The most amazing castles for sale right now

Who doesn’t get excited by the sight of a majestic castle?

It is said that there are thousands of castles in the UK – and many hundreds of them are still in excellent condition or have been refurbished for modern-day living.

So we’ve put together a fabulous selection of unbelievably grand castles listed for sale on Rightmove.

Some are quirky, some have a dark history behind them, but we think all of them are amazing. Enjoy!

Fa’side Castle

This medieval castle in East Lothian, Scotland, has a rich and long history. It dates back as far as the 1300’s, and has housed many great historical figures, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who stayed there the night before she headed to the crucial Battle of Carberry Hill.

Today, after several restorations, this remains a home fit for kings and queens.

Many of the original historic features have been kept intact, such as the vaulted front doors and the majestic dining room.

We’re mesmerised by the solid cast-stone stairwell that leads up to the first floor, and the spectacular painted ceiling between the wooden beams in the drawing room.

Then there’s the steep spiral staircase which leads past the glass walkway over the old dungeon, and up to a spectacular roof top with panoramic views over the Firth of Forth.

Brechin Castle

This grand building stands on the site of a much older fortress belonging to the Scottish Kings. It was last reconstructed in the early 1700s, but sections of it are part of the original castle which dates back to the 13th century.

Because it was built in a period when families were large and often included extended family and a battalion of house staff, Brechin Castle is absolutely massive. It has 16 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and eight large receptions rooms – plus five cottages within its 40-acre estate.

Every room is impressive. The original panelled walls, imposing columns, grand staircases, and intricate craftmanship throughout the palace make it a uniquely magnificent home.

Dornoch Castle Hotel

Scotland is well known for its many amazing castles, and this 16^th century fortress in Sutherland is one of them.

It was built initially to be the home of the influential Bishops of Caithness. About only 70 years after it was completed, it was set on fire as the result of a vicious feud between two major clans.

Over the centuries it’s gone through several restorations and served a variety or purposes, including a prison, and a school. In 1947, it was transformed into a luxurious hotel.

The 22-bedroom castle built in stone and slate has several notable features, including a beautifully converted cellar named The Vault, a five-storey tower, and a stunning walled garden.

It’s being sold as a running business.

Orchardton Castle

This mega palace in Auchencairn, Dumfires & Galloway, looks a bit like something out of a Disney film.

It was built in the distinctive Scottish Baronial style in the late 18^th century, and is a true architectural gem.

In recent years, the castle has undergone major refurbishments, including a new roof, electrics, pipework and central heating, so it is currently being used as a family residence. A very large family residence, mind you – we’re talking about a space with 40 rooms and 30 fireplaces!

As an added bonus, you get absolutely breath-taking views of the Solway Coast, and access to a private beach via footpath.

Earlshall Castle

Earlshall Castle was built in the mid-1500’s by Sir William Bruce, a member of the historic Lowlands Scottish clan Bruce.

Sir Bruce was a survivor of the famous Battle of Flodden, the largest battle in the history of Britain between the kingdoms of England and Scotland, and where James IV King of Scots lost his life.

A number of high calibre guests were hosted in this extraordinary courtyard castle, including Mary Queen of Scots and James VI of Scotland (who later became James I of England).

One of the most notorious Barons of Earlshall was Sir Andrew the “Bloody Bruce”, who earned his name in his brutal putting down of his enemies. His footsteps are said to be heard on the spiral stairs of Earlshall to this day.

After several generations of the Bruce family, the castle was sold on but eventually became derelict.

It was in the late 1800’s that it was restored by none less than the renowned architect and designer Sir Robert Lorimer, considered by most as the greatest architect Scotland has ever produced.

The stunning walled garden designed by Lorimer is still there, and is truly something to behold.

READ MORE: Inside the quirkiest homes for sale on Rightmove