TV show that makes castles hot property
IT has captured the imagination of viewers across the world with scenes of romantic castles shrouded in swirling mists.
But now hit series Outlander has attracted viewers to make the fantasy world reality – by snapping up their own stately pile.
Sales of Scottish castles and country homes to foreign buyers soared last month in a boost dubbed ‘the Outlander effect’.
They shot up from 7 per cent of the total to 30 per cent in December, according to estate agent Savills, with overseas buyers making up 50 per cent of all viewings.
Illieston Castle in West Lothian is drawing particular attention for its resemblance to Lallybroch, the home of Outlander hero Jamie Fraser, played by Dumfriesshire-born Sam Heughan, and his time-travelling wife, Claire, played by Caitriona Balfe.
Jamie Macnab of Macnab, Savills’s head of country house sales, said: ‘People from all over the world are viewing our castles and country houses and are talking about Outlander as their inspiration for wanting to live in Scotland.
‘The show portrays a romantic image of Scotland of castles set in spectacular scenery and that has created phenomenal interest. We are calling it the Outlander Effect.’
Mr Macnab said sellers – from as far afield as Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia – are even asking for country homes to be photographed in the mist to appeal to fans of the show. He added: ‘Scotland’s spectacular scenery and exceptional quality of life has enduring appeal for international buyers.
‘We are not simply talking about window shoppers viewing Scottish properties online.’
The properties being viewed range in price from £750,000 to £4million.
Illieston Castle is on sale for offers over £950,000, while St Aidan’s, East Lothian, is on for £2.25million.