By MARTIN GRAHAM
SUPER-RICH golf fans are getting the chance to own their own castle, complete with helipad, 10 bedrooms and walled garden all within 20 miles of this year’s Open at St Andrews.
Myres Castle, set in 45 acres, also features five reception rooms, a billiard room and a Victorian kitchen.
If the golf gets boring, the owner can work on their backhand on the all weather tennis court, or take a stroll in the formal gardens.
There is also potential for hosting grand receptions, with a conference room and catering kitchen also included.
And any staff can be housed in the Courtyard Cottage or the Gate Lodge.
The walled garden is a replica of one of the Pope’s private gardens in the Vatican.
For the children, there is a mini football pitch and a maze to explore.
John Coleman from Knight Frank estate agents in Edinburgh said: “It’s a stunning place, if you’ve been once you want to go back.
“It has a wonderful feeling of a castle and a family home.
“The fantastic history goes hand in hand with the golfing connection, being close to Andrews, which is sure to attract buyers.”
The castle has a rich history, with the estates of “The Myres” originally belonging to the Earl of Fife before being forfeited to the crown.
The original house was built by John Scrymgeour in 1530 across two storeys with round towers.
The “House of Myres”, as it was known, later passed into the possession of the Covenanter General John Leslie.
In 1820, the house was acquired by Professor John Bruce, the King’s Printer and Stationer, who also acquired nearby Falkland Palace at the same time.
Sir Walter Scott visited Falkland Palace several times and advised on its restoration, and may have suggested that the “House of Myres” be re-styled as “Myres Castle” in keeping with the gothic revival of the period.
The castle was bought in 1887 by James Fairlie, who had been Private Chamberlain to three Popes at the Vatican.
It was Fairlie who laid out the walled garden after the style of the Pope’s private gardens at the Vatican.
The property was requisitioned by the War Office and used as to garrison soldiers from the Black Watch and the Polish army.
All this history and luxury is up for grabs at offers over £3,500,000.
