A Scottish Architectural Gem: Careston Castle

The castle, which dates back to the 13th century, is up for sale

An aerial view of Careston Castle and the estate. The manor was described in 1682 as “without debait the best gentleman’s house in the shyre.” Courtesy of Itago Media Ltd.

For the first time in more than a century, Careston Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous estates, is on the market for $3,863,467 (2,900,000 pounds). This historic manor, which has elements dating from the 13th century, has been meticulously restored and maintained as a cherished family home for decades.

The distinctive red sandstone front façade of Careston Castle. This magnificent Scottish manor home is surrounded by lush gardens, mature policy parkland, and mature woodlands. Courtesy of Itago Media Ltd.

Situated in the heart of the beautiful Angus countryside, Careston Castle is a “Category A” listed mansion, a Scottish designation for buildings of “special architectural or historic interest.” Originally part of a vast estate, the property has been divided into lots, the last remaining piece being the distinctive red sandstone castle itself, along with the acreage and outbuildings immediately surrounding the historic manor.

The sitting room reveals the true character of Careston, which has always served as a family residence first. Courtesy of Itago Media Ltd.

Famous for its intricately carved fireplaces, said to be the finest in all Scotland, the exterior of the mansion features castellated turrets, crow-stepped gables, and astragal windows on the exterior. The 15,698-square-foot mansion has wonderful stone and timber floors throughout the interior, which offers six bedrooms and four reception rooms on four separate floors. There’s the Laird’s Bedroom with its en-suite bath and dressing room, as well as a guest suite with two bedrooms and private bath. Four other bedrooms on the second floor share three bathrooms. There are also five unused rooms on the third floor, plus all the service spaces you’d expect for such a manor house.

The drawing room features a famed carved fireplace set against elaborate wood paneling. This room offers wonderful open views of the surrounding parkland and is one of the key areas where guests have been entertained over the decades. Courtesy of Itago Media Ltd.

Careston Castle has a long and storied past. While the deep history of its original construction as a fortification is unknown, it’s thought that the original keep, which dates from the end of the 13th century, was the home of Keraldus, court officer (or dempster) to the Earls of Angus. Most of what visitors see of Careston today is credited to Sir Henry Lindsay of  Kinfauns, from his ownership of the estate in the middle of the 16th century. Further additions were added in the late 1800s by John Adamson, who was the son of a whaling captain. The estate has remained the family home of the Adamsons since that time.

The exquisite family dining room, with a seating for 10, has another of the castle’s famous hand-carved fireplaces as its central focus. Careston Castle is a splendid mix of hominess and grandeur. Courtesy of Itago Media Ltd.

Surrounded by fantastic parklands, mature woods, and some of Scotland’s most fertile farmlands, Careston is truly a treasure of the Scottish highlands. In all, there are 354 acres, three cottages, sheltered gardens, tailored lawns, and picturesque parklands that surround the main house. A long drive through mature forest connects the castle to the A90 main highway, and thereby to nearby Brechin with its famous 13th-century cathedral; Dundee is 23 miles away. An all-weather tennis court, vegetable and flower greenhouses, a detached four-car garage, and an array of barns and equipment sheds complete the property listing.

The utilitarian kitchen reveals the fact that the castle’s purpose is less about pomp and pageantry, and more about comfortable family living. This room takes advantage of natural light, and warm, welcoming wood features. A rear staircase leads directly down from the kitchen to a pantry and laundry. Courtesy of Itago Media Ltd.

A spiral stone staircase connects the dining room to the principal or Laird’s Bedroom situated above. Another signature carved fireplace shares the focus with a period four-poster bed. These superb fireplaces are thought to be based on the work of French designer Jacques du Cerceau. Courtesy of Itago Media Ltd.

The formal gardens adjacent to the main house offer plenty of nooks and secret places to enjoy the outdoors. Courtesy of Itago Media Ltd.

The superb fireplaces are thought to be based on the work of French designer Jacques du Cerceau. Courtesy of Itago Media Ltd.

Another aerial view of the castle and the magnificent acres surrounding it. In all, there are 144 acres of arable farmland, about 30 acres of permanent pasture, 138 acres of woodlands, and 33 additional acres for mixed use. Courtesy of Itago Media Ltd.