Tag Archives: castle for rent

Duns Castle. Duns, Scotland

Uncategorized, , , , , , , ,

I usually like to save the best for last, which means leaving the magnificent Duns Castle  at the very last of the month-long Scottish castle theme. There are many things that make Duns Castle special, but their outdoor activities such as Clay Pigeon Shooting, Fishing,Archery, Falconery,Off road driving, Croquet and tennis are why discerning guests keep coming back.

This is a 12-bedroom  six hundred year old Border fighting tower which has been added to over the centuries by the three major Scottish families who have lived in it. The present owner Alexander Hay of Duns, married to Aline, descends from the first Earl of Tweeddale who bought the estates of Duns and Drummelzier in Peebleshire in 1696 for his first son by his second marriage, William Hay, who married the Lady Elizabeth Seton, related by ancestry to Mary Seton, the lady-in-waiting to Mary Queen of Scots.

Once you set foot in the castle, the interiors will take your breath away. The main dining room is the principal 14th century chamber, richly paneled and carved. The drawing room looks over landscaped lawns and lake, and there are 1100 acres of fields, woods and hills to roam in. Roe deer, pheasants and ground game are in abundance. Staffing and catering are in-house.  This is extremely uncommon for a castle of this magnitude, but for three centuries the Hay family have made Duns their home, and it is furnished from the 17th Century with paintings and furniture reflecting the rich tapestry of Scottish life since that time, Dutch, French, English, and native Scottish.

My favorite part is that it is also modernized to be warm and comfortable the timelessness and serenity of its atmosphere is unique.

The area is full of cultural, archeological and leisure interest and conveniently the house is five minutes from the little town of Duns, although you would never imagine it. The location is extremely convenient, Edinburgh is less than one hour away.

Balfour Castle. Orkney Islands, Scotland

Hotel of the Week, , , ,

If you are still daydreaming of suddenly being transported to Scotland with Jaime Fraser and Claire Randall, then here is a little bit more fuel to add to the fire.

The show takes place around Inverness, and although this stunning castle is located in the most northern part of Scotland, it still has the wow factor that Scotland is so famous for.

Balfour Castle was the creation of two distinguished men; David Balfour, the 4th Laird of Balfour and Trenaby and David Bryce, a preeminent Scottish architect of his generation.

In 1847 the foundations for Balfour Castle were put in place and the castle was completed three years later. The castle is home to 7 turrets, 12 external doors, 52 rooms and 365 sections of window. The views are second to none.

A constant issue with renting a castle is that the interiors tend to be a bit tired. Well not in Balfour, the interiors are stunning. Every room has a distinct feel, masterfully created by the choice of antiques with Balfour provenance and the bespoke De Gournay silk wallpaper. Chandeliers and opulent mirrors reflect the light of this ethereal island perfectly. The tactile and cool marble surfaces are contrasted against the warm richness of the fabrics from the deepest pile imaginable carpets to the pure wool comfort of their Scottish bed throws. Quiet spaces with writing desks or bureaus are found in every room perfect for reflective moments. However, my favorites are the bathrooms. They have luxury Heaven toiletries, linen robes and slippers for the pleasure and comfort of our guests.

Balfour Castle is located on Shapinsay, one of the Orkney Islands, just a short distance from the north- east coast of the Scottish mainland. Not close to civilization by any means, but it actually gives it an extra layer of exclusivity for a place this magical. This may sound remote, however, it is relatively easy to get amazing island location – commercial flights come from Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen and Glasgow or chartered private planes can take you direct to the airport just outside Kirkwall on the Orkney mainland. A helicopter can land on the front lawn by prior arrangement, but better still, jump on the castles own boat, Reggie, and arrive at the castle in style.

I write a lot of about fabulous hotels, villas and castles and this one is definitely at the top of my list.

Email stefanie@poshvoyage.com for inquiries.