Wake up to sights of cranes gliding across the rolling hills that stretch to the ocean. The world beckons outside your window at the Velvet Upperground, the penthouse apartment inside Dunskey Castle. Scottish mist may linger nearby, evoking lyrics by the Velvet Underground, "I've been set free and I've been bound / To the memories of yesterday's clouds." Lavish interiors, two oversized-bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, and underfloor heating ensures you will be soon floating on cloud nine.
The space
Established by a dapper industry magnate and Member of Parliament Charles Lindsay Orr Ewing, Dunskey Castle infuses intelligent luxury and historical romance into every second of your spectacular stay. The Castle, completed at the turn of the century, showcases unrivaled technology of its heyday and historical architecture of enormous proportions.
Enter the Velvet Upperground through your own private entrance at the Castle's East Wing door. Take your exclusive elevator to the top floor of the Castle and open directly into the most surprising space. Throughout this penthouse apartment, physical features will bring alive the patriarch's globetrotting influences and the rich history of Scottish merchants at the cusp of the Industrial Revolution.The incredibly spacious corridor showcases one of the few lightwells in the Castle, where diffused sunlight is gorgeously diffused. Here, you'll find one of the original cast-iron bathtubs from the Castle, now filled with plants, with salvaged mirrors that cover one entire wall.
The open-plan living area features two commanding floor-to-ceiling bay windows with built-in seats. From here you'll have the most magnificent view of the tranquil fields, the idyllic Portpatrick village in the distance, and of course, the wide stretch of the ocean. Lounge on cream linen three-seater sofas, or cozy up with a book on the curved velvet fainting couch, in front of the art-deco gold coffee table, with a glossy golden silk-and-wool rug to cushion your feet. A mural of trailing vines hangs on the main living room wall, bringing inside hints of the Estate's botanical wonders.
Cook up the most gourmet meals inside this modern kitchen, featuring a state-of-the-art induction precision-cooking stove top. Meal preparation is made easy with the artisan butcher-block work surface and the breakfast bar, where your friends can perch on mustard velvet grommet stools with a glass of bubble in hand.
The piece-de-resistance, of course, is the master suite called Sojourner Truth at the Velvet Upperground. An outrageously oversized room that seems to flood with lights even on overcast days, this bedroom is truly one of the most incredible spaces in the Castle. One of our most treasured beds is here: a cream lacquered canopy bed, hand-cut to follow the designs of stained-glass-windows, will ensure the most wondrous slumber. The room is also designed to evoke a sense of a conservatory, showcasing window-pane mirrors, oversized prints from glasshouses, and botanicals in muted shades of green and gray. One of the best features of this suite is the built-in bathtub, allowing you to have the most relaxing soak with heavenly views over your shoulders. The original Baronial fireplace with its hand-glazed burnt-amber tiles is also here, flanked by mid-century armchairs sourced from an antique market in Vietnam.
The second bedroom, named after Rosa Parks, is a golden retreat. Here, you'll find a lovely grommet velvet bed in the color of sunshine. A mirror chest of drawers adds a touch glamour to the bedroom. Boudoir-style curved dressing table with its vintage table mirror is a welcome spot for writing home that postcard about Dunskey. Green velvet armchairs by the window invite you to linger for more reading and less doomscrolling. The bedroom, of course, comes with ensuite bathroom with a whimsical French-shutter window into the suite, and large amount of space for storage.
Other things to note
FOR CANCELLATIONS:
Full refund for cancellations made within 48 hours of booking, if the check-in date is at least 14 days away.
25% refund for cancellations made at least 21 days before check-in.
No refunds for cancellations made within 21 days of check-in.
FOR BOOKING MODIFICATIONS:
A one-time complimentary change of date can be made if the check-in date is more than 90 days away. The cost of the nightly rate will remain the same as the original booking OR the cost of the nightly rate for the newly requested dates or newly requested property, whichever is higher.
If the check-in date is less than 90 days away, a 170gbp fee is applied to the modification request. The cost of the nightly rate will remain the same as the original booking OR the cost of the nightly rate for the newly requested dates or newly requested property, whichever is higher.
We are unable to accommodate any change of date or change of property if the check-in date is less than 21 days away.
We carry out a deep cleaning process for allergen removal for every booking with pets. The cost is 60gbp / stay for up to two pets. This is added to your guest bill that is sent to you upon departure.