Scrabster, Thurso, Caithness

The property
Scrabster House is a magnificent Category C listed property, providing more than 6,000 sq ft of characterful accommodation in a breathtaking position on the north Caithness coast, with far-reaching views across the sea. Built in 1834 on the site of the former Scrabster Castle, the building was extended in the late 1800s and later divided into separate dwellings in the mid-1900s. The house features a wealth of handsome period details, including a magnificent turreted tower, whitewashed elevations and tall casement windows, all set within extensive gardens and grounds.

At the entrance, impressive double doors open into a welcoming vestibule with patterned tiled flooring, while the inner hall features wooden flooring, intricate ceiling cornicing and a fireplace fitted with a stove. The ground floor reception rooms include the impressive 25ft formal drawing room, with its fireplace and tall south-facing windows, alongside a comfortable sitting room adjoining the kitchen in a semi-open-plan arrangement. The kitchen is fitted with base and wall-mounted storage units and a stainless-steel range cooker, while the utility room provides further storage and space for appliances. Stairs lead to the lower ground floor, where several additional rooms offer excellent storage and potential for conversion into further reception rooms or bedrooms, subject to the necessary consents (

On the first floor, a skylit landing leads to four well-presented bedrooms, including a generous principal bedroom with an en suite bathroom featuring a bathtub and large shower. A family bathroom with an over-bath shower completes the first floor. Stairs continue to the second floor, where substantial storage, roof access and further potential for conversion provide additional scope.

Gardeners cottage provides excellent ancillary accommodation for guests or family members, comprising a sitting room, kitchen, bathroom and two first-floor bedrooms. The adjoining double garage provides secure parking. The extensive gardens and grounds include rolling lawns and meadows, wooded areas, peaceful walled gardens and patio areas for al fresco dining, all framed by stunning coastal and countryside views.

Location
The property lies in a dramatic rural setting on the north Caithness coast, set within the spectacular landscapes of the Far North Highlands, close to the town of Thurso. Thurso is mainland Scotland's most northerly town, with a sandy beach, harbour and riverside walks, and sweeping views across the Pentland Firth towards the Orkney Islands. The town provides a comprehensive range of everyday amenities, including supermarkets, independent shops, restaurants, cafés and a leisure centre, along with primary and secondary schooling. Leisure pursuits are outstanding, with world-class surfing, scenic coastal walks and abundant wildlife on the doorstep. Scrabster Harbour, just north of Thurso, provides ferry services to Stromness in Orkney, while Thurso railway station connects to Inverness and Wick Airport offers subsidised flights to Aberdeen.