A 200-year-old Scottish castle is on the market for $37,000

In its thousand-year history, Scotland has been home to over 3,000 castles. Today, many of them stand in ruins, some welcome visitors, and only a few are available for purchase. A historic castle located on the island of Fetlar recently hit the market. For just $37,000, you could become the new owner of Brough Lodge, a 200-year-old castle that sits on 40 acres of land.

This historic Scottish castle was built in 1825 by local merchant Arthur Nicolson, according to the Brough Lodge Trust, which currently owns this property. He acquired the land in 1805 as a part of a debt settlement. Arthur Nicolson created the castle based on architecture he saw while traveling through France, Switzerland, and Italy in the early 1800s. Brough Lodge stayed in the Nicolson family until 2007.

The Gothic-style castle has been sitting empty since the 1970s. The current owner of the property, the Brough Lodge Trust, is looking for someone willing to transform this Scottish castle into a waterfront retreat. The renovation project includes a 24-bedroom hotel with a carefully curated list of activities, which include yoga and guided wildlife tours. The castle makeover could cost as much as $15 million.

“We have concluded that the time has come to involve a philanthropic individual or organisation with the resources and skills to transform our vision into reality,” the trust’s website reads. “We seek someone who is passionate about the potential that Brough Lodge offers. If you recognise the value of sustaining Shetland’s heritage and wish to help secure the future of this island community, we are keen to hear from you.”

The outdoor area surrounding the castle includes a courtyard, multiple gardens, and an oval-shaped tower folly previously used as an observatory. Brough Lodge could become the next ideal getaway destination. The property is situated on the Fetlar, the fourth largest of the Shetland Islands, one of the most remote parts of Scotland. This town has only 69 residents and can be reached via ferry. 

Resources:

“You Can Buy This Scottish Castle for $37,000—But There’s a Catch,” by Katherine McLaughlin (Architectural Digest, 2023)

“UK castle could be yours for $37,000, but there’s a catch,” by Issy Ronald (CNN, 2023)

“This Coastal Castle in Scotland Is on the Market for $37,000,” by Kelly Allen (House Beautiful, 2023)