20 bedrooms | 15 baths
Built in 1880s
Spooky houses in the US are a little weak at the moment, so I thought I’d branch out to Europe. Orchardton Castle in Auchencairn, Scotland is your quintessential gothic fortress that’s been a hotel, a school, and a hospital for wounded soldiers. So you know it’s got some stories. If you’re looking for your own (likely haunted) castle, here’s your chance!
Here’s the realtor’s description.
“Orchardton Castle is a unique Grade B listed Scottish Castle located on the Solway Coast. With over 40 rooms over 4 floors this exceptional property is currently as a stunning family home but offers exceptional business potential as a wedding venue or boutique hotel. The house benefits from a south west aspect and the large windows throughout the property ensure the whole property is flooded with natural light at all times of the day. There are over 30 working fireplaces as well as Oil Central Heating throughout.
Orchardton Castle sits in grounds extending to approximately 5 acres with a mixture of lawns, mature shrubs and a pond. The gardens benefit from being in the gulf-stream which aids a number of unusual and interesting plants to grow including a palm tree.
This unique property was originally constructed in the late 18th Century for Robert Maxwell as a Mansion House and subsequently largely rebuilt in 1881 into the castle it is today. The property was extensively renovated in 2011 with new roof, electrics, central heating and pipe work and the current owners continue to lovingly restore it with new windows and décor. Whilst some areas still require some TLC Orchardton offers outstanding potential as a wonderful family home or scope for business ventures such as a boutique hotel, wedding venue or conversion to apartments.
Accommodation The principal entrance to the property is via an imposing pair of timber double doors leading to the entrance hallway with stone floor and timber staircase with carved balustrades leading to the Principal floor. A large stone built open fireplace greets you at the top of the stairs. The principal floor benefits from a L-shaped central hallway with open fireplace and original polished wooden floors throughout.
The 32ft Drawing room features an exceptional plasterwork ceiling, a wood burning stove and bay window with breath-taking views across the Solway. The music room is also situated to the front of the property with feature wood panelling, a stunning open fire and another vast bay window to frame the views making this a fantastic entertaining space. A Sewing room, cosy sitting room and study complete the principal floor.
3 staircases serve the lower ground and two upper floors with one staircase including the original central lift mechanism. The first floor provides a master suite with Bedroom, Dressing room and en-suite; 4 further bedrooms and bathrooms, a Screening room and Library which is the most delightful place to curl up in an armchair with a good book. The second floor could easily be split into apartments for letting or staff accommodation with a further 8 bedrooms or public rooms and 4 bathrooms plus a kitchenette. The room currently used for art work has beautiful wooden floors, fabulous views and is again flooded with natural light.
The Lower Ground floor could again be separated into one or two self contained apartments. This space currently provides a further 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 sitting rooms, a function room, table tennis room and numerous workshops and storage spaces. There is access to the original stone courtyard with outhouses and a stone arch to the garden.
Outside Orchardton Castle sits in approximately 5 acres of grounds and includes a wooden stable block, garden, wooded area with large pond and paddock which is currently unfenced. The grounds sit in the Gulf steam which allows for a number of unusual plants and trees to grow and the grounds include a large palm tree. To the front of the property is a large gravelled turning/parking area with the principal gardens located at the read of the property and enjoying the south facing aspect and views to the Solway. There is access to a very private beach via a footpath across the field in front.
Location Orchardton Castle lies between the villages of Auchencairn and Palnackie on the beautiful Solway Coast approximately 18 miles west of Dumfries. Schools, shops and public services are available in nearby Kirkcudbright and Dalbeattie. Stranraer and Cairnryan are approximately 60 miles to the west for access to Ireland, Prestwick Airport can be reached in around 1.5hours drive time and Glasgow Airport in around 2 hours. London can be reached by train in around 4 hours from Dumfries (via Carlisle).
The area offers an array of outdoor pursuits with sailing and watersports at Kippford, Mountain Biking at Mabie Forest on one of the world-renouned 7Stanes routes; golf at nearby Southerness; fishing and extensive walking opportunities.
Services: Mains Electric and Water, Oil Central Heating served by 2 boilers, Private Septic Tank.
Access: Orchardton is access via a private tree lined lane from the public highway. The lane serves 6 propeties with shared maintenance costs. The maintenance has historically cost around £400 per annum.
Viewings: Strictly by Appointment with the sole selling agents, Fine & Country South Scotland.”
