Restoration of 16th Century Kilmartin Castle was completed in 2019. Located within the ancient landscape of Kilmartin Glen surrounded by 8,000 years of history. Standing stones, ancient hill forts, stone circles, burial tombs, & ancient rock carvings make this Glen one of Europe's most important areas, archeologically. Kilmartin Castle was Named #4 Best Places to Go in the World in 2023 by The New York Times
The space
When we travelled around Scotland, as tourists, we were disappointed that we couldn't find a castle to stay in that 'felt like a castle' once inside. We found a castle that had dodged the Victorian home improvement brigade, quit our sensible jobs, and set about creating the experience for visitors that we had hoped for. Plasterboard and down lighters became the modern day enemy of Kilmartin Castle!
An authentic castle retreat, welcoming and warm, rustic and honest. The castle walls and floors have been deliberately left with their original aged patina. Interiors are a mix of antique furniture and original artworks and objects that we have lovingly collected over time. The kitchen is well equipped with two Bosch ovens, Neff induction hob, fridge freezer and a dishwasher so no-one has to draw the short straw there. The dining room sits 8-10 guests and the grand hall is a fabulous place to gather around the fire. A HD projector and retractable movie screen transforms the grand hall into your own personal theatre room for movie nights together. The whisky snug is an excellent place to sneak off to with a good read. All five en suite bedrooms have been individually designed to retain the rustic magic of a 16th century castle while spoiling you with the comforts of modern living including wood burning stoves, extravagant walk in showers, roll top copper baths and of course, luxury bedding.
Our gardens have been landsacped by the award winning Chelsea Flower show garden designer Amber Crowley to include a bio diverse wild swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, orchard, sunken fire-pit, dining table and outdoor living space with a wood buring stove. The outdoor kitchen is full equipped with crockery, cutlery and hot running water sink. There is a large Kamado Joe, a BBQ and a pizza oven.
We grow our own organic veggies, fruits, and herbs at the castle which you are welcome to enjoy. A stone shed has become outside toilets, complete with wood burner. This new addition is convenient for events, small weddings or anyone in need of a visit whilst enjoying the gardens. In early 2023 we will be building a glasshouse which will become a dining room in the garden providing shelter whould there be a Scottish rain shower whilst you are barbecueing.
WiFi: We have a fast fibre optic broadband connection at the castle and 6 routers placed throughout, which automatically reconnect as you walk through the building. We understand that a lot of people like to be disconnected whilst travelling but at the same time it's nice to have the option and to be able to watch Netflix on an iPad if you choose to do so.
Kilmartin Castle is the perfect place for a small wedding or elopements of up to 10 guests. Let us know if you have a few extras and we may be able to help. The great thing about Scotland being that you can say 'I do' anywhere you like, as we did in the castle garden back in 2016.
There is a wedding surcharge of £1000 on the price of holiday accommodation should you wish to hold your wedding whilst staying at Kilmartin Castle. This includes a list of extra benefits including introduction to our personally selected group of wedding suppliers; private chef, celebrant, bagpiper, photography, floral designer, hair and makeup artists.
Guest access
Kilmartin Castle is yours to rule throughout your stay. Enjoy! As it takes a while to make the place lovely and clean for you, we do have to strictly stick to our check in and out times. We will welcome you with open arms from 4pm on the day of your arrival and be waving goodbye no later than 10am on the day of your departure.
If you do arrive earlier than 4pm the good folk at the Kilmartin pub, are always happy to see you.
Other things to note
We’ll happily introduce you to our private chef who can prepare an amazing locally sourced 3-5 course dinner for you in the castle dining room. We'll put you directly in touch to talk menus and prices once the booking is confirmed. She also makes a mean breakfast/brunch.