32 bedroom coastal castle which boasts an on-site pub, cottages and 'Europe's largest treehouse' for sale in beautiful Highland location

This 15th century castle, said to be haunted by a ghost in a red ballgown, has been put on the market a guide price of £3.9m, a mark down from its original £4.5m price tag.

The A-listed venue, which has 17 bedrooms and a range of converted outbuildings within 30 acres of land, has been a retreat for celebrities including Sir Richard Branson and Billy Connolly, and in 2015 hosted the stars of reality television show The Only Way is Essex.

Picture: Knight Frank

Sellers Knight Frank says that Ackergill Tower, overlooking a sandy beach, is a high quality business with the capability of operating as a hotel, exclusive use, corporate, wedding or entertainment venue.

Not many hotels can boast of views of their own private beach, but this is just one of the many unique aspects of historical Ackergill Tower in Wick.

Built in the 15th century (but with reference to the land dating as far back as the mid-14th century), Ackergill Tower is awash with legend, family feuds and the odd ghost or two.

Picture: Knight Frank

Ownership of the Tower was passed down from Sir Reginald de Cheyne to his daughter where it remained in the family for eight generations.

A feud then ensued between clans Gunn, Keith and Sinclair, after which the Tower was acquired by John Campbell, the 2nd Earl of Breadalbane and Holland in 1676 as repayment of debts owed by the Sinclair’s.

After a period of neglect, Ackergill was bought by Sir William Dunbar of Hempriggs in 1699 and renovation work started.

The Dunbars’ remained the owners of the Tower until 1986 when it was sold and underwent further restorations.

Picture: Knight Frank

The current owners purchased Ackergill Tower in 2009 and have progressively improved and renovated the property, including the provision of additional accommodation in the adjacent former stables and the creation of a superb conference/ function facility for up to 200 guests.

Picture: Knight Frank

In addition to the uniqueness of the property itself and its accessible location, Ackergill Tower can offer real flexibility of use.

It can operate as either a traditional country house hotel business, an exclusive use wedding / party venue or a corporate launch and/or conference venue.

Picture: Knight Frank

Some of the properties can be used for self-catering accommodation whilst the main Tower remains as the ‘core’ hotel business.

Picture: Knight Frank

The main elements of the property include the tower, which is situated over five floors and a has a cellar; a ceilidh hall; Smugglers Inn pub; six cottages including Europe's largest treehouse and large storage barns.

Picture: Knight Frank

The grounds extrend to about 30 acres and include a Victorian walled garden, woodlands, formal lawns and an oval park which has two B-listed dovecots.

Picture: Knight Frank

Although remote, Ackergill Tower is about 3 miles from Wick airport, which, via either Aberdeen or Edinburgh, provides flight links to London and other airports. Alternatively there is a scenic drive from Inverness airport or there is a railway station at Wick.

Ackergill Castle is on the market with a guide price of £3.9m with Knight Frank.