Do Not Disturb: Old Rowallan Castle, Kilmaurs, East Ayrshire

If you fancy breaking out of lockdown in style but like a little self-containment, writes Janet Christie, how about hiring a castle?

One of the four double bedrooms at Old Rowallan Castle.

That’s the opportunity at the 600-acre Rowallan Estate near Kilmarnock, just 20 minutes from Glasgow in the heart of the Ayrshire countryside, where Rowallan Castle provides luxury accommodation, dining and golfing. The Old Castle is available for exclusive hire and has four double bedrooms and sleeps up to eight, while the nearby ‘New’ Castle can sleep up to 21. ​​

Steeped in history the old castle dates back to the 12th century and is the ancestral home of the Mures and Campbells, and the birthplace of Elizabeth Mure, second wife of King Robert II of Scotland. It also has connections to Robert the Bruce, whose family seal can be seen on the old range access door.

Under state guardianship by Historic Scotland before it was bought and restored by Niall Campbell and family, who are descendants of the Campbells of Loudoun who owned the castle from 1690 until the late 19th century, it has been upgraded to maintain all the original features.

With a gallery that has a 55 inch TV, pool table, card table and a selection of musical instruments, plus a grand dining room in addition to a well-equipped dining kitchen, as well as the amenities of the surrounding Rowallan Estate with it’s trees and open spaces, the Castle is the ideal place to catch up with your nearest and dearest in your own grand space.

Covid precautions

Rowallan Castle has an enhanced cleaning process which complies with laws, guidelines and regulations. Thorough cleaning and sanitation standards include using cleaners approved by health experts, such as disinfectants with 70 per cent alcohol or higher. All staff wear appropriate protection to protect guests and colleagues from cross-contamination.

Budget or boutique?

Neither, it’s a castle, with turrets, heritage and history.

Room Service

There are four large bedrooms, three with super king beds and one double bed and the option to add two single sofa beds in the turrets in the Castle Gallery.

Two of the bedrooms are en-suite and there is also a spacious family bathroom.

An Old Rowallan Castle bedroom.

Wining and Dining

You can self-cater in style with a well-equipped kitchen and grand dining room or head to Rowallan’s award-winning Glasshouse Restaurant, just a short walk away. There, siblings George and Katy Campbell alongside executive chef Ian Mackie specialise in combining modern and traditional dining with food, drink and snacks that change with the seasons and range from pub classics, to fine dining.

Expect steak and ale pie, seared scallops starters, mains of pan fried duck breast and shellfish linguine followed by rhubarb and apple crumble. (Two courses £17.95, three £19.95 from midday, and breakfast from 9am–12pm.) Exclusive dining can be arranged and The Glasshouse Restaurant is also open three days a week to the general public and has a take away menu.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Old Rowallan Castle.

Guests at Old Rowallan Castle have access to the amenities of Rowallan Estate including a 19-hole Championship Golf Course designed by winning Ryder Cup Captain, Colin Montgomerie and two complimentary four balls are included.

Little Extras

Need more space? The ‘New’ Castle can sleep up to 21 and don’t let the ‘New’ fool you, it’s.a masterpiece of arts and crafts design by Scottish architect Robert Lorimer and just as much about roaring log fires, grand rooms and cosy nooks.

Guestbook Comments

A castle with luxury comforts in which to create memories to keep.

Prices start from £1,000 per night and Old Rowallan Castle is available to book on Airbnb. For further information visit https://rowallancastle.com/hire-scottish-castle/

The Gallery at Rowallan Castle has a pool table and single sofa beds available in the turrets.

Address, Old Rowallan Castle, Rowallan Golf and Country Club, Kilmaurs, East Ayrshire, Scotland, KA3 2LP, to arrange a stay email [email protected]; website (https://rowallancastle.com) Golf Enquiries: 01563 530550, Wedding Enquiries: 01563 531212, Restaurant Enquiries: 01563 572678: Virtual tour video, https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=HyZ5n4CBtKf

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