A chance to live like a Bonnie Prince – for £4m
◆ It is one of the more unusual properties to hit the Scottish housing marker, finds Douglas Whitbread
A560-year-old castle that hosted Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie before his defeat in the Battle of Culloden is on the market for £4m. Kilravock Castle Estate, which is also referenced in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander book series, has 13-bedrooms, a banqueting hall and an oubliette or secret dungeon.
Its grounds, covering a whopping 480.27 acres, also have nine separate cottages, areas of farmland and forestry, and trout fishing rights on the River Nairn.
The ‘rundown’ castle, in Croy near Inverness, was the original seat of the Clan Rose, who are descended from Norman ancestry.
Records show that it dates back to around 1460 when the Baron of Kilravock built a defensive tower on the site.
The historic home was later visited by Mary Queen of Scots in 1562, her son King James the 6th - and 1st - in 1598.
And famously, Prince Charles Edward Stewart, or Bonnie Prince Charlie, dined with the Laird of Kilravock at the castle in the lead-up to the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
This visit was said to be followed by a visit from his adversary, the Duke of Cumberland, who defeated him in what was the last pitched battle on British soil.
Robert Burns stayed at Kilravock in September 1787 and praised the beauty of the setting in a letter to Elizabeth Rose, the 19th Baroness.
He wrote: “The beautifully wild scenery of Kilravock - the venerable grandeur of the castle - the spreading woods - the winding river… lingering with apparent delight as he passes the fairy walk at the bottom of the garden.”
Rod Christie, a partner with estate agent Galbraith who is selling the property, said he expected interest from far and wide due to the castle’s provenance.
He said: “Kilravock is one of the most fascinating and historic properties in Scotland.
“Having essentially remained in the same ownership for centuries, the Estate and in particular the castle, have retained much of the character and charm one would hope to find in a property of this nature.
“We anticipate significant interest from within the UK and further afield.
“Further, the land and buildings offer an excellent range of opportunities to the purchaser to pursue a variety of interests and all against the backdrop of the beautiful Strathnairn valley setting and in such close proximity to a wide range of amenities, including Inverness Airport some ten minutes away.”
Kilravock Castle Estate sits overlooking the River Nairn and its valley, in a secluded position. But it also has easy access to Inverness and its airport.
The castle has been added to over the centuries and now offers accommodation over six floors, between the original tower and adjoining mansion. The grounds also include a squash court and tennis court, all of which are in a poor state, and an ‘A’ listed dovecote.
Kilravock is one of the most fascinating and historic properties in Scotland