Eilean Donan Castle , the Highlands , Scotland in January 2016, book Eilean Donan Castle tours from Private tours Edinburgh
On this page you can find out about the latest castle sold in Scotland
Carbisdale Castle, the historic Sutherland mansion sometimes called the Castle of Spite, has been bought by an American sea captain. The sale gives the famous Highland castle a new chapter after years of uncertainty over its future and raises the possibility of restoration and renewed use of the building.
One of Scotland’s most remarkable castles has entered another fascinating chapter in its colourful history. This is great news for tourism in the Highlands as it adds yet another castle which will be a luxury option for high end visitors from all over the world . The sale also proves that the market for castles for sale in Scotland is alive and full of potential for potential buyers.
Carbisdale Castle in Sutherland has been bought by American businessman and sea captain Lance Holmquist and his Scottish-born wife Suzanne, who have ambitious plans to transform the Highland landmark into a luxury boutique hotel.
The couple, who operate a successful charter boat business in Florida, reportedly paid a £3.9 million for the historic B-listed castle. Barrister Samantha Kane purchased Carbisdale in 2022 for around £1.2 million and subsequently invested millions of pounds in an extensive restoration programme .
Castles for sale in Scotland are sold for anywhere between £2 and £10 million depending on its size, location , condition and facilities. Outlander fans were excited to learn that the Covenanters Inn in Falkland , a key filming location , has gone on sale .
Their plans could see Carbisdale developed into a 26-bedroom boutique hotel, potentially including a spa, afternoon teas, corporate retreats and its own Scotch whisky brand. The castle could even become a filming location for television productions.
The castle is known as the “Castle of Spite” because of a bitter family feud that inspired its construction, is also said to be haunted by a ghost known as Betty.
For Lance and Suzanne Holmquist, taking on unusual restoration projects is nothing new. The couple were previously involved in restoring the famous African Queen, the historic steam-powered boat associated with the classic 1951 Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn film.
Carbisdale, however, represents a challenge on an entirely different scale.
Standing dramatically above the Kyle of Sutherland near Ardgay, Carbisdale Castle was constructed in the early 20th century for Mary Caroline, Duchess of Sutherland. Its foundations were laid in 1907, and the building subsequently became one of the most distinctive grand houses in the Highlands.
Its story became even more extraordinary during the Second World War, when Carbisdale provided a home for King Haakon VII of Norway and Crown Prince Olav following the German invasion of Norway.
After the war, the castle was gifted to the Scottish Youth Hostels Association. For generations of travellers, Carbisdale became one of Scotland’s most memorable youth hostels—a spectacular castle where visitors could experience Highland grandeur without paying aristocratic prices.
More recently, the castle returned to private ownership.
The castle is privately owned .
The couple bought it for just under £3.9 million and plan to open it as a short-term letting business from next month, before turning it into a boutique hotel next year.
Suzanne is a former TV editor whu runs a boat charter business with Lance, who has worked in the maritime industry for 44 years with more than 30 of them as a captain based out of Key Largo in Florida.
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the latest purchase is that the new owners appear determined to make Carbisdale accessible rather than simply keeping it behind closed gates.
Suzanne Holmquist, who grew up in Glasgow, plans to spend much of the year in Scotland, while the couple have already reached out to the surrounding community. Their proposed hotel could also create employment and attract more visitors to this beautiful but relatively little-known corner of Sutherland.
For a castle that has housed a duchess, sheltered Norwegian royalty, welcomed generations of backpackers and survived periods of uncertainty, becoming an American-owned Highland hotel seems entirely appropriate.
Carbisdale Castle has reinvented itself many times. Its latest transformation could be one of its most exciting yet.
Yes, you can see castles for sale regularly in Scotland . Prices vary from £500,000 to a castle requiring refurbishment to £5 million or more for a castle used as someone’s home with luxury features
There is over 1,000 castles in Scotland . Two of the most famous castles are Edinburgh Castle and Eilean Donan Castle , both of which are open to the public . Edinburgh Castle is the most popular castle in Scotland with thousands of visitors every year . It is the venue for The Royal Military Tattoo and concerts in the summer . I have seen the Who and Garbage live in concert at the castle .Eilean Donan Castle in the Highlands is one of the most photogenic castles in the world , built on an island in the middle of 3 lochs . Eilean Donan Castle prints can be bought online
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