Fancy an opulent stay in one of Scotland's most luxurious castles? Well, Killochan Castle near to the picturesque Ayrshire village of Girvan might just be the answer. The former private estate is set to open to the public this summer after a grand refurbishment.
The stunning 22-bedroom 14th-century building is set within a 143-acre estate that includes the castle, gatehouse, Bridge Cottage and Killochan Cottage. It's set to be given a new luxury retreat for up to 44 guests.
The Grade A listed building is surrounded by miles and miles of stunning scenery and is just an hour's drive from Glasgow and two from Edinburgh.
There’s also a rooftop deck at the top of the castle, where guests can go for panoramic views of the Firth of Clyde. The property also includes a firepit and outside seating, with further plans to add a gym, games room, tennis court and covered pavilion.
Period touches including suits of armour, a stone spiral staircase and wood panelling sit side by side with modern luxuries such as a cinema room.
There is also a magnificent ceiling mural depicting the Battle of Flodden, and above the original fireplace rests the owner’s family crest of arms, The Cathcarts of Carleton.
Nods to the history of this grand building also include a dungeon, a clock tower, and an ancient machicolation three stories above the main entrance, which once would have been an important defensive feature used to drop boiling oil, hot sand, or rocks onto attackers or unwanted guests
The grounds are also home to The Barron’s Stone of Killochan, a former site where Cathcarts held court and dispensed justice in feudal times.
There are a total of 22 bedrooms on offer making it ideal for weddings, private events, family breaks, corporate and team-building weekends, golf fishing and hunting getaways.
Killochan has full double bank fishing rights and has a stable of mountain bikes and e-bikes available on site to enjoy the property’s many wonderful trails.
Once the pride and joy of Michael Knighton, a hard-working property developer who almost added the world-famous club to his portfolio in the late 80s.
The historic tower house was even said to be the location where the £20m plot to buy the Manchester-based club was hatched during an evening of fine wine and malt.
However, the deal spectacularly fell through.
Apart from the 70-year interruption when it was owned by Knighton and German Princess Viola von Hohenzollern, Killochan Castle has been in the Cathcart family since the 14th century.
Rip Cathcart, a property developer and entrepreneur in the US, and his wife Millie, purchased the estate in 2021 and are now excited to return the property to the family fold after an extensive makeover.
Millie Cathcart commented: “There is a lot to appreciate about South Ayrshire and Girvan, and we look forward to showcasing this beautiful area to guests and tourists staying at our property. We can’t wait for guests to discover the history, beauty and warmth of this place.
“We live on a farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The terrain and weather are very similar, as is the friendliness of the people. Add to that, all the activities that our family enjoys: biking, fishing, hiking, history, exploring the mountains and seaside and it feels like home from home.
“One of the best parts is that we are returning Killochan to the Cathcart Family. Rip has had a small pencil drawing of the castle ever since he was a boy, and it’s always been on the wall in our home. We never imagined that it would be ours and that we would be able to share it.”
For more information visit: www.Killochancastle.com
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