Finding a castle at terraced house money is a dream many of us share. But finding one in a location such as this – just a few minutes up the road from the beautiful Scottish town of St Andrews – is such a fanciful idea that nobody in their right mind would dare dream of it.
Yet that’s what is on the market in the form of Chesterhill House, a beautiful 1870 home with an oval walled garden set in three acres of land in Fife that is listed with agents Bell Ingram at offers over £200,000.
Such has been the interest that the agents have actually taken down the advert on their own website, and added a disclaimer to their OnTheMarket.com listing – but we spoke to the nice people at Bell Ingram, and they confirmed that they're still accepting offers until the closing date next Tuesday.
This 5,300sq ft, Grade C-listed house – complete with parapets and castellations – was built on the site of an earlier home which is believed to have burnt down.
The unusually-shaped walled garden actually pre-dates the existing home, which was built by a merchant whose business was based across the nearby River Tay in Dundee.
Hard times came to Chesterhill many years ago, however. Not to put too fine a point on it, it’s a total wreck which needs everything doing throughout it’s three floors and its attic. Even the detached garages are in a sad state of disrepair.
Yet this is not a property to entice those looking for a place to move straight into. This is one for dreamers who realise that if they’re happy to spend serious money – and clearly the work done will run well into six figures – then there is the prospect of a magnificent home and an equally magnificent return on their investment.
And the potential financial return. It’s not hard to imagine the swathes of golfers who visit this part of Scotland every summer jumping at the chance to stay in a castle 10 minutes up the road from the Auld Grey Toon of St Andrews, and Carnoustie – site of the 2018 Open Championship – is almost as easy to get to.
Whoever fancies taking on this challenge will have to be fast however: the agents, Bell Ingram, have been inundated with enquiries about the place, and the closing date for offers is next Tuesday, 12 September.
Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale
A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.
Country Life guide to St Andrews
Country Life's travel guide to all the best things to see and do in the beautiful town of St Andrews
Credit: Kevin Murray
Sporting life: 18 golf courses in the UK that every golfer should play before they die
Roderick Easdale nominates his pick of the best golf courses in Britain and Ireland, with some help from the great
10 iconic sporting trophies (and the intriguing tales behind them)
Everybody loves a good sporting battle, but, often, the silverware up for grabs has been through far tougher times than
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castleFrom hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
-
Acronyms, underwater animals, pyramids, fast cars and masts. Learn something new with the Country Life Quiz of the DayOur life is acronyms. Find out what they mean. Impress no-one.
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castle
From hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
-
How to buy a house at auctionBuying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same timeThe houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in BritainBressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
-
Alan Titchmarsh is selling his Hampshire home (and the garden that comes with it): Exclusive pictures and interviewAfter many happy years in Hampshire, the writer, broadcaster and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh is selling up and looking to move. He spoke to Penny Churchill about his years at Manor Farm House.
-
A Lake District escape with views that will make you feel like the king of all you can seeMellguards's many guest rooms and dual staircases make this property perfect for people who love to host, but tire of their guests quickly.
-
One of Yorkshire's great houses, burnt to the ground three generations ago, is back on its feet and on the market for the sixth time in a millenniumPenny Churchill looks at Riseborough Hall, a great house, rich with fascinating history and beautifully apportioned, which burnt to the ground but rose again.
-
Seven magnificent homes from Cumbria to Devon, as seen in Country LifeOur regular look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past few weeks takes in a breathtaking Lake District house and a superb home in Northamptonshire.
