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Castles, ghosts royal secrets

From Pride and Prejudice to Wuthering Heights and the hugely popular TV series Downton Abbey, there’s no doubting the popularity of period dramas. So next time you’re in Scotland, why not star in your own by checking into one of these historic abodes?

There’s no more Scottish an 
image than that of a castle surrounded by swirling mist — and most of Scotland’s castles ooze a colourful and turbulent history, the stuff of swashbucklers, legends and ghost stories. All the classic imagery can be found in abundance: secret passageways, spiral staircases, dungeons, haunted rooms, four-poster beds, old oil paintings, chandeliers, suites of armour, stuffed game and roaring log fires. The good news is that you can spend the night at many of these castles.

Generally there are two types of castle hotels — those operated as regular hotels with rooms rented individually by the night and castles that must be rented on an exclusive use basis, where your group will have sole occupancy as the only guests. These are usually smaller luxury castles, with several guest bedrooms, and it’s these that perhaps offer the most personal castle experience of all. Here are six of the best in different regions of Scotland:

Culzean Castle, Ayrshire

There’s a sense of anticipation as you drive the twisting wooded laneway towards the front door of this storybook castle. In a truly spectacular setting, Culzean stands dramatically on a rocky promontory on the Ayrshire coast, commanding views across the sea to the mountains of Arran and the Mull of Kintyre. Designed by noted Scottish architect, Robert Adam, Culzean is considered one of the finest examples of a Georgian castle in the country, the Oval Staircase and Circular Saloon being standout features of his work.

The castle has strong US connections, and the Scottish people donated the top floor to General Dwight D Eisenhower after World War II, as a token of their appreciation for his role in the victory. Besides Eisenhower memorabilia and fine 18^th century furniture, there’s an extensive collection of armour and weapons dating from the 17^th century.

The luxury Eisenhower apartment has six double/twin bedrooms that are available as either individual accommodation or for groups of up to twelve. Fine Scottish cuisine is served in the dining room and guests can relax in the drawing room offering dramatic sea views, making Culzean a unique choice for the discerning traveller.

www.culzeanexperience.org

Fenton Tower, Edinburgh Region

Originally built in the mid-16^th century, this ancient monument was in virtual ruins when Ian Simpson and his lifelong friend John Macaskill decided to start the Tower’s restoration in 1998. Because it’s a listed ancient monument and a Category A-listed building, Historic Scotland, an executive agency of the Scottish government, supervised the meticulous restoration, which included using the identical materials when it was originally built.

Today, the tower combines five-star luxury and sophistication with the informality of a private home and is available for exclusive rental for 8-12 guests, or individually rented rooms on a nightly basis. Located just 20 miles east of Edinburgh, Fenton Tower is the castle of choice if you are interested in playing Muirfield or any of the fifteen or so other courses within a ten-mile drive. If you are interested in shooting or fishing, then grouse, partridge and pheasant shoots for up to eight guns, and fly fishing on the nearby rivers can be arranged.

www.fentontower.co.uk

Fernie Castle, Fife

This 450-year old castle, situated in 17 acres of woodlands with its own loch and 20 en suite rooms, is first glimpsed through the wooded drive as you approach — and once inside, you will be greeted with a cheery open fire and a warm welcome from the owners Neil and Mary Blackburn. After settling in, enjoy a drink in the stone-vaulted Keep Bar dating from 1530, before enjoying dinner in the beautiful Auld Alliance Room, with its massive Georgian chandelier, fresh flowers and candles, all reflected in a huge mirror. The Wallace Lounge with its turret snuggery is perfect for a quiet drink or coffee after dinner.

Set in a quiet glade 500 yards from the castle, you will find a five-star hotel suite with a difference. Fernie Castle Treehouse perched in six lofty sycamores, is first glimpsed through the pines, rowans and elderberries, the sun glinting on its copper roof tiles. It appears to grow out of the trees with the sycamores bursting right through the floor and up out of the roof. The entry is via a flight of stairs to a balcony where double doors with striking stained glass lead you into the bedroom. The bedroom has a huge elm king-sized bed and other specially designed furniture — all handmade with total comfort in mind, including a flat screen TV, DVD, CD player and coffee maker, plus a fridge full of champagne, chocolates and other goodies.

www.ferniecastle.demon.co.uk

Ethie Castle, 
East Coast

An ancient sandstone keep dating from the 14^th century, Ethie Castle is reputed to be Scotland’s second oldest permanently inhabited castle, and was immortalised by Sir Walter Scott as ‘Knockwinnoch’ in the novel The Antiquary. In recent years, it has been meticulously restored and maintained and is currently the residence of the de Morgan family.

“First and foremost, this is a family home, but we have three rooms available and can accommodate up to eight people,” says Kirtsin de Morgan. “We are well positioned for outdoor pursuits and there’s plenty of golfing possibilities in the area too with Carnoustie at the top of the list and when it comes to fly fishing for salmon and brown trout, you can take your pick from the North Esk and South Esk rivers.”

www.ethiecastle.com

Dornoch Castle Hotel, Highlands

The 15^th century Dornoch Castle Hotel is situated in private and beautifully manicured gardens opposite the inspiring 12^th century Dornoch Cathedral. What’s more, it is steeped in Scottish history with stories of witchcraft, a secret underground passageway connecting the castle and cathedral and a harmless ghost — an unhappy sheep stealer by the name of Andrew McCornish who was imprisoned in the vaulted dungeons below the Tower and was reputedly seen by the Minister of Avoch towards the end of the last century. The 24 en suite bedrooms are tastefully decorated with four deluxe rooms located in the original 15^th century castle, together with the bar and reception.

www.dornochcastlehotel.com

Mar Hall, Glasgow Region

Although it doesn’t really classify as a castle, this 19^th century Gothic mansion (built in 1828) contains as much history and romance as any fortified castle, and holds many fascinating stories, with references made to the likes of Mary Queen of Scots and Robert the Bruce. Looking at the breathtaking views that surround Mar Hall, it’s difficult to believe that it’s only a short drive from Glasgow city centre and the international airport.

Featuring 53-lavishly designed bedrooms (many with four-poster beds), and fine dining, five-star Mar Hall also introduces the first Aveda Concept Spa in the United Kingdom. The spa has 12 treatment rooms, Vichy showers, a hair and nail salon, swimming pool and a relaxation lounge serving healthy snacks and organic juices.

www.marhall.com

wknd@khaleejtimes.com