Directions

From Inverness head west on the A832. At Achnasheen roundabout turn left onto the A890. Remain on this road for approximately 30 miles and then turn right towards Achmore. Stay on this road for approximately 3 miles. At the signpost to Duncraig Castle take the hairpin turn right and continue following the signage upon entering the approach to the Castle.

Situation

Duncraig Castle is situated in an elevated position above the shoreline of Loch Carron, just 3 miles from Plockton village, a traditional Scottish fishing village with international acclaim for its incredible fresh seafood. Plockton Prawns (langoustines), crab and other seafood is landed daily on the village jetty. Plockton has a charming seaside setting and the road follows the bay with a picture-perfect row of neatly painted cottages arranged around the curve of a tiny harbour.

Numerous lochs and rivers throughout the county provide both salmon and trout fishing, and the west coast is famous for its exciting sailing and varied coastline. Plockton itself is a popular anchorage for yachts, and also has an active small boat sailing club. Plockton has a general store and three restaurants. Plockton has a private airstrip and a railway station with regular services to and from Inverness. Kyle of Lochalsh , some six miles away, is slightly larger and offers a range of shops, hardware stores, chemist, butchers, bank and supermarket. The Isle of Skye, offering stunning scenery, whisky distilleries and other attractions, is eight miles away from Duncraig Castle.

The area provides an excellent base for exploring northwest Scotland. There is spectacular hill walking, climbing and mountaineering, and for the country sportsman, the dramatic Ross-shire scenery is also host to some of the most challenging deer stalking in Scotland.

Duncraig Castle is just 13 miles off the North Coast 500 – the iconic Scottish road trip route.

The pretty village of Applecross is 33 miles from Duncraig Castle and is reached via the spectacular road Bealach na Ba [Pass of the Cattle]. One of the highest roads in Britain, reaching 2,054ft, the road winds into the clouds with tight hairpin bends and breathtaking views.

Historical note

Duncraig Castle was built in 1866 by Sir Alexander Matheson, who had returned to Britain after making a large sum of money through the Chinese opium trade. Matheson built it as a country home suitable for hosting large gatherings. The building is located close to the Mathesons' family seat at Attadale, and was designed by the architect Alexander Ross. Matheson died in 1886 and the castle initially remained with his family, who rented it to wealthy tenants continuing its use as a hosting venue for summer entertainment.

In 1897, the Highland Railway built the Kyle of Lochalsh Extension to their existing line to Stromeferry, which included a dedicated station for Duncraig Castle. At the time of opening, it was a private-use only station for the Matheson family, and later opened for public use.

By the 1920s the Matheson family were in financial difficulty and they sold the castle to Sir Daniel Hamilton and his wife Lady Margaret Hamilton, owners of the neighbouring Balmacara Estate. The Hamiltons, supporters of social reform, planned to use the castle as a community education centre for local people to receive training in activities such as weaving. In 1938 the local authority began discussions with the Hamiltons about using the castle for education purposes, but these did not come to fruition before the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Sir Daniel Hamilton died during the early stages of the war, and the castle was used during the hostilities by the government, as a naval hospital.

At the end of the war, Lady Margaret Hamilton, whose principal residence was at Balmacara House, bequeathed the castle to Ross-shire council, for use as a technical school for the Highlands. The building went on to be operated by the education authority as a home economics college for girls. 

More recently the property was acquired in 2009 by the current owners and lovingly restored to its former glories. It has been operating as B&B and occasional wedding venue but is now well poised for a new custodian to enjoy the privacy and position as a private home.

Description

Duncraig Castle is a C Listed Scots Baronial castle with stunning views across Loch Carron and the Applecross peninsula. Constructed in 1866, this nine bay architectural masterpiece is one of the finest properties in the Western Highland area and offers a variety of lifestyle options for any future owner.

Constructed over four floors, the property was extensively refurbished with the intention of being a family home and as such, despite its quasi-commercial use today, the property is wonderfully comfortable, yet still fabulously lavish.

The reception rooms are grand and elegant with large bay windows and magnificent fireplaces with roaring open fires. There is a range of rich colours in the wood panelling, intricate cornicing and great variety to the floor finishes, from marble tiles to meticulously presented traditional, sanded wooden floors. The scale of the doors from room to room is testament to the grandeur of the mid-Victorian period, but once closed the comfort of everyday family living is reassuringly apparent.

A key notable feature is the main kitchen. This is not a commercial or institutional affair but a traditional Shaker style kitchen with central breakfast bar. Wooden worksurfaces sit on top of ample storage units. An integrated dishwasher, wine fridge and strategically positioned sink with views out to the sea, along with a lovely breakfasting area, form the perfect family hub. Further staff and prep kitchens are equipped for more commercial usage.

In all there are 12 letting bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms. These are joined by a private wing with three further private bedrooms and a day room. The bedrooms vary in space, size and orientation, from turreted duplex suites to magnificent bay windowed rooms with stunning outlooks across the water. The one constant is that in every direction the Scottish scenery is in full view and the attention to detail is second to none. Each room carries a unique charm through different marble finishes, copper baths, to contemporary ceramic and traditional claw foot roll top baths.

