THE remains of a once magnificent castle in the Borders have gone on sale for a knock down price of £300,000.

Formerly a 64-room building, Cavers Castle near Hawick, was once the home of the Douglas family - one of Scotland famous clans, until 1878.

It was bombed in "demolition by explosives" in 1953 by the British Army after the owners could no longer afford its upkeep.

But estate agents reckon it could become a luxury family home if a buyer put in another £1 million to make it habitable and completely restore the castle.

Set in 11 acres, it also has what is believed to be the oldest chestnut tree in Britain, dating back to 1603.

Tony Perriam, of Melrose-based estate agents Rettie, said: "It was effectively destroyed after the war.

"It became uneconomic, so the owners allowed the slates to be ripped off the roof, the stones to be sold. And then they allowed the British army to "take it down" in return for tax breaks.

"It’s been left in this state for more than 60 years. Historic Scotland is quite broadminded about plans for the building.

"So it could be something more imaginative and contemporary than you’d normally expect.

"The core of the original tower remains, and a Georgian wing, but much of the 19th century additions have entirely gone.

"It would cost a minimum of £750,000 to restore the stone-built core as a home, but a new owner could end up spending significantly more."

He said some of the surviving stonework was in remarkably good condition.

However, all that remains of the Castle are the bricks and mortar of the five storey, south-easterly wing. Some of the walls are up to eleven feet in thickness and detail around fireplaces and cornicing still remain.

Existing plans are available proposing the restoration of the Castle to a single dwelling family home.