A STUNNING baronial castle featuring turrets and castellated towers has been put on the market for under half a million pounds.
The “imposing” Knockbrex Castle sits in more than an acre of land could be the most affordable – and inhabitable – fortress in the country.
Built from tough whinstone, the seven-bedroom house near Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, is entered through a “great hall” where there is a dining area for up to 22 people and a grand fireplace.
Dating from around 1895 Knockbrex was built by a wealthy Manchester merchant James Brown. He retired to property and began an extensive building programme on the house and estate from 1895 until his death in 1920.
The elegant £495,000 property even comes with two small, separate cottages and a secluded location amoung ancient woodland.
The castle has recently been used as a wedding venue and holiday let.
Boasting tall ceilings, armorial decoration throughout and a games room the fortified home is also located rigth next to the scenic Solway Firth.
Marketing agents Strutt & Parker wrote in their brochure: “Knockbrex Castle is an imposing period property within close proximity to the Solway coastline.
The property is currently run as a successful wedding venue and holiday let business, however it could become a magnificent family home (subject to obtaining the necessary consents).
“The Castle offers extensive and striking accommodation over two floors. There are two further cottages offering further, flexible accommodation.”
The estate on which the castle is built is even mentioned in the region’s “national anthem” – Bonnie Gallowa’ – with the lines “Fair Knockbrex sae dear tae me/Rock and roses by the sea/Dearer spot there canna be”.
Strutt & Parker add: “The Castle is entered through the Great Hall that serves as the focal point of this unique property.
“The Great Hall is ideal for formal entertaining on a monumental scale and boasts towering ceilings and a large, armorial decorated, fireplace with a wood-burning stove.
“This has a large stone fire place, a secret door leading to the hallway beyond and steps rising to a spiral staircase that ascend into the tower room.”
A three bedroom “Lairds Bothy” is also included in the bargain price and as well as a one bedroom “Seaview” cottage.
Manchester merchant James Brown built a number of properties in the area, including the unusual “Coo Palace”, built to house cattle.
The landmark building – designed to look like a castle – was constructed in rural Kirkcudbrightshire in the early 1900s.
The bizarre building fell into dereliction and disrepair but plans have recently been put forward to save the “Coo Palace”, preserving the architecture and to convert the former dairy into luxury holiday apartments.
