The 'Traitors effect' is sweeping real estate markets, as Rightmove scrollers are hunting out Scottish castles inspired by Ardross Castle, where the hit BBC reality show is filmed.
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We've done the scrolling for you, and gathered some of the finest castles currently for sale around the UK – both in and outside of Scotland. Start your dream house hunting here!
Castles for sale in the UK
A castle for history buffs
Ripley Castle, North Yorkshire (£21 million)
Ripley Castle in North Yorkshire once played host to James VI (James I of England) and Oliver Cromwell, and is now on the open market for the first time – a great opportunity for history lovers with heavy pockets.
Built in the early 1300s, Ripley Castle sits on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and has been home to the Ingilby family for the duration of its history. James VI stayed at the castle in 1604, but the Ingilbys were plotting to kill him.
The castle held a key role in the Gunpowder Plot, with nine of the 11 known conspirators of the plot being close relations or associations of the Ingilby family. ‘Trooper’ Jane Ingilby held Oliver Cromwell prisoner overnight in the castle’s library after the Battle of Marston Moor.
Sir Thomas and Lady Ingilby have explained that they have put the 445-acre estate on the market because they would like to retire after decades of managing the large estate and its commercial operations.
Sir Thomas inherited the estate at the age of 18 and the pair have undertaken major restoration in the castle and replaced its roof over the years. ‘We’ve left it in the best state possible and safeguarded the heritage for future generations,’ Sir Thomas says. ‘I hope the new owner does appreciate the history,’ Lady Ingilby adds. ‘The history of the Ingilbys is the history of England. But nothing stands still; they must do what they like with it, as long as they just love it and take care of it.’
The estate includes a cricket pitch, hotel, tea room, village store, gift shop, walled gardens and wedding venue, as well as the core Grade I-listed castle, which comes with 11 bedrooms, three reception rooms and six bathrooms. The estate is being divided into nine lots – or can be bought as a whole. There are sporting rights – the rights to hunt, fish or shoot – across approximately 1800 acres, which are currently let out on a five-year lease.
Ripley Castle is for sale with Carter Jonas.
A castle for equestrians – with stables included
Seton Castle, East Lothian (£8 million)
On the site of Seton Palace – Mary Queen of Scots’ favourite residence – sits Seton Castle, Robert Adam’s final project in Scotland. The castle was owned by the Wemyss family from its earliest days in 1789 to 2003, when it first arrived on the open market.
This seven-bedroom home comes with three additional separate dwellings – two self-contained cottages in the wings and a romantic Hideaway suite at the top of the turret spiral staircase. There’s also a 10,000-bottle wine cellar, should you require one. And a cinema.
The working stables at Seton are still in use and have been carefully refurbished – and also include a foaling stable. Next to the stables is the Stable Bar, the castle’s private tab, located in the original tack room of the stable block. Useful after a long afternoon of mucking out.
Seton Castle is for sale with Savills.
A motte-and-bailey castle for sale
Tawstock Castle, Devon (£1.5 million)
This Grade II-listed castle sits neatly on a hilltop near Barnstaple on 8.41 acres of private land, looking out over the Taw Valley and North Devon countryside – which can be viewed from the lookout tower at the top of the building. With original features dating back to the 18th century, it was built as a folly building – constructed for decoration, rather than as a castle for practical use. It was constructed from stone rubble and has Gothic-style windows opening at each level of the tower.
In 1988, Tawstock Castle was bought by a developer and renovated as a private residence. The renovations undertaken mean this is a significantly easier property to live in than other castles on the list, thanks to its modern restoration. It’s still got plenty of charm, however, with a turret for a home office and a King Arthur-style round table for dinner parties.
Tawstock Castle is for sale with Knight Frank.
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A castle for swimmers, complete with loch
Carbisdale Castle, Sutherland (£5 million)
Carbisdale Castle was built for the Duchess of Sutherland in the early 20th century, and comes with a natural loch for summer and winter swimmers alike. Keen fishers might be interested to hear that there’s a raft of wild brown trout to be found in here as well.
Consent has also been approved for the development of a clifftop spa and swimming pool – so there’s even more potential for those who love regular swimming. The estate reaches to about 29 acres, and includes an area of woodland.
The Duchess of Sutherland commissioned the construction of the castle following her divorce from her husband, the 3rd Duke of Sutherland. It’s an excellent place to mourn a disastrous marriage, as the Duchess discovered, with panoramic views over the Kyle of Sutherland.
Carbisdale Castle is for sale with Strutt & Parker.
