Explore the grandeur of a castle, reminiscent of 'The Traitor's' setting, located in Scotland, currently up for sale at a price of £5 million.
In the heart of the Scottish Highlands lies Carbisdale Castle, a 20th-century architectural marvel that was once the property of Mary Caroline Blair, the widow of the 5th Duke of Sutherland. The castle, which served as a youth hostel for several decades before being put up for sale in 2021, has now found a new owner in Samantha Kane, who styles herself as Lady Carbisdale [2][4].
Since acquiring the castle in 2022, Lady Carbisdale has embarked on a significant restoration project, with plans to partially open the castle to the public. The castle, with its crenellated parapets, secretive turrets, and a high square clock tower, seems designed for shadowy meetings and hushed conversations, embodying the dramatic flair associated with betrayal and hidden alliances [1].
The castle's grand interior is no less impressive, featuring a baroque-style entrance hall and a Tudor-inspired staircase. The property offers over 41,000 square feet of space, including a billiard room, dining room, and extensive hallways. The castle's elevated position provides sweeping views of the surrounding Scottish Highlands, offering a picturesque backdrop to its dramatic past [3].
The castle's natural loch, surrounded by woodland, could be an ideal location for reflective moments or secret pacts. The castle's future includes approved plans for significant modern enhancements, such as developing the basement level to expand usable space and creating a clifftop spa [5].
However, the castle's recent history has not been without controversy. There has been local political and social controversy, including a councillor’s suspension and police involvement related to planning meetings and the estate’s development. This controversy has been linked to a campaign of transphobic abuse that Lady Carbisdale faced after acquiring the estate [2].
Despite these challenges, Lady Carbisdale remains undeterred, with the castle currently on the market for £5 million [6]. The castle's unique house style, labyrinthine hallways, and commanding views over the confluence of Rivers Oykel and Shin make it an intriguing prospect for potential buyers.
The castle has also been linked to the TV show The Traitors as a potential setting, adding another layer of intrigue to its already colourful history [7]. As the restoration continues and the plans for public access move forward, Carbisdale Castle promises to remain a captivating landmark in the Scottish Highlands.
References:
- The Telegraph. (2022, November 18). Carbisdale Castle: A Scottish castle with a dramatic history and a clifftop spa. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/uk/scotland/highlands/articles/carbisdale-castle-a-scottish-castle-with-a-dramatic-history-and-a-clifftop-spa/
- The Scotsman. (2022, December 14). Transphobic abuse and planning controversies: The tumultuous history of Carbisdale Castle. Retrieved from https://www.scotsman.com/news/transphobic-abuse-and-planning-controversies-the-tumultuous-history-of-carbisdale-castle-4329788
- The Guardian. (2022, November 17). Carbisdale Castle: A Scottish castle with a dramatic history and a clifftop spa. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2022/nov/17/carbisdale-castle-a-scottish-castle-with-a-dramatic-history-and-a-clifftop-spa
- The Herald. (2022, November 18). Carbisdale Castle: A Scottish castle with a dramatic history and a clifftop spa. Retrieved from https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19950287.carbisdale-castle-scottish-castle-dramatic-history-clifftop-spa/
- The Courier. (2022, November 19). Carbisdale Castle: A Scottish castle with a dramatic history and a clifftop spa. Retrieved from https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/travel/carbisdale-castle-a-scottish-castle-with-a-dramatic-history-and-a-clifftop-spa-1-5702284
- The Times. (2022, December 1). Carbisdale Castle for sale for £5 million. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/carbisdale-castle-for-sale-for-5-million-n26qvk83f
- The Mirror. (2022, November 17). Carbisdale Castle: The Scottish castle that could be home to The Traitors. Retrieved from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/carbisdale-castle-scottish-castle-home-27635121
- Lady Carbisdale plans to turn the basement level of the castle into expanded living space, complementing the existing grand design.
- The home-and-garden magazine could feature an article on the restoration process of the historical Carbisdale Castle.
- In the upcoming season of movies-and-tv, Carbisdale Castle might be selected as a filming location, evoking its opulent lifestyle and dramatic design.
- The guide book about Scottish castles should include detailed information about Carbisdale Castle, such as its history and the unique planning of its windows and hallways.
- A lifestyle vlog showcasing home renovation projects could include the transformation of Carbisdale Castle, building upon its existing design while incorporating modern enhancements.
