The Rise Of Scottish Estates

Scotland – a land rich in heritage, with castles, rugged coastline and, of course, scotch – has also long been a popular retirement destination due to its plethora of golf courses and other activities, like fishing. A limited number of Scottish estates, from 15 to 35 each year, typically come on sale, and demand has remained high for these properties, according to the Financial Times – and who wouldn't want to retire to an idyllic property with a castle on the horizon?

According to real-estate agents, it's not the large houses that are moving rapidly these days, but instead it's the properties that allow for agriculture or appeal to the outdoor sportsman. The main draw these days has been for Scotland's sporting opportunities – in areas known to be proximal to land well-stocked with deer and rivers well-stocked with salmon. Additionally, areas with agricultural value have had a strong draw, with agricultural land and farm houses seen as a solid investment. The financial climate has also been tipped slightly in the favor of international buyers:

Some agents say there is another trend defining the Scottish estate market today – its global appeal, thanks to exchange rates that have made all British land and property attractive overseas. Scandinavian and Dutch buyers have for decades been a part of the estate-buying landscape but other nationalities are joining in.

For more on Scotland, see our photographer Jad Davenport's Scotland photo tour.