Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale - Country Life

We take a look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland.

The agents quote Country Life as dubbing this ‘Scotland’s most important Greek revival house’, and while we couldn’t locate that precise wording in the archive, we did find it referred to as ‘one of Europe’s finest neo-classical buildings’, which, frankly, sounds even better.

Those words came from an article about the house’s sale back in 1991, at which point it was in a horrendous state and in danger of being lost forever.

As you can see from the picture here, James Playfair’s 1791 design is now in fine fettle as it heads well into the third century of its existence, with ten bedrooms, seven reception rooms and 16 lovely acres of gardens.

For sale with Knight Frank. See more pictures of this property.

An estate rather than a castle yet no less grand for all that — at least in its grandest areas, for Powfoulis Manor offers a huge mix of buildings for its asking price.

Powfoulis was in the hands of the Bruce family from the 16th century for ten generations, but it was converted into a hotel after the Second World War and is still set up as such. There is a dining room that can seat 50, a bar, and 16 guest rooms as well as a fine owner’s apartment in this B-Listed manor house situated in beautiful gardens and grounds.

With Falkirk and Stirling both close, and Edinburgh an easy commute, it’s not hard to see (subject to appropriate permissions) somebody turning this into a sumptuous country home.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures of this property.

Earlshall Castle, just outside Leuchars — just a few minutes’ drive from St Andrews, and with direct trains to Edinburgh — is a picture-perfect castle that’s been looking for a new owner for a while, yet it’s undoubtedly a splendid property.

The agents describe it as ‘one of the best kept 16th century houses in Scotland’, and the pictures here show the astonishingly good state of everything from external stonework to the barrel-vaulted ceilings within.

The gardens are famous, and one of the great highlights of the place, having been restored to glory by the great Scots architect Sir Robert Latimer.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures of this property.

If you think of castles as draughty and forbidding , Myres Castle will cure you: this couldn’t be a lovelier, more liveable family home within.

There are grand rooms within but a surprisingly homely feel throughout, particularly in the dining kitchen and drawing room.

The formal gardens are wonderfully pretty and include a maze and ponds, as well as numerous outbuildings (including further accommodation beyond the 10 bedrooms of the main house) and 45 acres of land.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures of this property.

The name ‘Pirwindy Keep’ conjures images of an edifice that might have stood for a millennium, yet this unusual home is less than a quarter of a century old.

Built in 1998, it’s built in the style of a traditional Scottish castle keep, formed into a six-bedroom home that’s warm, well insulated and well-appointed.

There’s over 5,000 sq ft of living space and lovely gardens, while St Andrews and the delightful villages of the East Neuk are just a few miles away.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures of this property.

The castles that makes this list quite often have remote locations — sometimes that’s part of the appeal, of course, but other buyers need to be closer to the main hubs of Scotland. Those buyers will be excited by Brankstone Grange Castle in Clackmannanshire, which is easily accessible to both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

It’s a beautiful estate designed by David Bryce of Edinburgh around 1864, with later additions by Sir R R Anderson leaving it as it is today: a handsome stone-built baronial mansion with a castellated tower.

Don’t expect the full suits-of-armour-in-the-hallway vibe here, however: it’s been well kept by the present owners in a very pleasant and liveable style that mixes modern looks with the 150-year-old architecture.

For sale with Strutt & Parker. See more pictures of this property or request further details from the agent.

A true 14th century landmark rising proudly from surrounding farmland, the magnificent Fa’side Castle commands spectacular views over the Forth Estuary and the Lothians. Despite its historic origins, it is well designed for modern life with practical kitchen, magnificent hall and five bedrooms in addition to unique B&B accommodation in a tower and two cottages.

For those with a head for heights, it features a glass walkway atop an old dungeon and a foof top walkway to take in the panoramic views, as well as many classic features of the era.

Excellent transport links mean Edinburgh is an easy commute. Excellent local schools are within easy reach and the locality boasts the oldest golf course in the world — Musselborough — in addition to famous walking and cycling trails and wonderful beaches. The agents report that an offer has been received, but in these uncertain times we’d suggest that nothing is done until it’s done.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details about this property.

Brechin Castle is known as one of Scotland’s most ‘significant and historic castles’. Sitting on the banks of the River Esk, it comes complete with 40 acres, two gate lodges plus several other estate houses and cottages.

The castle was built on the site of an old fortress, once belonging to Scottish Kings, however the current property was constructed in the early 1700’s over existing parts of the castle which date back to the early 13th century.

Keen anglers will rejoice at the Salmon and Sea Trout fishing on offer in the river, caught in the castle pool.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures of this property or request further details from the agent.

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Dornoch Castle dates from the 15th century and is currently run as a 22-bed hotel set within spacious walled gardens.

Great care has been taken to preserve the castles historic character — with original 15th century stonework decorating the walls of the bar area and many of the bedrooms featuring open fires.

The castles launch onto the market provides a wonderful opportunity to run a fantastic lifestyle business that is already well-established and well-renowned.

For sale with Strutt & Parker. See more pictures of this property or request further details from the agent.

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