Home in private railway station up for sale

ONE OF Scotland’s quirkiest homes has hit the market - a 19th century private railway station built for aristocrats.

East Lodge was constructed in the grounds of Castle Grant in Morayshire, once home to disgraced former Rangers owner Craig Whyte.

The Earl of Seafield and his family would transfer directly from the train into the lodge before going downstairs to where their carriage would await.

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They would then take the short ride to the door of their castle, without having to mingle with other passengers.

The opulent Baronial style train station, known locally as Lady Catherine’s Halt, even has a drum tower and turrets.

It was built in 1863 by the Inverness & Perth Junction Railway Company in thanks to the Earl who allowed them to run the railway line through his estate.

The A-listed building has since undergone significant refurbishment and converted into a unique three-bedroom house on the market for just £335,000.

It was once part of the ground of Castle Grant which hit the headlines in 2014 after being repossessed from former Rangers owner Craig Whyte.

The castle was reportedly bought by Sergey Fedotov, director general of the Russian Author’s Society, for £1m.

The sales particulars for the lodge explain: “The property is situated within the Cairngorms National Park and enjoys lovely open views over the local countryside and beyond.

“It is accessed via a magnificent, tall round-headed ashlar granite archway with shaped wallhead and crenelated bartizans corbelled out each side as well as a coat of arms in the centre.

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“The entrance vestibule leads to the hallway, accessed via a leaded glass door. There is a storage cupboard, shower room and a sitting room with turret room.

“The kitchen and dining area are open plan and this has created a relaxing, bright and airy living space with ample space for entertaining guests.”

Kevin Maley of Strutt & Parker, the agent selling East Lodge, said: “Having completed the successful sale of Castle Grant last year, it is good to be now selling this impressive lodge.

“It has a certain grandeur, yet is also a very nice family home without the running costs of a castle.”