The castle dates from the 15th century and sits in one of the most stunning spots in the Highlands

For those seeking the Highland dream of Laird life, Dunbeath Estate is a real find. This estate sits right on the coast, its showpiece the principal dwelling of a Category A Listed castle which dates from the 15th century! The castle was remodelled in the 1860s and lies within almost 30,000 acres of some incredible countryside: 12.5 miles of river, four hill lochs and lochans, four miles of rugged coastline.

The Estate is 30,000 acres including over 12 miles of river

Across the whole Estate are 21 houses and cottages that can serve as accommodation for employees, holiday cottages or long term lets. Owners will undoubtedly want to base themselves within the impressive, vast castle, where there are 13 bedrooms, eight of which could be billed as master suites, and a dizzying run of reception rooms. Staff are very much needed to run a place like this..

Thirteen bedrooms are spread across the multiple floors of the castle

Many of the glorious historic features of the castle’s history remain, such as an ornate staircase and two wood-pannelled reception galleries across the ground and first floor. These galleries could be used for displaying art works or creating nooks for solitude.

One of the various sitting rooms complete with historic features for a truly atmospheric place to kick back with a book

The interiors of this property are currently reflective of its illustrious history – think Downton Abbey in the Highlands – but the style could be amended by a new owner with a more eclectic bent. There are many rooms to play with on the ground floor, including drawing rooms, sitting rooms, a formal dining room and a library.

Both formal and informal spaces ensure there is place for every event and gathering

The kitchen is a charming step back in time, complete with the enormous table for preparation and vast ranges for cooking. Modern ovens and conveniences have been subtly added and the space will be most welcome to those used to more cramped contemporary kitchens, especially as there is even room for an informal dining table for those cosy suppers.

The kitchen has a cottage feel, albeit with far more space and cooking conveniences

All 13 bedrooms in the main Castle building are regal yet comfortable – and bold – in their design, with the larger ones likely to be most attractive to the owner and main property dwellers. Many are dual aspect and the views over the grounds and the sea are unmatchable.

The bedrooms are often dual-aspect for stunning views over the grounds and the water

The further properties on the Estate provide a wealth of food for thought over future business potential, not least the impressive Lodge that has its own superb spot overlooking the vast acreage.

Multiple separate dwellings dot the Estate, including this impressive Lodge

The grounds also contain a stable block and some incredible formal gardens alongside the wilder lands of the Estate. Grounds staff will be vital to ensure all this beautiful topography can be maintained where necessary and allowed to run as nature intended as required.

Grand formal gardens contrast beautifully with the rugged, wildness of much of the surrounding land

The Estate is completely private and may feel isolated, but accessibility is not an issue for those with the means. Nearby Wick has a good range of facilities and amenities for daily demands, and there is an airport suitable for private jets just 23 miles away. Of course, owners can land their own helicopters on the lawn outside the castle, but the ‘greener’ choice would be the decent train service from Inverness (83 miles away) where there is also an airport (89 miles away).

Source: Right Move

Marketed by Savills, Edinburgh Country

13 bedroom detached house for sale in Dunbeath, Caithness, KW6 (rightmove.co.uk)