Live in a real-life fairytale in this Highland castle on the market for £725,000

By Rosemary Lowne

July 27 2022, 5:00 pm

Live like a laird: This stunning Highland tower house is out of this world.

Happily ever after is the only ending at this fairytale Highland tower house designed by one of Scotland’s most revered architects.

Like something straight out a children’s storybook, this five-story tower house is baronial in every sense of the word with rapunzel like turrets, five acres of land and breathtaking views over Loch Carron and the Applecross Penninsula.

Designed and built by the highly-respected Scottish architect Ian Begg, it was clearly a labour of love for him as he lived there before he sadly passed away in 2017.

Things are looking up: Check out the stunning ceiling.

Bringing the outdoors in: The conservatory is the perfect place to chill.

King/Queen of the castle

Fit for a King – or Queen – the regal home is goosebump inducingly stunning from the outside.

But it’s inside this otherworldly home where the real magic begins as the superb property opens up with a triple aspect conservatory which leads into an impressive kitchen and large dining room with a fireplace and multi-fuel stove.

Dine in style: Invite family or friends over for a banquet in this stunning room.

Countryside chic: This room is made for relaxing with a glass of something.

European influence

A door from the dining room leads to the tower where there is a cloakroom and a traditionally-designed turning staircase to the first floor.

Reminiscent of a great hall, the resplendent extensive sitting room certainly has the cosy factor as it has a beautiful open fireplace.

But it’s the striking triangular ceiling – modelled on the famous Bedroom of the Five Queens at the Château de Chenonceau in France – that really catches the eye.

Staircase of dreams: Every inch of this home has been designed and built by the late Scottish architect Ian Begg.

Beautiful bedroom: You’ll never want to leave your bed again in this superb room.

Architect’s touch

Equally as impressive is the 17th century inspired secondary staircase – modelled on the Borromini church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontana in Rome – which leads from the tower to the upper floors.

Luxuriously sumptuous, the large principal bedroom is where relaxing is a stylish affair with a corner fireplace, a private wooden balcony overlooking Loch Carron as well as built- in storage and a modern ensuite bathroom.

Three further bedrooms together with a family bathroom, a cloakroom and a studio/playroom complete this floor.

Guest bedroom: This room is perfect for guests.

Beam me up: Who doesn’t love a ceiling beam?

Five acres

Outside, there are sloping paddocks, mature gardens, a small pond, woodland as well as a paved terrace and a projecting Italianate loggia-style terrace, both of which are ideal for entertaining and al fresco dining.

Other key features include a driveway, 40ft shed, boiler room, cloakroom, utility room and a cellar.

Spanish feel: Enjoy some al fresco dining in this beautiful space.

Kevin Maley, Strutt & Parker’s Head of Residential in Scotland, says homes like this don’t come around too often.

“The Scottish Highlands isn’t short of unique properties in magical settings but Ravenscraig Tower stands above the rest,” says Kevin.

“This home offers so much more than first meets the eye.

“It connects you to one of Scotland’s most reputable architects with all the interesting design quirks to go with it.

Postcard views: How wonderful are the views.

“But, not only is the property exceptional, the setting is too.

“The area that surrounds the property has long been renowned as the ‘jewel of the Highlands’ and you can see why.

“With no shortage of panoramic views, secluded bays and coral beaches, it feels like you could be anywhere in the world but you are nestled on the West Coast of Scotland.”