Scottish castles continuing to draw interest from around the world

Country houses and castles in Scotland are proving popular with one Edinburgh agent reporting that the firm has more than 500 people on its books looking for this kind of property.

It seems that a piece of Scottish history is a huge draw to both UK based and international buyers. ‘Many tell us they have set their hearts on either a Scottish castle or a French chateau. Whereas France may have the edge with regard to weather, Scotland provides stiff competition when it comes to peace, tranquillity and history,’ said Jamie Macnab, head of the country house team at Savills in Edinburgh.

‘Not all are advertised and it can be beneficial to register with an agent with a view to avoiding competition from other buyers,’ he explained, adding the quality of life compared to other prime locations adds to the compelling reasons to buy in Scotland.

Recent sales include the £2.5 million Myres Castle in Auchtermuchty, Fife, which boasts 10 bedrooms, helicopter pad and tennis court as well as conference room and a walled garden styled on a design from the Vatican. It also has that most important history, dating back to 1530 and with connections to the Scottish kings.

‘The uplift in the economy is well documented and housing markets are now recovering all across the UK. Everyone is aware of the referendum, it causes uncertainty and that’s not good for any market, but it does seem as if the sentiment turned last year from being negative to positive,’ explained Macnab whose team specialises in selling higher value country houses, castles and golf related properties in St Andrews, Gleneagles and East Lothian.

Other castles currently on the market include five bedroom Gogar Castle on the edge of Edinburgh which has history and contemporary touches with a modern designer kitchen and a gym and games room.

17th century Moboddo Castle to the north of Fordoun and to the east of Auchenblae is regarded as a great base to enjoy the outdoors with golf courses nearby at Auchenblae, Edzell and Montrose, as well as fishing on the North and South Esks and the St Cyrus Nature Reserve and beach.