USP The Georgian wing

If you have ever fancied living in a castle but lacked the funds – or the commitment – to buy whole one, you could choose to rent a wing of what was once a royal fortress near Montrose.

The three-bedroomed Georgian wing of picturesque Lauriston Castle is available to rent for £1,300 per month.

The striking property, freshly decorated, is close to the stunning beaches, cliffs and nature reserve of the village of St Cyrus a mile away and within commuting distance of Aberdeen and Dundee.

The Georgian wing has a small, enclosed garden but the castle itself is set in ten acres of mature grounds including woodland and a ravine. Tenants are welcome to enjoy walks within the castle policies, giving residents all the pleasures of the parkland, without worrying about the upkeep.

Dating from the 13th century, Lauriston Castle also has all the folklore and intrigue you could desire, too.

A blind piper and his dog are said to haunt an underground cave and members of the Straton family, who owned the castle for almost 450 years, were involved in a notorious incident where the local sheriff, John Melville of Glenbervie, was assassinated by being boiled.

Nowadays, it is a much more peaceful place and offers a grand lifestyle, in a home with all mod cons, for a would-be laird or lady.