Range of affordable estates in Scotland set to attract younger buyers

The range of estates for sale in Scotland could herald a new generation of owners as they become more affordable, it is claimed.

CKD Galbraith, one of Scotland’s leading specialists in the sale and management of country estates, say that a new generation of estate owners may be about to come to the fore.

A number of estates now on the market can be purchased for around the £1 million mark, offering agricultural, residential, sporting and renewable possibilities for prospective land owners.

The firm says that estate owners no longer necessarily hail from generations of the same family and might be self-made individuals or entrepreneurs from all over the world. These smaller more affordable estates now coming to the market are paving the way for new owners in the Highlands and Islands.

CKD Galbraith have recently brought to the market an historic residential and sporting estate on the Island of Rousay, regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of Orkney. Trumland Estate is for sale for offers over £950,000, comprising some 1,746 acres, a main house built in 1873 to the design of David Bryce, three estate cottages, a former coach house and sporting and sailing opportunities.

The firm believes that estates such as Trumland offer a tremendous opportunity to invest in a potentially gratifying project for those willing to manage and develop the land and housing.

Similarly, Tibertich, a small amenity estate in rural Argyll includes a four bedroom farmhouse, two holiday cottages and about 295.4 acres of land for offers in the region of £675,000. The estate has sporting potential, 98.8 acres of broadleaf woodland plantation and fishing rights on Lochan.

‘Many people would love the challenge and rewards that being a Scottish estate owner entails however most believe that owning a piece of Scotland’s natural heritage is well beyond their means. Although estate management is costly in both time and finances, small estates are often affordable and can provide additional income through holiday and sporting lets,’ said John Bound, head of estate sales for CKD Galbraith.

‘The firm has a number of estates on the market that present this opportunity to willing buyers. For example, Glenkerran is a private and peaceful amenity estate on the very scenic Kintyre Peninsula. The estate extends to around 497.26 acres in all and includes productive pasture and hill. There is also good sporting potential and a derelict cottage which could be developed in to holiday accommodation,’ he pointed out.

‘Most of these estates are in need of some investment to develop them into income-generating, well maintained properties. They offer the buyer something more than a straight forward residential home. You are purchasing a part of the countryside which comes with a level of responsibility but for those prepared it can give endless rewards,’ he added.

Others currently in offer include Glenkerran estate which is for sale for offers over £750,000 and the 500 acre Ledmore Estate in the West Highlands with an eight bedroom main house and shepherd’s cottage as well as sporting and fishing rights for £490,000.