AN iconic castle that dates back over 120 years has been put up for sale.
Kinloch Castle, located on the remote Isle of Rum in Scotland, offers stunning views and a whopping 20 bedrooms.
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The former hunting lodge has once again been put on the market, after a previous potential sale collapsed.
This vacant castle is owned by Scottish government agency NatureScot, which also manages most of the island, and is currently on sale for offers over £750,000.
Businessman Jeremy Hosking withdrew a bid for the castle two years ago, blaming the Scotland’s then biodiversity minister Lorna Slater for his decision.
According to the BBC, the minister had put the sale on hold after the Isle of Rum Community Trust raised concerns.
Remote location
With a population of just 40 people, the Isle of Rum is the largest of the Hebridean Small Isles south of Skye.
The diamond-shaped island is considered one of the best stargazing spots in Scotland, even named the country’s first ever International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2021.
It also boasts 25 times more deer than people, making it the ideal remote getaway.
Research carried out by the Scottish government’s Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (Resas) outlined the conditions proposed by locals for the castle’s sale.
These include active community involvement in the property as well as the new owner adhering to land access rights.
“Through this study, islanders made it clear that the most important aspect of any sale is a long-term commitment to contribute to the community and nature on the island,” said Chris Donald, of NatureScot.
“We are therefore asking prospective buyers to set out, alongside their offer, how they plan to use the castle and grounds and how they will support the nature, sustainability, culture and economy of the Isle of Rum.”
Historic property
Built between 1897 and 1900, Kinloch Castle was originally used as a hunting lodge for Lancastrian industrialist George Bullough.
Bullough had the many rooms of the property, including a stunning ballroom, luxuriously furnished.
However, the property eventually fell into decline after World War One and was taken over in 1957 by NatureScot’s predecessor, the Nature Conservancy Council.
This crumbling castle has required extensive restoration work over the years.
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The turreted red sandstone mansion still houses the world’s last functioning orchestrion, an extensive instrument once owned by Queen Victoria, which emulates the sound of a 40-piece orchestra.
There is also a Steinway piano on the property, as well as countless four-poster beds, sculptures, and artwork.
In recent years, plans were drawn up to redevelop it as a 41-bedroom hostel.
Meanwhile, a separate proposal presented plans to turn it into a museum and visitor attraction at a cost of £13 million.
More on castles
And the UK castle that costs less than a hotel stay in London with indoor swimming pool, tropical gardens, and a private beach.
Plus, an inside look into the UK’s “best” castle which features live jousting tournaments, a Zog playground, and a brand-new medieval-themed hotel.
And a round-up of the seven beautiful castles you can stay in for under £90.
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