Corse HouseLumphanan, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 4SB

Corse House was built in the mid 19th century by James Ochoncar Forbes of Corse, second son of Sir John Forbes, 7th Baronet of Craigeivar, following the division of the previously unified Corse and Craigievar estates.

On inheriting Corse, he chose not to reside in Corse Castle and instead established a new family home, Corse House as its replacement. The house was built to serve as the principal residence of the estate, marking a direct transition from the older castle to a more comfortable and refined country house, while maintaining a close connection to Craigievar Castle and the wider Forbes lineage.

From the outset, Corse House was designed not only as a residence, but as a complete country estate. It originally featured a large conservatory or orangery style garden room for the cultivation of exotic plants alongside well developed grounds. Features that speak to both the lifestyle and standing of the period.

Dating back to about 1863, the property comprises a Category B Listed two storey substantial detached Italianate country residence. Within a captivating rural setting close to Royal Deeside, the generous accommodation includes a striking tower. Internally, the layout is centred around a galleried hall and with one of three main reception room with colonnades of Corinthian columns and semi circular arched windows. There is a small cellar below the reception hall/stairway, accessed from the north wing passage via a stairway with stone steps. It has a stone flagged floor, and is fitted with some stone shelving.

Opportunities to acquire a property combining such architectural distinction, historical significance and transformative potential are exceptionally rare, and Corse House offers a truly compelling prospect for those seeking to create something extraordinary.

Rich in character and steeped in history, the house occupies an enviable position within Aberdeenshire’s unspoilt countryside. Its elegant proportions and classical detailing reflect the style and confidence of its era, while its relationship with the adjacent castle ruins lends an undeniable sense of romance and narrative. The surrounding landscape, once designed to complement both house and castle, continues to provide a picturesque backdrop that enhances the sense of arrival and quiet seclusion.

Internally, Corse House offers extensive and adaptable accommodation arranged over generous proportions, providing a blank canvas upon which a new owner can realise their own vision. The interiors retain a sense of grandeur and scale, with well-proportioned principal rooms that invite restoration and reimagining in equal measure. Whether restored as a distinguished private residence or thoughtfully adapted for alternative lifestyle or hospitality use, the house offers considerable flexibility to suit a wide range of aspirations.

The property presents clear opportunities for renovation and modernisation, allowing an incoming purchaser to shape its future in accordance with their own requirements and design preferences. Rather than prescribing a single course, Corse House offers freedom, creativity and imagination. A chance to balance the preservation of its historic character with the introduction of contemporary comfort and style. Buyers will no doubt appreciate the opportunity to tailor the accommodation to their individual needs, supported by available plans, imagery and detailed reports.

Ultimately, Corse House represents a unique and exciting opportunity to acquire a property of scale, beauty and historical importance. Whether as an elegant family home, a destination retreat, or a distinctive hospitality venture, it offers the chance not simply to purchase a house, but to shape the next chapter in its long and characterful history.

Outside: A pillared entrance sets the tone on arrival, opening onto a gently meandering driveway that leads to an expansive area for parking and turning. The immediate grounds are both atmospheric and established, with mature planting creating a sense of privacy while affording open views across the surrounding countryside. Corse House enjoys a unique and historic connection with the nearby Corse Castle. Whilst not included in the sale, its presence enriches the setting and contributes to the estate’s enduring character and sense of heritage. The property extends to approximately 3.3 acres, offering a generous and picturesque setting, complemented by a detached outbuilding suitable for storage or ancillary use. The surrounding land remains under the same ownership, presenting an opportunity for purchasers to acquire additional acreage by separate negotiation, should further land be desired.

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