A Scottish castle for sale that comes with grandeur, history, its own golf course — and the title of 'Baron'
Kelly Castle in Angus is an estate steeped in history, and looks to be the ultimate location to entertain friends and family


If your chipping and putting is as bad as mine, you may have often wished to find somewhere private to practise, so that you might be saved from the guffaws and humiliations as you repeatedly duff, chunk and chop your shots all over the place.
Perhaps you might actually already be good at golf, but just hate other people, and want to have your own course where the membership is so exclusive that it stands at the ideal number of one.
What I am getting at is that there is a house with its own 9-hole golf course for sale. It is called Kelly Castle, near Arbirlot, and if you ring up Strutt and Parker, it is available for offers above £2.3 million.
‘Its position and layout will suit a variety of buyers, particularly as a large family home and those with an interest in golf’, say the agents.
I would suggest that an interest in golf is an absolute minimum. Although anyone with an interest in wonderfully craggy old castles with turrets, spiral stone staircases and wood-panelled rooms might also wish to apply.
It’s quite the home for entertaining. Listed Grade B by Historic Environment Scotland, the property offers eight bedrooms and is arranged over four storeys in an L-plan. Along with the golf course, the castle features a basement bar, a snooker room and a cinema room — all very handy if you, like me, do not want to play golf in the rain.
Should you get bored of your own golf course, the castle is in close proximity to both Carnoustie and St Andrews, both of which I’ve heard are half-decent tracks.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Those with a passion for Scottish history will be taken with Kelly Castle too. Archives suggest that Philip de Moubray, a Norman settler, obtained lands in Angus from William the Lion, king of Scotland. It is likely that he was the first builder of a castle or tower on the south bank of the Elliot water, although the current castle was probably begun in the 15th century.
Since then, a plethora of Earls and Lords owned the property, which was purchased by the current owners in 2001, who undertook a sympathetic renovation and made ‘significant improvements and modifications’.
As well as the castle, the sale will include 33.47 acres of land, and the title of ‘Baron of Kelly in Angus’ is available for separate negotiation.
‘As castles come, Kelly Castle is certainly a special one,’ says David Law, head of Strutt and Parker in Edinburgh. ‘In immaculate condition, the present owners have worked tirelessly to create a practical family home within these turreted walls.
'Not only does a potential buyer have the opportunity to acquire a 16th century castle, and with this manageable 33 acres of grounds including a golf course, but the title of “Baron of Kelly” to go with it.'
‘The prime country house and estates market in Scotland has always held strong appeal, particularly to overseas buyers who are drawn to our romantic landscapes, ancient buildings, and historic tales. With Kelly Castle close to airports at Dundee and Edinburgh, I expect strong levels of interest from overseas buyers looking for their own slice of Scotland.
'With an estate manager's flat on site, and the knowledge that the building is in excellent condition — it’s a castle you really can just “lock up and leave” if you suddenly need to catch a flight.’
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale
A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.
This 321-acre estate on the southern tip of Wales is a sporting fantasy that needs some love
The Trewern Estate in Pembrokeshire offers shooting, fishing and a decent income from grazing — not to mention an 11,000sq
How Country Life launched the career of Alistair Mackenzie, the architect who created Augusta National's iconic golf course
Alister Mackenzie, the golf course architect who created Augusta National Golf Club, was a GP with an enthusiastic sideline in
Norman Foster on the Country Life podcast: 'The Green Belt is one of our greatest inventions'
Lord Norman Foster, one of Britain's great architects, joins the Country Life podcast.

James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of Country Life. He writes about property, travel, motoring and things that upset him. He lives in London.
-
The most picturesque town in Scotland, and did someone survive a fall from 33,333ft? Country Life Quiz of the Day, May 14, 2025
Wednesday's quiz brings a very tall tale to the table.
By Country Life Published
-
Four stands not to miss at the Chelsea Flower Show
From wire sculptures to water features, oil paintings to tableware, take inspiration from the exhibitors at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show and liven up your home and garden, just in time for a–hopefully–glorious summer.
By Country Life Published
-
Laverstoke Park, the iconic home of Formula One World Champion Jody Scheckter, roars onto the market
The benchmark for the sale of the year has been set.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
No Mr Bond, we expect you to buy: Sean Connery's former villa on the French Riviera could be yours
Roc Fleuri Villa 'must be Nice's most desirable home', according to the agents.
By Lotte Brundle Last updated
-
Five Cotswold dream homes on the market from £3m to £18m, as seen in Country Life
This week we have a Cotswolds-themed rundown of some of the finest homes to come to the market in this beautiful part of England.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A modern masterpiece for sale in Cornwall that's just one mile from the beach
Hay House combines location, elegance and modern family living to create a special home for the 21st century.
By James Fisher Published
-
A rollercoaster, Bauhaus department store and Brutalist football stand top the latest Buildings at Risk List
The latest Buildings at Risk List from the Twentieth Century Society has been announced. Sunwin House department store and Blackpool’s Grand National Rollercoaster both feature.
By Jack Watkins Published
-
Lutyens's last masterpiece comes up for sale in Oxfordshire, with 27 bedrooms and a cricket pitch
Middleton Park in Middleton Stoney is a vast country home that must surely be among the nation's best
By James Fisher Published
-
A 10-bedroom manor house in the heart of the Cotswolds with all the trimmings
Waterton House sits on the edge of Ampney Crucis, and is as elegant as can be.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A seven bedroom Buckinghamshire rectory that might be a little haunted
Grade II-listed the Old Rectory is a home of astounding charm and beauty, and comes with a friendly visitor.
By James Fisher Published