Travel wishlist - Cloncaird Castle, Kirkmichael, Ayrshire, Scotland on Sunday travel

A castle setting for a renovated cottage escape

One of the eight renovated cottages on the Cloncaird Castle estate at Kirkmichael, Ayrshire

@CloncairdC

Cloncaird Castle, Kirkmichael, Ayrshire

Scotland’s castles are magical, but the feeling of motoring along the winding driveway for a stay in the grounds of one takes it to another level. Grand entrances, beautiful scenery and a right regal escape are all on the menu in one of the newly renovated cottages in the grounds of 16th-century Cloncaird Castle near Kirkmichael in Ayrshire.

Each cottage has luxury additions from Scottish suppliers, such as Johnstons of Elgin, and bespoke blinds, curtains and headboards

Less visited than the Highlands or islands, Ayrshire is a peaceful location close to Glasgow, and home to a variety of innovative producers, many of whom are showcased at Cloncaird.

The 140-acre grounds are home to eight cottages and the estate custodians, the Belcher family, have collaborated with local artists and makers, and established Ayrshire brands on their renovation.

Tack Room Cottage, the Ayrshire Loft and Duck Pond cottage have been revamped, with the rest being worked on, and offer comfortable accommodation with bespoke details.

Budget or boutique?

Boutique in look but quite affordable given the quality of accommodation.

Room service

Our dog-friendly Tack Room Cottage was newly renovated and is part of the former castle stable block. One of four courtyard cottages. It has a large, open-plan living/dining/kitchen room, and en-suite double and twin rooms. The décor reflects the name, with nods to equestrian pursuits, and an open fire made for a cosy evening in enjoying local cuisine.

Each cottage has luxury additions from Scottish suppliers, such as Johnstons of Elgin and bespoke elements – blinds, curtains and headboards – reflecting their names and adding character.

Wining and dining

The team at the castle, including the extremely helpful manager, Andrew Mellon, hosted a “taste of Ayrshire” weekend in February to showcase local produce and crafts – including eteaket tea, Salthouse & Peppermongers, Hunter Kingsley and Ballochmyle Fine Cheese. On booking seasonal veg boxes can be ordered – ideal for comforting meals in the cottage. If you’d rather head out, the nearby Kirkmichael Arms serves traditional pub grub and there’s a variety of farm shops with cafés within driving distance including Lime Tree Larder, Auchengree Farm Shop and Little Turnberry.

Worth getting out of bed for

Ayrshire is well-known for golf, with championship courses at nearby Turnberry and Troon. Cyclists can enjoy bike trails, including the “7 Stanes” and there are forest paths such as the Stinchar Falls and coastal walks.

Cloncaird focuses on eco-tourism and guests can book a digital detox, a foraging walk and forest bathing with the team at Adventure Carrick. We enjoyed a relaxing walk by the river with Chris from Adventure Carrick, learning about wild produce before settling down by the huge fire in the castle’s atrium with foraged treats and liqueurs.

Little extras

As well as the veg box, guests can pre-order local eggs from Little Turnberry Farm, glass bottles of Mossgiel Dairy milk; Lime Tree Larder handmade ice cream; J Pieroni & Sons seafood platters and Arran Aromatics gift boxes, or help themselves at the honesty shop.

We also enjoyed goodies from the Ayrshire Food Network – Stag Bakery crackers, Arran Fine Foods chutney, Lime Tree Larder chocolates and Ballochmyle Brie. Guests are welcomed with a freshly-baked cake, and dogs can relax in a dog robe (looks cute and dries fur fast).

Guestbook comments

This hidden gem in the peaceful Ayrshire countryside offers escapism – perfect for a weekend away with family, friends or as a romantic retreat. The cottages are cosy with unique decorative touches and the added extras, seasonal produce and bespoke items are thoughtful additions. The estate has extensive gardens, woodland and riverside walks – ideal for dog-walking and exploring.

The Ayrshire Loft and Duck Pond start at £99 a night. A three-day short break starts at £245 and seven nights start at £475 for a two-bedroom cottage. Cloncaird Castle, Kirkmichael, Ayrshire KA19 7LU (01655 750345 www.cloncairdcastle.co.uk, [email protected])

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