American musician Bob Dylan has decided to part with his Scottish retreat, Aultmore House, near Nethy Bridge in the Cairngorms National Park. The property, which Dylan has owned for 17 years, carries a price tag of about $3.9 million (roughly 3.4 million euros). Set amidst forests and mountains, Aultmore House is a substantial estate resting at the edge of a private lane that winds through woodland to the manor.
In 2006, Bob Dylan and his brother David Zimmerman acquired the mansion and embarked on a comprehensive modernization during 2007 and 2008. The updates touched on essential systems and safety, including the water, electrical and heating installations, as well as upgraded security measures with smoke detectors and emergency lighting. Despite a long-held fondness for the property, the celebrated songwriter decided to sell after revealing that the house had not been visited by either brother in three years. A Knight Frank representative noted that until the pandemic, the siblings would visit for a few weeks each year, drawn by the home’s breathtaking beauty and its unique charm. The listing highlights that the home was purchased for its stunning appeal and its extraordinary sense of place, rather than for regular use (Knight Frank).
The history of Aultmore House stretches back to the early 20th century. Built between 1911 and 1914 as a holiday residence for Archibald Merrilees, a son of a Scottish entrepreneur who founded Russia’s first department store in the mid-1800s, the mansion has seen a wide range of transformations. The fortunes of the Merrilees family faltered in the wake of the Russian Revolution, and the house changed hands in 1922. Since then the property has served varied roles, including a hospital, a private school, and a wedding venue during World War II, reflecting the evolving needs and moments of history around it.
Since Dylan acquired Aultmore House, the estate has operated as a set of three cottages that welcome visitors and host events for guests at a weekly rate of around £900. Located roughly 13 miles from Aviemore, the property sits at the end of a private road winding through trees to the northeast of Nethy Bridge. The estate covers more than 100,000 square feet of land, featuring secluded private gardens and ample space to enjoy the Scottish countryside. The property’s enduring allure lies in its blend of historic resonance and modern comforts, along with the sense of seclusion that comes from being surrounded by woods and hills. The decision to sell is framed as a practical one, grounded in the reality that the owners have not used the house in recent years, even as it remains a symbol of beauty and a rare, aspirational retreat (Knight Frank).