Carbisdale Castle has been taken off the market and it is believed that a wealthy shoe designer is the new potential buyer who wants to turn it into a private home.
Owners the Scottish Youth Hostel Association (SYHA) said that offers for the 109-year-old, 40-bedroom building, sited near Ardgay, are being considered.
It is the second time in two years the castle has been on the brink of being sold.
A deal thought to bethe start of plans to turn the historic property into a luxury hotel fell through amid much controversy last year.