A Gothic Revival Castle in Scotland Is on the Market for $37,000
A castle in Scotland is looking for a new owner, but don't go planning a personal Bridgerton-inspired escape just yet. While the upfront price of $37,000 (£30,000) seems more than reasonable for the idyllic coastal property set on 40 acres, it'll take an additional $15 million (£12 million) to restore it.
Set on the island of Fetlar, Brough Lodge was constructed in 1825 by merchant Arthur Nicolson. By the 1970s, the Gothic-style castle lay empty and in disrepair until the Brough Lodge Trust, the current owner, was formed. In 2014, the trust led a restoration project to make the main building wind- and watertight, but its interiors still need a major update. After devising a plan to turn the property into a 24-bedroom retreat, the trust is now looking for a philanthropic entrepreneur to fund the transformation and maintain the property.
Fetlar is one of the North Isles of Shetland, an archipelago that makes up the northernmost part of Scotland and the UK. (It's closer to Norway than Edinburgh.) The inn would provide quality accommodations to guests who want to immerse themselves in Shetland culture by taking courses in textile design and music. There's room to incorporate other wellness activities, like yoga, into the programming as well. The project will also support the local community, creating up to 14 jobs on the island—where employment opportunities are rare for the current population of 69 people, according to the Fetlar Community Association.
Since plans for the retreat have already been developed, the new owner will be able to jump right into the project with ease. Plus, proceeds from the initial sale will go toward hand-knitting tuition for Shetland students. Want to find out more? Check out additional photos of the incredible property in the Harper MacLeod listing and learn more about the project.
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