By Mark McConville
THIS 32-bed, 15th century castle where Oliver Cromwell is believed to have garrisoned his troops could now be yours for £3.9m.
Incredible images show the exterior of the beautiful Ackergill Tower which is currently operated as a wedding and events venue, with its large dining halls and cosy living areas.
Other stunning shots show the largest treehouse in Europe which is located on the 30-acre grounds, a four-poster bed and a sleek bathroom.
Ackergill Tower is located in Ackergill, Wick, Scotland and is currently listed by Knight Frank for £3.9m.
“A 15th century tower, significantly extended in the 19th century and extensively refurbished and renovated in the 21st century,” states the listing.
“Set in 30 acres of its own grounds with a lease of shooting and fishing rights over an adjoining 3,000 acres.
“A high quality business with the capability of operating as a hotel, exclusive use, corporate, wedding or entertainment venue.
“The original Ackergill Tower is believed to date from 1475 and over the centuries has been steeped in an interesting history. It was significantly extended in the mid-19th century by the famous Scottish architect David Bryce and, in the 1980s, the Tower was restored to its deserved grandeur’.
“The current owners purchased Ackergill Tower in 2009 and have progressively improved and renovated the property, including the provision of additional accommodation in the adjacent former stables and the creation of a superb conference/ function facility for up to 200 guests.”
In 1651, Oliver Cromwell may have used Ackergill Tower to garrison his troops during his siege of the Keith’s Dunnottar Castle, when he was hunting for the Honours of Scotland.
A legend relates the tale of a young woman by the name of Helen Gunn, who was abducted by John Keith, the original owner, for her beauty. She flung herself, or fell, from the highest tower to escape her abductor’s advances. Supposedly her ghost is still seen.
“In addition to the uniqueness of the property itself and its accessible location, Ackergill Tower can offer real flexibility of use,” continues the listing.
“It can operate as either a traditional country house hotel business, an exclusive use wedding / party venue or a corporate launch and/or conference venue. Some of the properties can be used for self-catering accommodation whilst the main Tower remains as the ‘core’ hotel business.
Ackergill Tower has over five floors and a cellar, Ceilidh Hall, Smugglers Inn pub, six Cottages, Sunshine & Seashore (sleeps x4), Beach House (sleeps x10), Stables (sleeps x10), Europe’s largest Treehouse (sleeps x2), Garden Cottage (sleeps x4 – current GM accommodation), The Smiddy (sleeps x2), Bothy & Boathouse and Large storage barns for logs and garden equipment.
There are also 30-acre grounds and gardens from the edge of the sea to entrance gates along a mile-long drive. Includes a Victorian walled garden, woodlands, formal lawns, private gardens and the oval park (the ‘Heart’) in front of the Tower in which two B-listed dovecotes are located.
Ackergill Tower is remote but easily accessible – Wick Airport is within three miles from Ackergill Tower, which, via either Aberdeen or Edinburgh, provides flight links to London and other airports. Alternatively there is a scenic drive from Inverness airport or there is a railway station at Wick.
The local area offers a range of different attractions and tourist sites and there are strong relationships in place to provide tours and visits that are exclusive to Ackergill Tower.
For more information see https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-54333654.html
