8 spectacular Scottish castles for sale now
Scottish castles are steeped in centuries of history, embodying the charm and grandeur of a bygone era, making them not just fascinating landmarks but also unique and extraordinary places to live. Traditionally, these grand residences were built for the purposes of protection: castle walls were used to keep invaders out, and towers and turrets provided a great viewpoint from which to see attacks coming. Now this is not such a threat, and such features have become charming hallmarks of a building's history. Living in a Scottish castle places you within the walls of history. These structures often date back to the medieval period, with many built between the 12th and 16th centuries as fortified strongholds for clan leaders and nobles.
Scotland is known for its rugged, landscapes, and many of these castles for sale are set in breathtaking locations that make them highly desirable places to live. From coastal clifftops to the moon-like surroundings of the Highlands, Scottish castles are often surrounded by natural beauty.
Many of these castles have undergone careful restoration, preserving their historical integrity while incorporating modern luxuries. Typical architectural features include vaulted ceilings, uniquely shaped rooms in towers, sprawling grounds and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Many of the Scottish castles currently on the market have undergone major renovations, and some include things like helipads, streams, pools and spas.
Are you in the market for a sprawling estate and a centuries-old castle to boot? Look no further for our pick of the best…
Spectacular Scottish castles for sale now
1/8Fa'side Castle, East Lothian
Scottish castles are some of the world's most beautiful buildings. Often known for their high ceilings and cavernous rooms, castles are many things (charming, historic, striking) but ‘cosy’ isn't usually one of them. Enter Fa’side Castle: a neatly formed little stone castle with rich historical elements, thick lime walls and picture-perfect turrets.
The 7,411 square-foot castle is listed with Savills for £1,450,000
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2/8Ormiston Castle, Kirknewton
There is little information to be gleaned from the online listing of this 16th-century tower house, but what we can work out is that its current owners have embraced the idea of living like royalty. 15 acres of land play host to a tennis court, stables and a dressage riding arena. Inside, six bedrooms and five bathrooms make for a very comfortable family home. There's even a cinema room, which is decorated in keeping with the luxurious, opulent style which is found throughout the rest of the house. The Gogar Burn river runs through the estate, offering ample opportunity for fishing and swimming.
Ormiston Castle is listed with Ellisons for £3.5 million
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3/8Kelly Castle, Arbirlot
Set within 33 acres of land – which includes a 9 hole golf course – this 16th-century castle even comes with its own baronial title: Baron of Kelly in Angus is available by separate negotiation. The history of the castle dates back to the Norman era, when a Norman Settler, Philip de Moubray obtained the land from William the Lion, King of Scotland. In the centuries since, the castle has passed through many hands, and its most recent owners have occupied the grand estate since 2001. Careful to preserve the historic charm of the castle and its interiors, they have meticulously restored architectural features such as wood panelling and plasterwork.
Kelly Castle is listed with Strutt and Parker for £2.3 million
4/8Earlshall Castle, Leuchars
According to Savills, this is “one of the best kept 16th-century houses in Scotland, set within a world-famous walled garden beautifully restored by Sir Robert Lorimer”. Earlshall Castle is just outside Leuchars, a short drive from St Andrews and an hour by train or car from Edinburgh. It's perhaps on the modest end of things as the castles on this list go, with 53 acres, three cottages and a few outbuildings accompanying the castle itself. Inside, there's a long hall and a great hall, multiple panelled rooms and some interesting murals to boot.
Earlshall Castle is listed with Savills for £8 million
Strutt & Parker5/8Brankstone Grange Castle, Bogside
Believed to date from around 1864, Brankstone Grange Castle in Bogside, West Fife, was designed by David Bryce and Sir R R Anderson. The castle is striking, stone-built baronial mansion with a feature castellated tower. At almost 11,000 square feet, the property is arranged over three floors, with two extra floors in the tower. Recent thorough renovations mean the castle is turn-key ready, a rarity for such a historic property.
Brankstone Grange is listed with Strutt & Parker for £3,950,000
Strutt & Parker6/8Carbisdale Castle, Ardgay
Described by the estate agent as ‘one of the Highlands most iconic castles occupying the most prominent position of any building in Scotland,’ Carbisdale Castle is a large baronial mansion. The castle has recently undergone major renovations to both restore the historic grandeur of the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland’s original creation, paired with all the modern fixtures and fittings (including a spa and swimming pool) to ensure a truly luxurious home.
Carbisdale is listed with Strutt & Parker for £5,000,000
7/8Beldorney Castle
Built in the 16th century, Beldorney Castle is a picturesque property and one of the earliest Z-plan castles in the North-East of Scotland, with a rich historical lineage spanning centuries and with links to powerful Scottish clans. The sellers are seeking a buyer who shares their vision to deliver rewilding at scale by 'investing in the estate which is being managed for the twin purposes of nature recovery and community prosperity.’
Beldorney Estate is listed with Strutt & Parker for offers over £5,000,000.
Exposure Photography8/8Seton Castle, Longniddry, East Lothian
This Robert Adam masterpiece on located on the site of Seton Palace, Mary Queen of Scots' preferred residence. Arranged over four floors with U shaped wings around a parterre courtyard, the interiors are a combination of elegant Georgian design with modern amenities. The historic castle also comes with a helipad, stream and parkland grazing.
Seton Castle is listed with Savills for £8,000,000
