Castle Gold

Juxtaposing the old with the new, the rustic with the elegant and medieval with romantic – this 16th Century castle is a magical force to be reckoned with. Perched in a quaint Scottish village amidst the ancient landscape of Kilmartin Glen and 8,000 years of history – you'll be located off the beaten track and in one of Europe's most archaeological areas when staying here. From ancient forts, burial tombs, rock carvings and standing stone – unspoiled Scotland awaits your discovery. With its restoration complete in 2019, the castle itself retains tons of original character, alongside modern home comforts and stylish designs throughout. Each of the five guest suites features its own ensuite bathroom, underfloor heating, walk-in wet rooms, luxury bedding and there are three delightful bathtubs to fight over. Around the castle, you'll find plenty of nooks, window seats and comfy corners to cosy up in with a hot drink in hand. At the heart of the home, the grand hall provides the perfect place to gather around the fire in the evenings. We love the quirky designs here – from the artwork to the antique furniture pieces the castle is brimming with elegance and personality. Over in the dining room, enjoy a delicious locally sourced home-cooked meal under the original stone barrel-vaulted ceiling for a truly majestic experience. Beyond the castle walls, the extensive gardens include a large outdoor dining table alongside a barbecue, pizza oven and a fire pit for alfresco dining. You'll find everything you need in the outdoor kitchen – it's fully equipped with crockery, cutlery, cool boxes and hot running water. There's even a wild swimming pond for those brave enough to take a dip in nature, and an outdoor bathroom with a wood burner. Set off on blissful walks to discover what the hosts call "an outdoor museum" as Kilmartin Glen has the largest number of historical finds within a six-mile radius. Whether you're into paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, photography, distillery tours, eating out or even island hopping – the village of Kilmartin Village, just a three-minute walk away quite simply has it all.

Home truths:
*The host can organise a private chef to come and cook you a locally-sourced full course dinner to enjoy in the castle dining room – this chef also makes a delicious brunch
*The fast fibre-optic broadband connection includes six routers placed throughout the castle, meaning you can get some work done if needed
*We recommend bringing a car to make the most of the surrounding rural areas
*There's free parking on-site
*Children’s amenities including a high chair and travel cot are available
*If you arrive earlier than the 4 pm check-in time, the Kilmartin pub is just three minutes away