Brechin Castle With Historic Ties to the Kings of Scotland Could Be Yours
This property is listed by Evelyn Channing of Savills and accepting offers over £3,000,000.
The estate has been in the family for 250 years, but siting high maintenance costs, the 17th Earl of Dalhousie is selling off Brechin Castle along with a sizeable parcel of his estate.
Photo Savills
Brechin Castle has 16 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. The 70-acres in the sale are part of lands known for driven pheasant shooting. They include 5 cottages and what’s been called “one of the most important private gardens in Scotland”.
Originally built as a fortress for Scottish Kings in the 13th century, the castles occupants resisted Edward I during the War of Independence in 1303. After Sir Thomas Maule, captain of Brechin refused to surrender, Edward I laid siege to the fortress. To keep the men’s morale up during the seige, Sir Thomas would mock the enemy by casually walking the fortified walls, dusting debris from damage caused by stone missiles shot by catapults. After 20 days, Sir Thomas Maule was struck by one such missile and eventually died from his injuries. The men surrendered soon after.
Engraving of the castle 1801, from Scotia Depicta by James Fittler
The present house was reconstructed between 1701 and 1708 by architect Alexander Edward for James, the fourth Earl of Penure. Edward also designed the famous gardens: over 40 acres of planted parkland with woodland paths, and a renowned walled garden.
There are two entrances to the property. One is the through the imposing gates at the New Lodge (also pictured). The other is through the south drive, which passes through open farmland and crosses the Skinners Bridge (pictured) on the River South Esk. It leads you to the open parkland and the fine front elevation of the castle. The bridge was designed and built in 1856 built by John Henderson, son of the Brechin Castle gardener.
Brechin Castle is located on the east coast of Scotland in the county of Angus, known for its rural beauty, heather clad hills, historic castles, and attractive coastline. The property is positioned on the banks of the River South Esk with 470 metres salmon and trout fishing rights.
There is an additional 197 acre parcel of land also available for purchase, which has 1.2 miles of fishing on the river, and comes with three cottages, woodland, and farmland. At its height, the estate totalled 150,000 acres but today has been consolidated to a still impressive 55,000 acres, known as the Dalhousie Estates with several agricultural enterprises.
The Earl of Dalhousie and his wife plan to relocate to a smaller property on their vast estate after the sale, and will continue to expand their family businesses.
All photos belong to the listing agency
