Stunning Scottish castle that once housed the disembodied heart of Robert the Bruce on the market for £1.65million
A wine cellar, stables and crackling fire places await the new owner of Craig house and estate, which has housed royals and notable figures since the 13th centry
A GUN room, a wine cellar, cast iron fireplaces and stables await the next owner of a luxurious Scottish castle on the market for a hefty £1.65million.
One of Scotland's oldest properties, the Craig house and estate in Montrose, Angus once housed the disembodied heart of Robert the Bruce.
The eye-watering property - known as Craig Castle, Craig House or just The Craig - has plush furnishings, sprawling gardens and has housed royals and notable figures since it was built in the 13th century.
It is said that Sir James Douglas spent his final night in Scotland at The Craig protecting the heart of Robert Bruce, to transport it faithfully to Jerusalem in battle against the Saracens.
Sir James supposedly set sail to mainland Europe from Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, with Bruce's heart round his neck in a casket.
In the end he never managed to deliver the heart, as he was killed in battle at Teba, Spain.
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Records note two visits by King James V in 1535 and 1539 and Mary Queen of Scots was also thought to have stayed twice - one one occasion she was thought to have set fire to the property thinking it to be occupied by enemies.
Hercules Ross, a wealthy Scottish merchant who campaigned for the abolition of the slave trade, was also said to have stayed briefly.
Now the property, handled by agents Savills, has had a few interested viewers but no concrete offers, since it was placed on the market in July last year.
On approach to the luxurious property is a tree-lined avenue leading to ivy-covered towers and an arch with the inscription "qui s'y frotte s'y pique" - which means "if you go looking for trouble you'll find it".
The modernised house itself sits in the middle of a garden, the ground floor of which features a breakfast room, a library a gun room and a bathroom with the words "ceci n'est pas un bain écossais" painted on the bath.
As well as six bedrooms, it also hosts seven receptions rooms and two separate two-bedroom cottages.
A curving staircase leads to a morning room, more fireplaces, a dining room and a drawing room.
The ceiling of the latter was designed and painted by the well-known American artist, Richard Jordan.
Jordan recreated the original ceiling design, incorporating birds and beasts, human figures and initials from the period.
Fragments of the mural dating back to 1529 were discovered in 1921 during restorative work - they are now on display in the Museum of Scotland.
A collection of extinct Scottish animals are displayed in the dining room, while the kitchen includes a larder, a wine fridge and a linen cupboard.
Further features which might excite prospective owners include a yoga room, a master bedroom with cast iron fireplace, a wine cellar and a stable.
Meanwhile the lawns are home to an old greenhouse, raised vegetable beds and a tool shed.
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