Recently, English magazine Country Life, bible of the arts, architecture and country life, published an indepth article on iconic rural properties for sale in the Scottish countryside. In the list of spectacular addresses, the historic medieval castles stand out.
Once owned by Scottish kings, they are now open to new (very) wealthy owners for a variety of reasons (including owners struggling to afford the running costs). Historical monuments, yes, but privately owned.
No armor and shields around the corners: redesigned for modern life, they combine the classic architecture of the Middle Ages with heated environments, swimming pools, tennis courts, saunas, golf courses, projection and game rooms and other modern gems, without opening the hand tradition some even offer a pet spirit.
From the UK publication’s extensive list, the most significant forts are highlighted with ‘For Sale’ signs on the drawbridge.
Earlshall Castle in Fife
Earlshall Castle in Fife
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Built in 1546 by a certain Sir William Bruce, chief of a clan always involved in battles and conspiracies, it was described as ‘a perfect example of a Scottish castle’. As early as the Middle Ages, the beautiful property experienced times of abandonment.
Partly destroyed, it was restored in 1892 by Sir Robert Lorimer in his pride. From then on it passed through countless hands, probably because all of its original decoration (tapestry, paintings, furniture) was lost over time only part of the decoration in tempera survives in the armory.
One of the rooms in Earlshall Castle in Fife
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On sale since August 2020 for £2.65m (approx. R$16m), it is a golf lover’s dream come true (there is an attached course).
Fa’side Castle in East Lothian
Fa’side Castle in East Lothian
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At seven thousand square feet, it was built in stages over the course of the 15th century and was, among other noble historical “influencers”, the home of Mary Stewart (or Mary I of Scotland), known as the “Queen of Scots”, whose busy life ended on the guillotine (1587).
Due to the then warlike relationship between the Scots and their English ‘cousins’ (remember Mel Gibson in ‘Braveheart’?) the castle was burned down and partially destroyed by the latter during the many battles between the factions.
It was rebuilt from the 16th century and then (1631) sold to a wealthy Edinburgh merchant. It fell into disrepair in the 19th century and was almost demolished in ruins in the 1970s. Redemption came in 1976 with renovation by the Fa’side Restoration Society.
One of the rooms in Fa’side Castle in East Lothian
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In addition to the oldest active golf course in the world, it has the advantage of being close to Edinburgh (25 kilometres). Price: £1.7 million (R$10.2 million).
Auchenbowie House in Stirling
Auchenbowie House in Stirling
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Halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, it was built around 1555 and was inhabited by nobles and monarchs. He was also a member of the historic Munro clan, a lineage originating in the Scottish Highlands.
In 1768 and much later, in the 19th century, it was renovated and its area expanded. In a more contemporary phase, it hosted celebrities visiting the region, as in the case of Sir Winston Churchill, then British Prime Minister.
A bargain compared to the others: “only” 1.3 million pounds (7.8 million R$).
Dornoch Castle in Sutherland
Dornoch Castle in Sutherland
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Now a hotel, it was built in the 15th Century to house the Congregation of Caithness Bishops. From 1557 it was in the hands of John Gordon, nobleman of possessions, famous Earl of Sutherland. In 1570 it was caught up in the fierce feud between two of the many hardworking Scottish clans of the day, the Murrays and the Mckays, and was burned to the ground.
Outlawed in the 18th century, it was restored between 1813 and 1814 to serve as the city’s school and prison (!) at the same time. In 1880, with another restoration, it became a lodge for lovers of sport hunting.
There, if you pay £2.5 million (R$15 million), you’ll get the ghost of one Andrew McCornish, a sheep thief who witnesses swear still shows up at the castle from time to time.
Brechin Castle in Angus
Brechin Castle in Angus
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The ‘grandfather’ of the Scottish castles on the site today, one of the most historically important in the country, dates back to the 13th century. And yes, it’s the most expensive on the list.
By the 18th century it was home to two medieval clans, Maule and Ramsay, which were then united under a single leadership. Lucky ones with 3 million pounds (R$18 million) can even fish for salmon and trout, either in the River Esk that flows alongside or in the pool itself, which acts as a sort of private fishing at Brechin Castle. and pay.
One of the gardens at Brechin Castle in Angus
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Oh yes: like a kingdom, the price includes countless other smaller properties scattered around the castle.