In addition to the house, there is a courtyard, several walled gardens and an oval tower.
A sprawling Scottish castle is up for sale for offers in excess of £30,000 (€35,000), but there’s a catch: its current owners estimate restoration costs will cost a further £12 million (€14 million).
Brough Lodge is situated in Fetlar, the fourth largest of the Shetland Islands, in one of England’s most remote areas.
It is accessible by ferry from the archipelago’s main island, the Mainland, a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Edinburgh or a three-and-a-half-hour flight from London.
According to the Fedlar Community Association’s website, the island is home to about 69 people — an increase from the lowest number of 48 people recorded in early 2009.
Perched on a hill, the fort overlooks the meadows of Fedlar, the rocky cliffs that stretch out to sea, and the surrounding islands.
Brow Lodge was built in 1825 by local merchant Arthur Nicholson in the Gothic style, which is said to have been influenced by his travels in Europe.
It has been empty since the 1970s, although it was sealed against air and water about 10 years ago following a fundraising campaign by the current owners, the Pro Lodge Foundation.
Besides the house, there is a courtyard, several walled gardens and an oval tower, once used as an observatory and built on the same site. Broach – Scotland’s unique Iron Age round house.
The brick tower was an observation post. Photo: Arterra/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
Ambition of “World Class Leisure”.
The Pro Lodge Foundation is looking for a “philanthropic entrepreneur” to turn the castle into a 24-bedroom retreat, and has already received several expressions of interest, according to a statement sent to CNN.
“Many potential investors have been in contact with our sales agents, some of whom have traveled to Fedler to view the lodge and discuss the possibilities with the trustees,” Drew Rotter, the fund’s director, said in the statement.
“One potential buyer has submitted a detailed proposal and we are working with him, but we want to hear from other philanthropic entrepreneurs as we want to get the best result for the building and the Fedler community.”
The trust hopes the haven will attract guests who want to take part in a range of cultural activities including Shetland’s renowned textile production, yoga and guided wildlife tours.
“The sight is simple but worthwhile: Pro Lodge, an A-grade building set in nearly 40 acres. [ou cerca de 162 mil metros quadrados]will be transformed into a world-class haven that will delight all who visit”, the fund says on its page.
“According to the plans we have drawn up, the historic character of the building will be fully respected. The new accommodation will have 24 double bedrooms and other essential facilities to reflect its location, including an elevated dining room.”
The building is expected to create 14 jobs for the island community, where typically few jobs are available.
According to the fund, proceeds from sales will support the work of preserving hand knitting heritage in Shetland, ensuring classes for children in local schools.
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