Scottish castle hits market for £1.6m in half-price offer

Brechin Castle. PIC: Savills | Savills

A 16-bedroom castle rich in history has come back on the market for £1.6m- almost half the price being asked when it last went up for sale.

Brechin Castle in Angus sits among 64 acres and has gone back up for sale after it was marketed for £3m in 2020.

The Earl of Dalhousie has significantly cut the asking price, which estate agents Savils said ‘positions the property appropriately for the current market’.

Brechin Castle, which is being jointly marketed with Rettie, has 16 bedrooms, eight reception rooms and 10 bathrooms and is approached by a sweeping drive. The pile sits on an elevated position overlooking the estate and the River South Esk.

Inside, a dining room overlooking the river - a “spectacular setting for entertaining” - comfortably fits 20 people. The charming ‘little drawing room’ adds further character to the castle, which is described as warm and inviting, despite its grand scale.

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The estate's 13-acre walled garden is widely regarded as one of Scotland's finest private gardens, which agents described as “undoubtedly one of the property's most compelling attractions”.

Highlights include a “magnificent” cedar of Lebanon, a circular lily pond, ornamental glasshouses, vine houses and a rare curved Victorian peach house.

Alastair Houlden, Director of Country House Sales at Rettie, said: “If walls could talk, these ones would tell centuries of Scottish history. Brechin Castle is more than just an illustrious country house; it is a legacy.

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“The sale reflects a rare opportunity to acquire an estate shaped over hundreds of years that continues to serve as an atmospheric family home.

“ With the castle as its centrepiece, the surrounding estate, extending to some 63 acres, offers all the amenity and spectacle befitting a property of its stature.

“The outstanding policies encompass one of Scotland’s most noteworthy walled gardens and support a wide range of sporting pursuits, notably salmon and sea trout fishing on the River South Esk.

“We anticipate that, with its rich historical significance and enduring appeal, Brechin Castle will attract interest from both domestic and international buyers.”

Beyond the castle, the estate includes the Head Gardener's House, Under Gardener's House, Laundry Cottage, West Lodge and New Lodge, offering flexible accommodation for family, guests, staff or potential income generation. The Category B-listed stable block and estate courtyard also present exciting opportunities for alternative uses, subject to the necessary consents.

The estate also benefits from approximately 470 metres of single bank salmon and sea trout fishing on the River South Esk, including the Castle Pool. The surrounding land historically formed part of a driven pheasant shoot, while the wider area is renowned for its field sports, fishing and outdoor pursuits.

Jamie Wedderspoon, Rural Agency Director, Savills Aberdeen, said: "Brechin Castle is one of Scotland's most remarkable country homes, offering an exceptional combination of architectural significance, beautiful gardens, fishing and lifestyle opportunities.”

Current owner James Ramsay, 17th Earl of Dalhousie served as the Lord Steward of the Royal Household following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

He personally accompanied the Queen's coffin on its initial six-hour roadside journey from Balmoral Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, with the cortege calling at Brechin Castle, where it was welcomed by large crowds who turned out to pay their final respects.