This 15th-century castle could be yours for less than $200k

By Ellie Forbes via SWNS

A 15th-century castle in the UK, built for Robert the Bruce's brother, is set to go up for auction with bids starting at £149,000 ($188,300).

Muness Castle on the Isle of Unst was built in the 15th century for Laurence the Bruce, the half-brother of the King of Scots.

It is the most northerly castle in Britain, on an island believed to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "Treasure Island."

The ruined castle comes with 160 acres and a collection of largely derelict cottages.

Seals, dolphins and puffins are the closest neighbors with a small village 1.9 miles away.

It also comes with a baronial title and gold mineral rights and will be sold by Future Property Auctions on May 5, 2022.

Current owner Gavin Farquhar bought Muness Castle for £65,000 in 2014, according to reports.

Mr. Farquhar, who owns Ecclesgreig Estate at St Cyrus, Aberdeenshire, had planned to open a tourism business in the historic building.

But he said he is no longer interested in pursuing the vision given the Scottish Government's policies on rates and empty building taxes.

He said: “We have had some pretty serious people interested.

“It was an interesting opportunity for us and we wanted to run a tourism venture on the estate, but we have zero interest in doing that now.”

Historic Environment Scotland maintains Muness Castle, with the property described as a "splendid example" of tower house architecture.

It was originally built for Laurence Bruce of Cultmalindie – an unpopular sheriff who is remembered for the oppression of the Shetland people.

The castle was set on fire by privateers from Dunkirk in 1627, though it was reoccupied afterward.

It was sold by the Bruce family in 1718 and later fell into ruin.