Quirky Contemporary Castle | 087

Reception Rooms
The main reception room is a bright, warm space, lined with oak beamed ceilings from estate harvested wood and contemporary furniture. Large glass sliding French doors lead out onto a paved terrace overlooking a grass lawn sheltered by trees.

A smaller ‘snug’ with comfortable sofa & armchairs and wood-burning stove is on the ground floor. A good spot for the children to slope off to if they’re in need of a little screen time.  Biomass central heating keeps the whole place super snug all year round, and includes underfloor heating on the ground floor.

In the Turrets
Additional recreational space can be found in the turrets. The smaller one has been turned into a two person sauna accessed via a crenellated stone walkway (the original battlements). The second (glass) turret has been designed to enjoy the 360 degree view across the Firth of Clyde, lined black inside to mimic a starry sky.

‘The Chase’ 
A local artist was commissioned to paint the wood beamed ceiling in the ground floor castle ‘keep’ (better known as the snug) with something colourful and interesting. She considered the history of medieval tapestries which projected stories of kings and queens and decided this too would need to be a story told in four parts as the ceiling was divided by 3 beams. After much reflection she settled on the story of 'the chase’ which connected a traditional theme in stories of old. Thus the ceiling is a merry go round chase of the animal kingdom; orcha whales chase dophins and elephants, tigers, a depiction of the owners' world travels. 

Kitchen & Dining
The open plan kitchen/dining room is also in the new conversion within the blueprint of the original keep. It’s equally light and warm, fitted out with timber floors and ceilings all taken from wood found on the estate. The kitchen is well equipped and being connected to the great outdoors with floor to ceiling windows and doors it’s a beautiful environment to cook in, particularly when on holiday!

Don’t want to cook?
For the super-organised who wish to maximise their time whilst on holiday it might be helpful to know that Tesco provide an online delivery service. If you’d like your supermarket shop delivered in advance of your arrival please liaise with the owner in advance.  Alternatively we can provide you with recommendations of local freelance cooks and caterers with whom you can deal with directly to discuss your catering needs.  

There are 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms to accommodate a maximum of 8 guests. Each bedroom occupies a whole floor of the tower with the one on the top floor best probably suited to the more diminutive members in the group.

• 1 SuperKing Double Bedroom
• 3 Twin Bedroom With Ensuite Bathroom

First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Twin bedroom with en-suite with shower cubicle (no toilet). This bedroom is reached from the new wing.  Separate toilet.

Second Floor
Bedroom 2: Twin bedroom with en-suite with shower cubicle and toilet.

Third Floor
Bedroom 3: Twin bedroom with en-suite with shower cubicle and toilet.

Fourth Floor
Bedroom 4: Super kingsize bedroom and Velux windows. This bedroom will share the shower room with either the 2nd or 3rd floor bedroom. 

The castle is contained within private grounds of lawn and mixed woodland on the main estate, backing onto the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. It's so close to the coastline you can even walk down to the shore from the gardens, a popular past-time for guests with children and dogs.

There’s plenty of outdoor space for al fresco meals when the weather permits and other forms of entertainment include a 7 seater hot tub. A BBQ and outdoor garden furniture are available on the patio terrace leading from the kitchen/dining rooms. There’s parking for up to 8 cars and an unfenced stream in the garden 20 yards from the castle. 

What to do
This contemporary castle is situated in one of the nicest parts of the Ayrshire coastline and is a convenient spot to enjoy a bit of island hopping. Local ferries enable trips to the better known islands of Arran and Bute. Day trips to Glasgow, Loch Lomond and the Trossochs National Park are under an hour and half’s drive and Edinburgh just over two hours. There are rail links available from the town. The nearest town is Largs, a popular seaside resort with shops, restaurants, a pier and promenade.

The Ayrshire Coastal Path (100 miles) runs from Skelmorlie to Glenapp along a panoramic coastline looking out onto the mountainous backdrop of the Isle of Arran. A great spot for those who enjoy walking and cycling.

What we love about this castle

- Its craftsmanship; the attention to detail is superb from the stained glass windows depicting family members to the gargoyles depicting their pets

- Its use of the turrets; the sauna and observation room maximise every inch of space and they're fun! 

- The underfloor heating and hot tub are both just the sort of luxury living you want on holiday! 

EPC Rating:

Unfenced stream
Guests/parents please be aware there is an unfenced stream in the garden, 20 yards from the castle

Stone turnpike steps
There are steep steps throughout the property and grounds which may not be suitable for the less mobile.