Originally the laundry quarters of the castle, it has now been sensitively restored to create an elegant two bedroomed apartment within an outstanding castle setting where guests can truly experience 400 years of Scottish history.
Sitting on the first floor, the open plan living space has classic grand proportions with high ceilings and lofty windows draped in soft linen offering exceptional views over the castle parklands.
A gentle palette of Farrow and Ball colours have been used in calming greens and greys, harmoniously balanced against the rich red stone of the castle walls. The plush sofas are deep and generous set around a feature fireplace with two outstanding artworks from the castle collections.
The dining space seats six comfortably but with an opportunity for guests to hire the State Rooms or rustic Victorian kitchen for an exclusive dining experience. For those who wish to cook, a stylish shaker style kitchen with sleek granite work surfaces and industrial accents is perfectly sized.
Across the hallway, an original Singer sewing machine gives a lovely nod to the apartment’s past life and the two beautifully appointed bedrooms are enhanced with warm throws and gentle swathes of colour. This includes a master bedroom in a serene Oval Room Blue and finishes by Ralph Lauren leading into a large en-suite shower room. A further twin room with adjacent bathroom can be configured to a super king for added flexibility.
The grand setting will be the highlight for many and private tours of the castle can be arranged for guests during their stay. Overall a unique experience where you can then retreat to your own private quarters in a 16th century castle and watch the glorious sunset over rolling Border parklands. A warm welcome awaits you!
Local amenities
In nearby Lauder (1 mile) guests will find a good range of amenities including the Flat Cat Gallery & Coffee shop or the Spotty Dog Deli and Café in Market Place. There's also a butchers shop and a bakery, along with a small Co-op supermarket on the edge of the village.
For eating out, the Fire Brick Brasserie has a fantastic reputation winning the Best New Restaurant in the Scottish Borders Award 2015. Alternatively try the Black Bull Hotel or the Lauderdale Hotel for super pub lunches or nearby Carfraemill Hotel (3 miles) for a great steak.
For gifts and lovely things, Bank House Living and Powder Grey are both super stops for a browse.
Activities & attractions
A stay in the ancient grandeur of Thirlestane Castle, one of the seven ‘Great Houses of Scotland’, is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression but its location in the heart of lowland Scotland - an area steeped in heritage, culture and outstanding scenery will ensure your visit is truly memorable. Our region has an incredibly rich and turbulent history and its legacy is a landscape of magnificent castles, grand stately homes and the fragments of ruined abbeys and fortifications scattered right across the area.
Spend time in our castles and walk the paths and corridors of noble aristocracy and heads of state, explore the legend of King Arthur and Merlin, William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary Queen of Scots; or retrace your ancestors at the Heritage Hub and possibly even discover distant connections to eminent clans and peerage!
Admire the exquisite architecture, decorative detailing and superb art collection of nearby Mellerstain; explore the sumptuous state rooms and incredible silver staircase of Manderston; or marvel at the splendour of Floors Castle, home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe with its priceless collection of fine art, porcelain and tapestries. Abbotsford sits at the heart of the landscape that inspired the poetry and writings of Sir Walter Scott, while the outstanding monastic ruins of the nearby Abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh, Jedburgh and Kelso will give you an insight into the area’s tumultuous past.
For lovers of Scottish cashmere and knitwear, the ‘Textile Trail’ is an absolute must, offering a fascinating insight into our industrial heritage, but encompassing visitor centres and retail outlets where you can pick-up some wonderful garments and unique sample pieces - everything from exceptional tweeds to finest cashmere. For something truly exclusive you can even design your own tartan at Lochcarron of Scotland and take home a very special reminder of your Scottish connections.
The magnificent city of Edinburgh is but a thirty minute drive from Thirlestane where you can explore the fascinating architecture of the old town and soak-up the culture and heritage of this beautiful vibrant city. Wander the cobbled closes and narrow stairwells of the Royal Mile and Grassmarket, or take a candle-lit tour of the underground vaults of the old city and uncover sinister tales of Edinburgh’s darker past!
On a lighter note, why not partake in a wee dram at the Scotch Whisky Centre or perhaps join an expert-led whisky tasting session where you will learn more about the intricate flavours of this most distinguished of drinks. Learn how to look, swirl, nose and taste fine whisky and to appreciate the distinct differences between single malts, blended and grain.
Finally, a visit to iconic Edinburgh Castle which sits majestically over the city and houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, 15th Century gun Mons Meg, and the National War Museum of Scotland. And if you’re lucky enough to be in the city in August, don’t miss the Edinburgh Military Tattoo ending with a poignant lone piper lament high on the castle ramparts. Truly spectacular!
Accommodation
The property sits on the first floor on the south wing of the castle. The apartment is accessed via a separate cobbled courtyard with stone steps.
Access - into a large hallway with hanging rail and space for outdoor wear.
Open plan living/kitchen/dining area comprising:
Sitting room - with two large sofas, feature fireplace, armchair, flat screen TV with integrated DVD player.
Kitchen - large island unit and integrated electrical appliances - ceramic hob, electric oven, microwave, large fridge/freezer. Please note there is no washing machine or dryer in the apartment. Please contact us if this is essential to your stay and we will establish if any provision can be made.
Dining space - with seating for six guests.
Bedroom one - with king size bed, side tables, built-in wardrobe with hanging and storage space.
En-suite bathroom - large walk in shower with rainforest head and separate hand held mixer, heated towel rail, double basins and WC.
Bedroom two - twin bedroom with zip and link system which can be configured to a 6' super king or 3' twin beds, side tables. There is a cupboard with hanging and storage space in the hall.
Bathroom two - adjoining bedroom two - bath with shower over and hand-held shower mixer, basin and WC.
Heating
Electric heating throughout the property which is thermostatically controlled.
Wi-Fi and mobile coverage
Wi-Fi is available. Mobile signal is best on the 02 and EE network. This improves outside in the grounds.
Guest amenities
The bedrooms feature high quality bed linen. A hairdryer is supplied in each bedroom. Towels and guest toiletries are provided.
Babies and children
A travel cot and highchair are available on request.
Dogs
One dog will be considered on request. Your dog should be clean and dry before access into the wider property, should be kept off the furniture and is not permitted in the bedrooms. It is important to note that there is no private enclosed garden space and your dog must be kept on a lead in the immediate grounds and across wider farmland.
Parking
There is a parking space to the front of the castle.
Catering and housekeeping
The apartment can be booked purely on a self-catering basis or on a part or fully-staffed basis. We can also help to arrange for homemade meals to be delivered. Daily housekeeping is also available on request. Please contact us for further details.
Private tour
A private tour of the castle is available to all guests during their stay.
Castle opening, events and guests' privacy
Thirlestane Castle is open to the public Sunday - Thursday from the beginning of May to the end of September. This includes a number of key events where the wider grounds do get busy. Guests looking for complete privacy during the day would therefore be advised to book outside the castle opening periods. Please contact us should you require further information.
Garden and grounds
Guests have use of the magnificent castle grounds (with the exception of the Maitland's private garden) and the wider estate grounds including fabulous woodland and parkland walks. Guests have use of the courtyard below the apartment which has outside seating. This space is shared with the adjacent Lauderdale Apartment which sleeps 2 and is also available as a holiday let.
