PICTURES: Lodge and cottage in grounds of historic former Easter Ross castle goes up for sale
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Fancy bragging rights of living in the grounds of a former 'castle'? Well now you can... if you've got £850,000 to spare.
A large lodge, separate cottage, purpose-built gym and garages – all located in the grounds of the former Balconie Castle – have gone on the market.
The agent, Galbraith, is inviting offers over £850,000 for the two houses, which are set in around 3.8 acres of wooded grounds and located near Evanton in Easter Ross.
Phiddy Robertson, who is handling the sale for Galbraith, explained that she expects brisk interest in the "versatile site", which not only has potential as holiday lets, but also features a gym large enough for business use if so desired, subject to the necessary consents.
Ms Robertson said: “This is a versatile property offering superb accommodation in the main house, and a further very attractive and spacious cottage, all finished to a high standard and with exacting attention to detail.
“The gardens are well laid out, with lawns, and outdoor seating areas for both houses, fringed by mature trees, providing a simply beautiful setting. The creation of the bespoke gym building has added to the versatility for the purchaser to continue to use as a gym or for a variety of alternative uses."
The grounds also have a long history, with the now demolished Balconie Castle formerly serving as the seat of the chiefs of Clan Ross. It was later held by the Clan Donald Earls of Ross. From the late 15th to the end of the 17th century the castle was held by a branch of Clan Munro. Sadly it fell into disrepair in the 20th century and was demolished in the 1960s over safety concerns.
However, the surrounding parkland planting and remaining structures of the estate create what Ms Robertson hailed as "a magnificent setting for Castle Lodge" with mature broadleaf specimen trees, the old walled garden and part of the castellated wall that edges the access track.
Describing the various buildings included in the sale, Mr Robertson continued: "The main house has, on the ground floor, a superb open-plan kitchen/sitting room/dining room; master bedroom with en suite dressing room or office; a further en suite bedroom; shower room and boot room/laundry. On the first floor are two further bedrooms, bathroom and box room.
"The cottage has an entrance hall, kitchen, dining room, sitting room, utility room, bathroom, shower room and two bedrooms.
"The separate, purpose-built gym building is set out with floor to ceiling mirrors and double glass doors. The gym could be used as a home working space or for a variety of other uses.
"The grounds are absolutely delightful, with formal gardens, mature broadleaf woodland, an orchard, three poly tunnels, a garden shed/potting shed, log stores and hen run. The plot extends to about 1.5 hectares (3.8 acres) in all."
