A 200-year-old Scottish castle on one of the country’s Shetland islands is currently for sale with a shockingly low minimum offer: $37,000. However, as NPR reports, there is one major catch—the current owners suspect it’ll take at least another $15 million to renovate the property to livable condition. The castle, known as Brough Lodge, is owned by a trust, which is looking for a prospective buyer eager to work with the organization in transforming the crumbling castle into a world-class retreat. “We seek someone who is passionate about the potential that Brough Lodge offers,” reads the trust’s website. “If you recognize the value of sustaining Shetland’s heritage and wish to help secure the future of this island community, we are keen to hear from you.”
Constructed in 1825 on Fetlar, Brough Lodge was designed and built by Arthur Nicolson, a merchant from nearby Lerwick. According to the trust, Nicolson acquired the land in 1805 in a partial debt settlement and planned a grand estate, though little is known about the actual construction of the property. “Surprisingly, for such an important building on a small island, there is practically no oral tradition about the building of Brough Lodge. This is unusual, as local workmen were most likely employed,” reads the website. It is suspected that Nicolson was inspired by architecture he discovered while traveling in France, Switzerland, and Italy in addition to incorporating many classical elements into his design.
The castle was owned by the Nicolson family until 2007, though it has been sitting empty since 1970. In 1998, the Brough Lodge Trust was formed as a Building Preservation Trust and is a registered charity in Scotland. The organization has drawn up plans to turn the structure into a 24-bedroom retreat, which would welcome guests and offer a curated selection of activities. “Under the plans we have developed, the building’s historic character would be fully respected,” reads the website. “New accommodation, sensitive to its setting, would offer up to 24 double bedrooms and other essential facilities, including an elevated dining room.” Significant headway was made about 10 years ago when a new roof was added, making the building wind- and waterproof. However, the Scottish castle still requires significant restoration work.