Staff accommodation within the main house comprises a three bedroom flat and a one bedroom flat.

Duncraig Castle, whilst retaining its fine traditional appearance, has a healthy dose of modern comforts. There are multiple games rooms and recreational spaces including a splendid billiards room and an impressive dedicated cinema room with surround sound and black out blinds as well as tiered seating. There is a gym and table tennis room both with their very own, unmistakable twist and individual identity.

From the exquisite entrance hall to the library and sitting room, the property’s natural flow is captivating. The space and light matched with the phenomenal views outside and the heritage and ornate detail inside ensure that the “Duncraig experience” is a memorable one and would make a sensational home for a night, or indeed a lifetime.

Gardens and Grounds

From the dramatic entrance cut into the rock, to the tip of the jetty, there is intrigue and excitement within the grounds of this property. From woodland walks, rocky crags and immaculately manicured lawns to rugged coastline, private bays, sandy beaches and hidden walkways, Duncraig Castle provides it all. Extending to 40 acres in total, there is a wonderful balance between formal gardens and the naturally beautiful landscape which would appeal to any photographer, wedding planner or to those who seek privacy and seclusion.

Access to the sea, and the opportunities for sailing, boating, and fishing locally or further afield, is a major benefit to the situation of Duncraig Castle. Plockton harbour, reputedly the only east facing west coast harbour, offers sheltered mooring in a picturesque setting.

Under the railways a walkway leads directly onto a picturesque beach the one could almost consider to be exclusive. Additional pathways through the woods lead to, a tidal lagoon, boathouse and private pontoons with two ‘Tetradock’ units. The waterside boathouse is the perfect place for a summer BBQ whilst watching the sun set behind Plockton, whilst the jetty offers an ideal place to launch kayaks and other boats. The Tetradocks provide an easy, stable and safe way to store and launch boats. The island Eilean Lagach, adjacent to the boathouse, is included in the sale

Close to the jetty is a private mooring; a second deeper water mooring in the harbour is able to accommodate larger yachts visiting the Castle. The waters around Plockton are shallow, sheltered and varied, making them ideal for exploration by small watercraft. The Coral Beach at Plockton is a notable highlight.

The immediate surroundings of Duncraig Castle are formed of parkland with an incredible array of historical and indeed specimen trees which disperse into more natural and native woodland.

Four houses, three garages and a Victorian ice house at Duncraig Square, 500m from Duncraig Castle, are in the same ownership. These will be available for purchase by separate negotiation.

Outbuildings

The Coach House

On approaching the Castle you will pass an immaculately presented Coach House. This property is formed of various practical outbuildings including garaging, workshops and storage. 

This building is considered suitable for conversion to further residential space, subject to acquiring the necessary consents.

The Chapel

As well as the more standard array of outbuildings the property also has a private chapel making it one of the most picturesque wedding venues in all of Scotland.

Garaging

As well as the garaging that can be found within the Coach House there are further timber constructed wood stores and garages situated beyond the castle.

Planning Consent

The property is sold with the benefit of two planning consents.

The original laundry house within the grounds benefits from planning consent to be converted into a residential unit. (Highland Council planning consent 19/03891/FUL)

Beyond the castle and along the main access, there is a further planning consent for a single dwelling. (Highland Council planning consents 16/02081/FUL & 19/02769/FUL)

Access

The access road, whilst privately owned by Duncraig Castle, is the old access road to Duncraig railway station. At one time this was the private railways station but now it is available for public use and as such there is a public right of access over this road.

Services

Mains water and electricity. Private drainage to septic tank (SEPA registered). Electric zonal central heating system.

Local Authority

Highland council – Council Tax Band H

EPC Rating

EPC exempt

Servitude rights, burdens and wayleaves

The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all servitude rights, burdens, reservations and wayleaves, including rights of access and rights of way, whether public or private, light, support, drainage, water and wayleaves for masts, pylons, stays, cable, drains and water, gas and other pipes, whether contained in the Title Deeds or informally constituted and whether referred to in the General Remarks and Stipulations or not. The Purchaser(s) will be held to have satisfied himself as to the nature of all such servitude rights and others.

Possession

Vacant possession and entry will be given on completion.

Offers

Offers must be submitted in Scottish legal terms to the Selling Agents. A closing date for offers may be fixed and prospective purchasers are advised to register their interest with the Selling Agents following inspection.

Viewing

Strictly by appointment with Savills – 0141 222 5875

Purchase price

Within 7 days of the conclusion of Missives a deposit of 10% of the purchase price shall be paid. The deposit will be non-returnable in the event of the Purchaser(s) failing to complete the sale for reasons not attributable to the Seller or his agents.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Savills, their clients and any joint agents give notice that:

1.They are not authorised to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property either here or elsewhere, either on their own behalf or on behalf of their client or otherwise. They assume no responsibility for any statement that may be made in these particulars. These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact.

2.Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text, photographs and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation or other consents and Savills have not tested any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise.