Aline Estate, an expansive 8,202-acre sporting estate located on Scotland's Isle of Lewis, is now on the market for £4 million. The property includes a 617-acre private island, Seaforth Island, situated in the middle of Loch Seaforth, along with an 18th-century Highland lodge that was renovated in 2010.
The estate offers significant opportunities for traditional Scottish sporting pursuits, including salmon and trout fishing, red deer stalking, and grouse shooting. The agents, Strutt & Parker, describe the estate as having some of the finest fishing and stalking in Scotland, noting that the rare achievement of a traditional 'MacNab'—catching a salmon, stalking a stag, and shooting a brace of grouse in a single day—has been accomplished on the property multiple times.
Aline Lodge, the main residence, features six bedrooms, four of which are en suite, a large reception room, study, dining room, and sunroom. The lodge boasts what the agents call 'one of the most spectacular outlooks of any sporting lodge in Scotland,' with panoramic views across Loch Seaforth.
Complementing the main lodge are three additional cottages providing five extra bedrooms, suitable for guests or for rental income. The estate also includes various outbuildings, a boathouse with a slipway, a games room, a sauna, and a three-bedroom gamekeeper's cottage.
The natural surroundings of Aline Estate are a significant draw, with approximately five miles of coastline, dramatic hills, and freshwater lochs. The area is a haven for wildlife, including porpoises, dolphins, and occasional whales, as well as golden eagles, corncrakes, and various seabirds. The estate is known for its rich biodiversity, attracting migrating woodcock in the winter months.
Beyond its sporting and wildlife attractions, the estate presents opportunities for environmental stewardship and natural capital. A recent feasibility study indicated that nearly 1,500 acres of peatland are suitable for restoration and carbon accreditation. The estate also has potential for renewable energy generation and currently generates income from a leased industrial pier, a telecommunications mast, and solar feed-in tariffs.
Historical records indicate the site has been inhabited for thousands of years, with Viking artefacts discovered near Aline Lodge. The estate's unique combination of lifestyle amenities, natural beauty, and potential for ecological and commercial development makes it a distinctive offering on the Scottish property market.