A rare opportunity to own a castle steeped in history

An exceptional B-listed castle overlooking the white sands of Mull’s Calgary Bay has come to the market.

Calgary Castle, which gave its name to the Canadian city of the same name, is for sale through Strutt & Parker.

Dating to the mid-1700s and extended in the early 19th century by Alan MacAskill – a merchant navy captain whose mausoleum lies in the grounds – the spectacular castle features a crenelated parapet, angled turrets and gothic-style windows as well as wonderful internal period details.

It is widely believed that after staying at Calgary Castle in 1876 – and apocryphally falling for the daughter of the house – Colonel James MacLeod of the Canadian North West Mounted Police returned to Canada and changed the name of Fort Brisebois in Alberta to Fort Calgary. The then tiny outpost grew into the city of Calgary, which in Gaelic means Cala Ghearraidh and translates to ‘beach of the meadow’.

It is also believed the castle was later owned by Major Philip Profumo – the brother of John Profumo, centre of the 1963 sex and espionage scandal that rocked the British establishment – while notable guests are thought to have included author John Buchan.

Inside beautiful Calgary Castle

The eight-bedroom castle, which additionally offers a self-contained two-bedroom apartment, boasts spectacular views over picture-perfect Calgary Bay and across to Coll and Tiree.

The original section of the property dates from the mid 1700’s, with later extensions in the early part of the 19th century, between 1815 and 1823.
With a crenelated parapet, angled turrets and gothic style windows, the castle exudes character and charm.

Internally, despite requiring some upgrading, it boasts some wonderful period features, including decorative plasterwork added during Profumo’s tenure and a dumb waiter from the dining room to the former staff quarters on the lower ground floor.

The house is approached up steps and through an outer porch, which leads into the reception hall. The westerly view from the front steps towards the islands is wonderful .The reception rooms on the ground floor are exceptional and include the drawing room and dining room, both of which face west, overlooking the bay, a magnificent library, a smaller sitting room for everyday use and a kitchen and breakfast room.

The main staircase leads to the first floor landing, which has magnificent cornicing. It is lit by a large picture light at the half landing level and has a concealed staircase leading to attic storage.

The kitchen at Calgary Castle

There are two principal bedrooms off this landing, each with wonderful views over the bay and an en suite bathroom. They also share a Jack and Jill dressing room/ nursery.

There is a further double bedroom with en suite bathroom and three other double bedrooms on this floor (two with basins), served by two separate bathrooms. A secondary staircase leads up to the second floor, where there are two further double bedrooms, a bathroom and a store room.

Calgary Castle sits in stunning arboreal grounds which extend to 27.9 acres and feature an impressive collection of trees from around the world including a Chilean beech tree. The grounds are a haven for wildlife – golden eagles have been spotted on the lawn – and Mull itself offers abundant opportunities to see golden eagles, sea eagles, basking sharks, minke whales and dolphins to name but a few.

There are stunning views to be had from Calgary Castle

Calgary Beach is frequently listed among the top UK beaches and is just one of the Hebridean island’s attractions which include the annual Tour of Mull Rally in October and the Mull Music Festival in April as well as the Tobermory whisky distillery, excellent walking and hiking and wonderful sailing and watersports.

Calgary is 12 miles from the picturesque harbour town of Tobermory, easily recognised for its row of brightly painted buildings lining the main street. Tobermory offers everyday amenities and several cafes, restaurants and bars.

Malcolm Leslie, head of residential agency for Strutt & Parker in Scotland, said: ‘Calgary Castle is a wonderful, secluded property, steeped in history.

‘It would make an idyllic home and while it offers the romanticism of island life, its proximity to Tobermory makes it a practical option too.’

The agents will consider offers over £695,000.

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