Property details

A Rare and Remarkable Development Opportunity on Scotland’s Spectacular Buchan Coast

A rare and exciting opportunity to acquire the newly renamed Longhaven Castle — a distinctive, red granite-built former school, set within the picturesque coastal village of Longhaven, Aberdeenshire. This impressive and characterful property has full planning permission for conversion into a six-bedroom family residence with a self-contained granny flat (Planning Reference: APP/2025/0190).

Occupying a generous 1,800 m² (0.44 acre) plot, the property is fully enclosed by traditional granite stone walls, offering both privacy and a sense of heritage. The setting combines historic charm with outstanding natural beauty — just half a mile from the Longhaven Cliffs Nature Reserve, renowned for its dramatic sea views, rugged coastline, and thriving seabird colonies.

Adding to the area’s allure, the legendary Slains Castle, perched above Cruden Bay only two miles to the south, is widely believed to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula following his visits to the region in the 1890s. This stretch of coastline is steeped in both natural splendour and literary history, offering a truly unique place to live.

The property comprises three attached structures, The original one-storey-and-attic former schoolhouse, built in striking red granite with a traditional timber-pitched slated roof, The adjacent single-storey school building, also of granite construction, maintaining architectural consistency and character, A later rear extension, built with concrete block walls, a mono-pitched tiled roof, and dry dash render, adding additional space and flexibility for redevelopment.

Internally, the building features timber flooring with a mix of carpet and vinyl finishes, painted plaster walls, and a combination of plaster and suspended acoustic tile ceilings. Electric wall-mounted heating (currently disconnected) and fluorescent lighting are installed throughout.

Externally, the site provides a spacious car park to the front, with grassed areas and mature vegetation to the rear, offering potential for landscaped gardens or outdoor seating areas to complement the planned residential conversion.

AREA

Located just off the A90, the coastal village of Longhaven enjoys excellent transport links while retaining a peaceful, rural atmosphere. The property lies approximately 4 miles south of Peterhead and 27 miles north of Aberdeen, offering the perfect balance between tranquillity and accessibility.

Peterhead provides a full range of amenities, including supermarkets, healthcare, leisure facilities, and schools, while Longhaven itself maintains a traditional village feel with a convenience store, village hall, and direct access to open countryside and the sea. Regular bus services connect the village with Peterhead, Aberdeen, and surrounding communities, ensuring convenient daily travel options.

For those commuting further afield, Aberdeen International Airport, approximately 33 miles away, offers regular domestic and international flights to major cities across the UK and beyond. The Aberdeen Ferry Terminal also provides frequent sailings to the Orkney and Shetland Islands, expanding regional connectivity.

All told, the setting of Longhaven Castle offers an exceptional combination of tranquil coastal living, strong transport links, and nearby town-level amenities — making it an ideal prospect for both full-time residents and those seeking a distinctive holiday home or investment opportunity in one of Aberdeenshire’s most scenic coastal locations.

SERVICES:

Mains water and Electricity. Private drainage