A Cumbrian estate agent has won the right to sell one of the most historic properties in Scotland.
The 22-bedroom Dornoch Castle is in the Highlands. It dates back to the 15th century and is close to some of Scotland’s greatest golf courses.
It is now up for sale for £2.5 million with Penrith-headquartered estate agency David Britton.
Owner David Britton said: “It’s one of a kind. It’s stunning and a real privilege to get the opportunity to sell such a historic building.
The owners live six hours away from us, but they wanted us to market it for our inventive use of social media, personalised video tour and passion for large period properties.
“It really brought home to us that geography means nothing if your marketing is interesting and different. It’s an outstanding property that the owners class as a cosy castle and after a short stay I then understood exactly what they meant.
“I am very confident that we can find a buyer that will love this piece of history in the same way that the current owners have for the last 22 years.
“However, we would like to add that the current use as a hotel is wonderful and with consent for a further 10 bedrooms could expand an already very healthy turn over but as the castle was a private residence until 1947 it should also be considered as having residential potential in a stunning Highlands location.”
Dornoch Castle hotel is north of Inverness on the way to Wick. It sits opposite a 13th century cathedral and only a stroll away from Royal Dornoch golf course, which overlooks a golden sandy beach and a mountain vista.
It is built on the site of the original Bishop’s Palace of St Gilbert – who founded the cathedral. In 1947 it became a hotel and now boasts 22 en suite bedrooms, within the castle, an extension and has current consent for further expansion.
The castle’s restaurant has an AA rosette standard and a malt whiskey selection second to none, added Mr Britton.
It also has a distillery in the grounds, producing ‘old style’ whiskey and hand-crafted gin.