Global real estate services group, Colliers International, has been appointed to dispose of three of Scotland’s castles. The trio of historic sites — together valued at more £10m — are being sold by location hire company AmaZing Venues.
“It’s not often that we see properties of such great historical significance come to market, so to be appointed to dispose of three magnificent historic properties at the same time is a truly rare instruction,” said Alistair Letham, a director in Colliers’ Scotland hotels team.
“Each of these castles presents a unique offer and have been lovingly restored and maintained by Clarenco over the course of their ownership.”
The Clarenco subsidiary, AmaZing Venues, has declined to say why it is disposing of the three assets, the oldest of which dates back to the 15th century.
Founded by entrepreneur, Mike Clare, AmaZing Venues owns a collection of unique properties used to host large-scale exclusive-use events, including weddings, corporate gatherings and private parties. Other properties in its portfolio include Chateau Rhianfa in Anglesey, Stanbrook Abbey in Malvern, and the Napoleonic-era Solent Forts, off the coast of Portsmouth.
The three properties currently for sale are:
Ackergill Tower, an original 15th century tower near John o’Groats in the Highlands of Scotland. Internationally renowned, it is situated on the coast overlooking Sinclair’s Bay. Set in 30 acres of grounds, the property has twice been refurbished; once in the 19th century and a second time more recently. The guide price of £4.5m includes a former stable block converted into additional luxury accommodation and a number of separate cottages together with the largest tree house — containing a circular bedroom — in Europe. Any new owners would also enjoy shooting and fishing rights on 3,000-acres of nearby land for the next 15 years.
Carberry Tower (pictured), south of Edinburgh, is a 16th century fortified mansion with royal connections. Her Majesty The Queen and Princess Margaret both stayed at Carberry Tower regularly as children, alongside Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Just seven miles from Edinburgh city centre, and surrounded by 30-acres of listed parkland, the property offers 30 luxury bedrooms, nine function rooms, a library, and former chapel. Carberry Tower is a popular wedding venue and was recently extensive upgraded. Colliers is inviting offer over £3m.
Kinnettles Castle, a 19th century Baronial-style property in 44-acres of Angus countryside, will hopefully attract offers over £2.5m. Currently operating as an exclusive-use conference, wedding and corporate events venue, it has well-appointed public rooms and 11 letting bedrooms. The Gate Lodge has also been converted to provide two additional letting bedrooms.
“All three venues have flexibility of use and can either continue to be operated as exclusive-use event venues, as per AmaZing Venue’s business model or converted into a more traditional country house hotel business,” Letham added. “We expect to receive a great deal of interest for these properties from UK-based and overseas investors.”
Meanwhile, one of the Irish Republic’s best known hotels has got a new owner for the first time in almost 350 years.
Markree Castle in Sligo — which had been owned and run as a 30-bedroom hotel for the last 25 years by the Cooper family has been acquired by another of Ireland’s ancient clans, the Corscadden family. The Cooper family had owned the castle since the 17th century, when it was gifted to them by Oliver Cromwell.
In what is being reported as a €3m (£2.1m) deal, this the fourth castle-style hotel to be taken over by the Corscaddens. The family already controls the Ballyseede Castle in County Kerry, Bellingham Castle in County Louth and Cabra Castle in County Cavan. It says it intends to spend at least €5m (£3.6) upgrading Markree Castle.
Previous Post
Mitsui Fudosan increases Television Centre equity
