The 5* rated Blairquhan Castle is a picturesque 200-acre Scottish country estate in the heart of Burns country, near Maybole in Ayrshire. The baronial castle was built in 1346 and has seldom changed hands, having been home to just four families throughout its history. The original castle fell into disrepair over the years and it was substantially rebuilt in the 19th century to a design by the celebrated Scottish architect, William Burn. The castle is Grade A listed and is celebrated for its impressive Regency architecture, and of particular interest are the walled gardens, where the walls are ingeniously designed to incorporate flues to warm the fruit trees, the avenue of ancient lime trees and the woodland dotted around the estate. Below the castle, the Water of Girvan meanders through the grounds on its way to the Firth of Clyde, and the pastoral scene includes panoramic views to the distant hills of Dumfries and Galloway.
Today, Blairquhan Castle offers a stunning luxury retreat less than an hour from Glasgow. The Castle is only available on an exclusive use basis to ensure your utmost privacy and the undivided attention of the highly professional, experience and discreet staff, including your own team of private chefs, housekeeping and butler service to ensure your every need is met. Catering is to the highest of standards with bespoke menus to suit your exact tastes and requirements, with a huge choice of activities and entertainment available to make your stay truly memorable.
The impressive exterior features towers and turrets, and beautiful far-reaching views from its many windows. The current owners acquired Blairquhan in 2012 and began an extensive renovation programme, introducing a new level of opulence and luxury to the beautiful original features throughout the Castle.
The high ceilings, antiques, chandeliers and subtle Scottish theme to the décor emphasise the property’s grandeur, while carefully chosen furnishings add style and comfort.
The magnificent reception rooms are steeped in history and full of character, yet offer beautiful contemporary touches creating a sophisticated and exclusive retreat. Many of the ground floor rooms feature roaring log fires and are wonderfully cosy in winter time, with floor to ceiling windows flooding the castle with natural light and plentiful access the grounds for summer soirees.
The elegant entrance hall leads into the spectacular Saloon, a magnificent triple height space with a galleried landing and stunning ceiling that forms the heart of the house. There is a grand sweeping staircase leading the first floor and the 15 luxurious bedrooms in the Castle.
The interconnected Large and Small Drawing Rooms offer cosy fireplaces, dazzling chandeliers, beautiful views and sumptuous sofas, or can be converted into a stunning dining space for up to 100 guests combined. The elegant Dining Room offers a more intimate setting for dining of up to 30 on one table, or up to 60 can seated here on round tables. The cosy Library is the perfect place to relax with a post dinner drink, curled up by the fire and savouring conversation long into the night, or can be configured for meetings on request.
The Castle itself sleeps 30 guests in 15 light and airy bedrooms, each individually-designed and sumptuous with the emphasis on luxury, while allowing you to feel instantly at home. Even the beds have character, with four-poster, two-poster and sleigh beds, along with two bedrooms that can be arranged as twins or doubles.
All bedrooms offer tea/coffee facilities, hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, superb views and luxurious linens – just tumble in after your busy day and relax. Naturally the bathrooms are beautifully appointed, with L’Occitane bath products and thick, fluffy towels.
For larger parties there are also 8 charming cottages within the estate, all furnished to a high standard and an easy walk away from the main castle. These are a mix of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom cottages, between them offering a total of 23 bedrooms accommodating 46 – 48 guests in total. The cottages are let on a self-catered basis with guests having the option to join Castle guests for dining.
Blairquhan is exclusively yours for the duration of your stay, with your very own country playground at your disposal means you can be as relaxed or as busy as you choose. Activities on the estate include loch and river fishing for salmon or trout, clay pigeon shooting or whisky tasting and even your very own Highland Games; perfect opportunities for corporate team building or special experiences for your family occasion.
If you simply wish to appreciate the peace and tranquillity of the setting, the gardens and tree trail provide the perfect places to appreciate the views across the loch to the distant hills. Why not allow the staff to organise a barbecue or al fresco lunch?
Blairquhan Castle is situated just north of the Galloway Forest Park with its lochs, heather-clad hills and forestry walks. Glasgow and its international airport are 50 miles away and Edinburgh just 100 miles distant. Both cities offer shopping, art galleries, museums and cultural activities galore. A short drive takes you to the traditional seaside towns of the Clyde coast, with their beaches, and stunning views to the Arran hills. There’s a choice of over 30 golf courses in the vicinity, including the prestigious Turnberry, Prestwick and Royal Troon courses. Nearby properties of historic national importance include those associated with Robert Burns, Scotland’s famed poet; Burns Cottage and Museum, Alloway Kirk and the Tam O’Shanter Visitor Experience.
The Castle was a location for the feature film, The Queen, starring Helen Mirren, as well as appearing in many other film & TV productions. This romantic, historic property also appeared at number 14 in the Independent newspaper’s top 50 places in the world to get married. Church wedding ceremonies can be arranged in the nearby village of Straiton or Blairquhan can accommodate a civil ceremony for up to 100 guests, with a seated wedding breakfast for 60 guests in the dining room, and up to 100 in adjacent rooms. Alternatively, it’s possible to organise a marquee in the grounds with the castle as a spectacular backdrop to the celebrations. Function rooms can also be set up as boardrooms and meeting rooms for corporate events, or arranged to suit the celebration of a special event, anniversary dinner or family reunion.