This Scottish Castle Boasts One Of The Finest Walled Gardens In The Country

We may be in a Traitors dry-spell but that doesn’t mean our dreams of owning a Scottish castle have quietened – especially when watching Alan Carr live out his turreted fantasies from afar. Thankfully Scotland seems to possess a never-ending supply of historic homes for those still hoping to make those fairytale wishes come true. The latest offering? Brechin Castle, now on the market for just £1.6m.

Inside Brechin Castle

One of Scotland’s most historically significant estates, this A-listed property dates back to the 12th century, when it was owned by the noble Ramsay family. The site has hosted multiple royals throughout history – both alive and dead. In 1617 King James popped over on his return to Scotland from England. Centuries later, in 2022, the royal cortège carrying the body of Queen Elizabeth II from Balmoral Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse stopped at Brechin Castle for a short rest. 

Brechin Castle has been a stronghold of the Ramsay family since the 17th century. Though the Ramsays united with the Maule family in 1782, the property remains in both of their names to this day – home to the Earl of Dalhousie, the clan chieftain of Clan Maule of Panmure in Angus, and Clan Ramsay of Dalhousie. Replacing the original fortress used by Scottish kings, a castle was constructed on the site in the 13th century. Extensive reconstruction was carried out by architect Alexander Edward for James Maule, 4th Earl of Panmure, between 1696 and 1709. Battlemented flank walls were later added in the mid-1800s, the castle was remodelled in 1854, and the tower was built in 1863.

The formal gardens – of which 64 acres are included in the sale – also date back to the early 18th century. Today, little of the medieval building remains – the oldest significant part being the kitchen block, with a stone bearing the date 1703. Having remained in the same family its entire lifetime, Brechin Castle was last put up for sale in 2019, with prohibitive upkeep costs cited as the motivating factor for the sale. Failing to sell for the £3m asking price, it has now returned to the market for just over half that price. 

Located in the ancient city of Brechin in North East Scotland, Brechin Castle rules over a massive bluff of rocks above the River South Esk. Extending to eight reception rooms, 16 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, many of the home’s period features remain today. Grand columns guard the panelled entrance hall, while a staircase sweeps through the entryway. From here, the portrait-lined gallery leads you through to the principal reception rooms – including the well-proportioned drawing room decked out in Flemish tapestries and finely crafted timber detailing. Meanwhile, the dining room, with its three south-facing windows overlooking the river, can accommodate up to 20 guests.

Outside, there’s plenty to explore. Linked to the castle by woodland walks linked with rhododendrons and azaleas, the 13-acre walled garden is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s finest private gardens. Inside this enchanting setting: formal topiary, mature specimen trees, herbaceous borders and ornamental planting. Highlights include a cedar of Lebanon, a circular lily pond, ornamental glasshouses, vine houses and a rare curved Victorian peach house. The garden has traditionally been opened to the public during the early summer, including through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme. Beyond the castle, the estate includes a B-listed stableblock, the Head Gardener’s House, Under Gardener’s House, Laundry Cottage, West Lodge and New Lodge, offering further accommodation for family, guests and staff. 

For fans of country sports, the estate also benefits from approximately 470 metres of single bank salmon and sea trout fishing on the River South Esk, including the Castle Pool below the castle.  The surrounding land historically formed part of a driven pheasant shoot, while the wider area is renowned for its field sports, fishing and outdoor pursuits. 

On the market for £1,600,000. Find out more at search.savills.com and rettie.co.uk