Lickleyhead Castle, Premnay, Insch, Aberdeenshire, AB52

An exceptional A Listed castle with charming cottage in about 11 acres.

Description

Lickleyhead Castle is an outstanding Scottish castle situated in northeast Scotland in the county of Aberdeenshire, not far from the town of Inverurie and in the quiet village of Auchleven. Grade A Listed by Historic Environment Scotland, the history of the castle spans several centuries and is associated with a number of prominent Scottish families, in particular, clans Leslie, Leith, Forbes, Duff and Lumsden. The oldest parts of the building date back to 1580, with additions made through the 17th and 18th centuries to give it its current L shape. Many original features are still intact and beautifully preserved, including wood panelling, ancient spiral staircases and stonework, with the Great Hall adding to the atmospheric, authentic feel of this hugely impressive property, which has been comprehensively updated and refurbished over the years. Reached via a long tree-lined drive, the castle sits amongst 11 or so acres of grounds, bisected by two pretty burns, and a traditional, separate three bedroom cottage is included in the sale.

Despite its distinguished heritage and grand scale, Lickleyhead Castle is at its heart a wonderfully welcoming and comfortable family home which has also been run as a successful exclusive use events venue and luxury holiday let.

At the core of the castle, the breathtaking Great Hall epitomises historic grandeur. With three generous windows, a dramatic open walk-in fireplace, butler’s pantry, and adjoining library, this remarkable space is ideally suited for large scale formal entertaining and big family gatherings. A particular highlight is the charming panelled sitting room, a characterful and atmospheric space centred around an original Adams fireplace. Rich in period detail, this elegant room provides a comfortable retreat and is ideally suited for both everyday living and entertaining. Adjacent rooms offer excellent flexibility and can be adapted to a variety of uses to suit the requirements of the new owner.


For relaxed daily living, the magnificent dining kitchen has plenty of space for a large table and boasts a striking cherry-red oil-fired AGA. The room is flooded with natural light from four windows, while a charming stone corner fireplace and elegant granite worktops complement the central island and Belfast sink. A traditional larder with adjoining utility space, complete with terracotta tiled flooring, offers additional storage and is plumbed for laundry appliances.

The dining room is elegant and inviting, with polished floorboards, twin windows and a striking fireplace.

Accessed via a discreet door beside the walled garden, the East Wing offers practical yet characterful accommodation. A well-appointed prep kitchen has a Hotpoint hob and electric oven, integrated dishwasher, space for a fridge/freezer, and a range of fitted wall and base cabinetry, ideal for catering or informal cooking.

An elegant carpeted staircase leads to the upper floors, where a series of individually styled bedrooms offer charm, comfort and unique architectural detail.

• The Bartholf Bedroom features a stone fireplace, exposed beams and a front-facing window, with stone steps leading to a private en suite shower room with twin wash basins.
• The Duff Room has three windows and an ornamental fireplace, with access to a beautifully appointed bathroom complete with roll-top bath and vanity unit.
• The Laird’s Suite, accessed via a private staircase, provides a sense of exclusivity. This distinguished bedroom includes a fireplace, dual windows, and an en suite with a striking Japanese-style bath framed by curved windows.
• The Maitland Room benefits from a dual-aspect and a luxurious bathroom featuring a roll-top bath and shower.
• The Forbes Room offers a unique handcrafted cabin bed and charming fireplace.
• The Gallery Bedroom Suite is full of character, with three porthole-style windows, an en suite plunge bath, and an adjacent shower room.
• A delightful Nursery Bedroom with three windows offers light-filled and versatile accommodation.
• The impressive Grande Luz Bedroom, complete with an attractive fireplace.

In total, the property offers eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms, five of which are en suite, ensuring exceptional flexibility for family living and guest accommodation.

Outside: The c.11 acres of grounds include a walled garden, two driveways, former ice house, rose garden, expanses of well-maintained lawn, sunken terrace, BBQ area, and decking area with room for a hot tub.

Location

Gardener's Cottage: Included in the sale is picturesque Lickleyhead Gardeners Cottage, situated on the other side of the burn from the Castle. The cottage has a stunning interior which has been beautifully designed and could be used as owners’ accommodation if the Castle is rented out; as overspill accommodation for the Castle; as an independent holiday or long term residential let; or would also be ideal as multi-generational accommodation.

The property is located just outside from the village of Auchleven, which has a primary school. About four miles away is Insch which has a range of local shops and community facilities along with a railway station. About seven miles away is Alford which has various local shops, medical and dental practices and a community campus housing nursery, primary and secondary schools, a library and swimming pool. The property is within the Huntly and Inverurie secondary school catchment areas.

Lickleyhead Castle is situated on lower slopes of Bennachie, a well-known Aberdeenshire landmark with easy access to both Aberdeen and its airport, on the A96. Locally there is salmon fishing on the nearby Deveron, Don and Spey, together with golf courses at Insch, Alford, Huntly, Inverurie, Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay and the Trump International Golf Links.

There is private schooling in Aberdeen including Robert Gordon’s College, St Margaret’s and Albyn as well as the International School of Aberdeen. There are two universities and several colleges of further education. Gordonstoun is also easily reached.

The nearby A96 provides ease of access to Aberdeen and its airport which provides excellent links to London and other UK and European cities. The Western Peripheral Route has improved travel in and around Aberdeen, and links to a quicker and more direct route south. Insch railway station, on the Aberdeen – Inverness line, is easily reached and there are regular mainline services from Aberdeen, including a sleeper. Aberdeen has all the services expected of a major city including business and leisure facilities, theatres, restaurants and a wide range of shopping.

Square Footage: 5,554 sq ft


Acreage: 11 Acres

Additional Info

Listed Building Grade A

Viewings: Strictly by appointment with Savills on

Local Authority & tax band: Lickleyhead Castle is currently run as a self-catering unit and has a rateable value of £9,900 with effect from 01/04/2026; planning permission was obtained in 2021 to change its use from a dwelling house to short term let accommodation. A change back to residential use will require permission from the planning authority and notification to the Regional Assessor to change to a Council Tax basis. Gardeners Cottage is charged Council Tax - it is banded D.

Services: ins electricity and water. Private drainage. Oil central heating. The Castle has been upgraded and repaired by the present owners since their purchase in 2019 including: an overhaul of the roof; renewing the cast iron rainwater fittings; refitting some of the bathrooms/w.c's; renewing the central heating and hot water boilers and oil tank; renewing the consumer unit; fitting perspex magnetic secondary glazing to many of the windows; redecoration.

Fixtures & Fittings: Standard fixtures and fittings are included in the sale. Alternatively, if required the property could be sold completely furnished.

Servitude rights, burdens and wayleaves: The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all servitude rights, burdens, reservations and wayleaves, including rights of access and rights of way, whether public or private, light, support, drainage, water and wayleaves for masts, pylons, stays, cable, drains and water, gas and other pipes, whether contained in the Title Deeds or informally constituted and whether referred to in the General Remarks and Stipulations or not. The Purchaser(s) will be held to have satisfied himself as to the nature of all such servitude rights and others.

Possession: Vacant possession and entry will be given on completion.

Offers: Offers, in Scottish legal form, must be submitted by your solicitor to the Selling Agents. It is intended to set a closing date but the seller reserves the right to negotiate a sale with a single party. All genuinely interested parties are advised to instruct their solicitor to note their interest with the Selling Agents immediately after inspection.

Deposit: A deposit of 10% of the purchase price may be required. It will be paid within 7 days of the conclusion of Missives. The deposit will be non-returnable in the event of the Purchaser(s) failing to complete the sale for reasons not attributable to the Seller or his agents.