls heated by vast fireplaces and vaulted ceilings, to walled gardens and estate cottages.
Of course all this comes at a price, with little chance of any change from a million pounds, but if you have the money they can offer both a remarkable place to live and a business opportunity – with tourists keen to stay in such fascinating and atmospheric places.
Here are nine castles currently on the market, how much you’ll need to buy them, and what they offer for the price.
More details are available from estate agents Savills, Strutt & Parker and Galbraith.
But occasionally one of the approximately 3,000 castles in the country comes up for sale, offering property hunters the chance to buy into the dream of living like royalty.
5. Fa'side Castle
If you have £1.7 million spare you could be the new owner of Fa'side Castle, set in the East Lothian countryside near Tranent. For that cash you get six bedrooms, three bathrooms and five public rooms, all contained in a historic 14th century castle with views over the Firth of Forth. Features include a great hall complete with original stone built fireplace, flagstone floors, a glass walkway over the old dungeon, a roof top walkway and beamed ceilings.
Photo: Savills
6. Myres Castle
Set in 45 acres of ground near Auchtermuchty in Fife, Myres Castle dates back to the 16th century and has links with nearby Falkland Palace. It was built by John Scrymgeour, who refurbished both Falkland and Holyrood palaces for James V. It's now a modern home with five reception rooms, 10 bedrooms with bathrooms, and two kitchens. For a cool £3.5 million starting price you also get a cottage and gate lodge, outbuildings, a garden room, a walled gardem, a maze, a pond, a tennis court, and even a helicopter pad.
Photo: Savills
7. Earlshall Castle
If it's history that you're after then Earlshall Castle takes some beating, having been built by Sir William Bruce - a relative of King Robert de Bruce - in 1546. Mary Queen of Scots and James VI of Scotland are among the royal visitors to have stayed in the castle, which is located near the Fife village of Leuchars just up the road from St Andrews. Restored by world-renowned architect Sir Robert Lorimer, it has 8 reception rooms, 10 bedrooms, 2 dressing rooms, 6 bathrooms and a garage with space for five cars. The 34 acres of ground include outbuildings, a magnificent walled garden, woodland and three cottages. You'll need a minimum of £8 million to move in.
Photo: Savills
8. Pirwindy Keep
Castles don't have to be enormous - Pirwindy Keep has a relatively manageable six bedrooms, three bathrooms and three public rooms. It may have only been built in 1998, but it has the looks of a traditional fortified keep designed to be defended against enemies. The 1.6 acres of garden include a summerhouse and a burn, all located near Largo in the highly sought after East Neuk of Fife. The owners are looking for offers over £1.95 million.
Photo: Savills