By Daisy Dawnay
A bothy in the Highlands
Once the Duke of Sutherland’s shepherd’s cottage, this tumbledown 19th-century bothy is just waiting for new owners with a romantic vision. In need of full restoration, three stone buildings and an old ice house provide a starting point for development into a unique home, surrounded by the wild landscape of the Highlands. The property comes with an acre of land and its own natural water supply from the strath that weaves its way from here on out to sea. Offers in excess of £125,000.
An East Lothian Castle
With its bailey wall, turrets and 14th-century tower, Fa’side Castle looks like something from a fairytale. This continues inside with vast fireplaces, painted ceilings, spiral staircases and a glass walkway over the old dungeon. Live like a Laird and dine in the Great Hall where stone window seats are built into the castle walls, and look out for invaders up on the roof terrace with views over the Firth of Forth. The asking price is £1.45mn.
An island croft in the Inner Hebrides
A slither of land to call your own, Eilean Loch Oscair lies north-west of the island of Lismore on the west coast. It must be kept as a croft and as such can be used to support livestock or produce food. Those seeking an off-grid way of life could settle among the 200-strong community on Lismore with its village shop and post office, and from there take a boat from a private jetty at Port Ramsay out to the island, which has views over Ben Nevis and Mull. Listed at £125,000.
A moorland estate in the Borders
More than 8,000 acres of land is up for sale either as a whole estate or divided into three lots: Bowland House and its surroundings, Windydoors Farm and Caddonhead moorland. With 16 bedrooms, the main Tudor Gothic house is the place for parties, with food and flowers provided straight from the walled garden — the produce is so good the head gardener also supplies restaurants in Edinburgh and Melrose. Grass farmland for sheep and cattle grazing connects the house with the vast moorland (main picture, top), where there’s grouse shooting, a gamekeeper’s cottage and two bothies for entertaining. Lots 1-3 are on sale for £18.5mn.
An Edinburgh Townhouse in New Town
This smart Edinburgh town house has retained all its Georgian features — a stone floor entrance hall, delicate cornicing, cupolas and working shutters — yet recent renovation brings in a modern feel. There’s a new kitchen and a downstairs gym, while the decoration of the seven bedrooms is fresh and bright. Beyond the back door lies a landscaped garden, and the property comes with the keys to the private Moray Place Gardens. On sale at £3.35mn.
Photography: Knight Frank; Savills
