Portmore House is a superb example of Scottish Baronial architecture. Photo: Galbraith
The new Downton Abbey film Downton Abbey: The Grande Finale is the last chance to immerse ourselves in the dramas of the aristocratic Crawley family — and their staff — and marvel at the stately piles they and other members of their elevated circles reside in.
While Highclere Castle — used as the location for Downton Abbey itself — isn’t on the market, these impressive country estates are. So if you fancy a huge historic home surrounded by vast expanses of land, scroll down now.
This has to be the ultimate fixer-upper. Photo: Carter Jonas
This Grade I listed, 14,200 square foot Georgian mansion lies in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Built in the 1720s from plans approved by Lord Burlington — known as the architect earl — it was occupied by a succession of families for over 200 years before being sold to the local council in 1947 and used as a home for the elderly. In 1990 it returned to private ownership and now requires full restoration.
Rooms are well proportioned with a wealth of period panelling and plasterwork, and it comes with a large coach house and gardens of around six and a half acres. Contact Carter Jonas.
. Corsindae House has been a cherished family home for generations. Photo: Savills
Rolling hills provide the backdrop to an estate so vast that it even boasts a loch and island of its own. The 1,080 acres include arable, pasture and grazing land and woodland, plus landscaped gardens.
The estate is centred around a turreted 15th century tower house where accommodation is spread over four floors and includes five reception rooms and six bedrooms.
Planning permission has been granted to convert the recently-restored laundry room into a two-bedroom annex, and three rental cottages and a holiday let generate extra income. Through Savills.
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The property benefits from an established income stream. Photo: Shadow
Standing in over 500 acres, this Grade II* listed stucco-fronted hall dates from 1767.
It features 11 bedrooms, a magnificent drawing room — once the ballroom — a dining room, library, numerous other reception rooms, an adjoining three-bedroom duplex and a private chapel with a bell tower and stained glass windows.
Five secondary houses are all currently tenanted, and there’s potential to establish an equestrian centre or glamping business. Get in touch with Fisher German.
This Norman castle is remarkably well-preserved. Photo: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Real Estate
It’s rare to find a Norman castle for sale, let alone one as intact as Appleby Castle. The Grade I listed sandstone fortress is set in 25 acres of parkland with a Norman keep, a 13th-century round tower, three cottages, a tennis court and fishing rights on the River Eden.
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It includes 22 bedrooms, two great halls and a 15th century dining room along with modern amenities such as a gym, hot tub and sauna.
Although currently run as a wedding venue and retreat, it could easily become a unique private home. Contact United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty.
Old and new are successfully combined. Photo: Strutt & Parker
Descendants of the 5th Duke of Beaufort are among the noble former owners of this 110 acre estate which can trace its roots back to the 13th century. 12,000 square foot Cubberley House, at its heart, was substantially rebuilt in 1968 and combines period charm and contemporary comforts, with seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, elegant morning and dining rooms, a library and bar.
It also has two guest cottages, a tennis court and and a state-of-the art wellness complex incorporating a gym, swimming pool, sauna and hot tub. Through Strutt & Parker.
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Although very rural, Category-A listed Portmore House is in easy reach of Edinburgh. Photo: Galbraith
Scottish Baronial-style Portmore House is the centrepiece of this 3,400 acre estate. It was designed in 1850 by David Bryce, regarded as Scotland’s leading Victorian architect and is considered to be a superb example of its genre.
Immaculate throughout, it contains 10 principal bedrooms, light-filled reception rooms and period details such as fireplaces, wood panelling and an original organ in the hall.
The carefully restored and tended gardens are said to be amongst the best in Scotland and Edinburgh city centre is only 18 miles away. Get in touch with Galbraith.
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This magnificent house has its own airstrip. Photo: Vladimir Melnic
If you can afford it, you’ll find it hard to resist this 405-acre Georgian estate. For starters, it’s in an idyllic location on the edge of the New Forest and enjoys reaching views across the Solent.
The Grade II* listed, 17,000 square foot house is pleasingly symmetric and perfectly proportioned, with six reception rooms, eight main bedrooms and various ancillary areas arranged across four floors.
Three further dwellings, a swimming pool, tennis court and walled garden are all discreetly positioned in the grounds and a private grass airstrip and hangar are a legacy from World War II when the site operated as RAF Lymington. From United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty.
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