Castle where Tennyson, Dickens and Andersen met for sale

A 16th century castle where literary greats such as Alfred Lord Tennyson, Charles Dickens and Hans Christian Andersen convened to discuss stories is on the market for £6million 

Craigcrook Castle, near Edinburgh, has also welcomed the likes of Sir Walter Scott, and George Eliot over the past few centuries, but has not sold despite being on the market for more than three years.

The three-storey castle built in 1542 by William Adamson boasts a round tower that offers breathtaking views of Corstorphine Hill, Blackhall and The Firth of Forth.

Craigcrook Castle near Edinburgh has welcomed the likes of Charles Dickens, Hans Christian Andersen, Sir Walter Scott, Alfred Lord Tennyson and George Eliot over the past few centuries

The rooms in the elaborate manor have a variety of themes and opulent facets. This room features a mounted stained-glass window on the wall

The rooms in the elaborate manor have a variety of themes and opulent facets. This room features a mounted stained-glass window on the wall

One of the large, wooden reception rooms inside the property. The Grade B Listed property had passed hands a number of times before John Strachan, Writer to the Signet acquired the castle and left it to Craigcrook Mortification Trust in 1719 

One of the large, wooden reception rooms inside the property. The Grade B Listed property had passed hands a number of times before John Strachan, Writer to the Signet acquired the castle and left it to Craigcrook Mortification Trust in 1719 

The Grade B Listed property had passed hands a number of times before John Strachan, Writer to the Signet acquired the castle and left it to Craigcrook Mortification Trust in 1719 and subsequently occupied by a succession of famous writers.

The literary link was established in the 19th century when Archibald Constable, the publisher, occupied it until 1815.

Afterwards it became the home of the lawyer and literary critic Francis Jeffrey. Sir Walter Scott visited the castle frequently under both tenancies.

Another 19th century tenant was the writer and politician William Stirling who, in 1855, offered the use of the grounds to the English poet Gerald Massey, then in Edinburgh as an editor on the Edinburgh News. Massey wrote the poem Craigcrook Castle while he was there. 

The buyer will also get a modern two bedroom gatehouse at the entrance to the castle which could offer a renovation project for DIY enthusiasts.

The castle has played host to a number of famous visitors, not least Great Expectations author Charles Dickens.

The original design set out a tower house that has been extended and adapted throughout the years. 

The buyer will also get a modern two bedroom gatehouse at the entrance to the castle which could offer a renovation project for DIY enthusiasts

The buyer will also get a modern two bedroom gatehouse at the entrance to the castle which could offer a renovation project for DIY enthusiasts

The stunning three storey castle built in 1542 by William Adamson boasts a round tower (seen here at the front of the house) that offers breathtaking views of Corstorphine Hill, Blackhall and The Firth of Forth

The stunning three storey castle built in 1542 by William Adamson boasts a round tower (seen here at the front of the house) that offers breathtaking views of Corstorphine Hill, Blackhall and The Firth of Forth

Surrounding the castle is more than four acres of attractive landscaped gardens, a small area of mature woodland and the original walled garden

Surrounding the castle is more than four acres of attractive landscaped gardens, a small area of mature woodland and the original walled garden

In recent years the castle has been let on a long lease for commercial purposes and in the 1970’s a single storey L shaped annex building was added to the eastern wing of the castle. Since this period the castle has been used as offices. 

Plans drawn up for remodelling Craigcrook show it boasts five bedroom suites, four grand public rooms, staff quarters, a games room, gym and even a cinema. 

There is also room for horses, with two-storey stables on site next to a large garage for a box to transport them in.

Surrounding the castle is more than four acres of attractive landscaped gardens, a small area of mature woodland and the original walled garden.

A hidden gem close to the city of Edinburgh. The property is currently assessed as offices and has an EPC rating of G.

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