Kilmartin Castle
- Premier host
- Kilmartin, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- See on map
- Sleeps: 10 exclusive
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 5 ensuite
- Minimum stay: 3 Nights
How would you like to travel magically back in time, without forsaking any contemporary creature comforts in the process?
That’s exactly what a stay at Kilmartin Castle offers. Standing proudly amongst an ancient Argyll glen on Scotland’s wild west coast, you’re sure to feel immediately at one with your grand, historic surroundings – which feature standing stones, hill forts, stone circles, cairns, and romantic castle ruins.
The New York Times recently named the castle – “a misty Scottish Stonehenge” – its Number 4 of the best places to visit in the world. The owners have also taken great care to reduce the castle’s environmental footprint as much as possible, making this an ideal retreat for sustainably-minded guests.
Available for exclusive rule, there are five elegant bedrooms to rest your regal heads in. Cosy with modern underfloor heating, each room is individually styled with a curated mix of thoughtfully-chosen antique furniture and new bespoke items, handmade William Holland copper bathtubs, and a beautiful blend of modern with original artworks and accessories.
Speel (an old Scottish word meaning “the climb”) is a luxury kingsize room with a roof window, an antique bed, and art deco taps on the copper bath. The Snug is a gorgeously cosy ground floor double, with its original stone barrel-vaulted ceiling, and a handcrafted oak headboard. The 1550 suite is named after the year the castle was completed, boasting a wealth of original features that include exposed stone and a soaring beamed ceiling… as well as a walk-in rain shower housed in a turret.
Clarke, named after the castle’s much-loved former owners, is a luxurious and romantic double room with a soothing fireplace and a walk-in wet room. And last but by no means least, Carswell is a luxury kingsize room to feel spoilt in, named for the castle’s very first keeper, with a four-poster bed and views to the ancient Kilmartin Glen.
Lit by glowing candlelight, the original stone dining room takes on a whole new ambience by evening, seating 10 to dine under its vaulted ceiling. (For larger groups, there’s space for up to 20 dining guests in the heated glasshouse outside). You’ll have use of the beautiful, fully-equipped outdoor kitchen with hot running water to create your own sumptuous feasts – but then, why waste the opportunity to be catered for by a private chef?
Keep readingAt a glance
- A 16th century castle standing in a historic Argyll glen, elegantly restored with a refreshingly sustainable approach. Ideal for stays that require a touch of time-travelling magic!
- The castle is available for exclusive hire only, with five bedrooms, all with private en-suite bathrooms, pet-friendly, sleeping 8 – 10 guests.
- You will have access to the castle kitchen and organic produce garden – or why not hire a private chef and make your stay memorably delicious?
- Wander into the village to learn more about the area’s fascinating history, or to visit the local pub for a tasty home-cooked meal.
Features
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Large Groups
Swimming Pools
Facilities
Castle accommodation, with 5 double or kingsize rooms. All rooms feature en-suite facilities with a walk-in rain shower, bed with luxury linens, Roberts radios, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a Stag Fellow EKG kettle with temperature controls. Use of the well-equipped castle kitchen and produce garden.
Local Activities
Walking, cycling, nature watching, historic sites, museums, cafés, local pubs.
More information
Just say the word, and you’ll be treated to multiple-course tasting menus composed of foraged and locally-sourced ingredients (such as wild venison and hand-dived West Coast king scallops). Fresh produce is plucked straight from the organic castle garden, which is bursting with herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
Needless to say, the castle is perfect for a fairytale wedding, so why not hold your special day in this most romantic of historic venues?
In 2021 the castle grounds were completely re-landscaped. An inviting pergola and outdoor dining table greet you at the front of the castle, while a raised lawn has beautiful views overlooking Kilmartin Glen. There’s also an orchard, sunken fire-pit, and an outdoor sitting area with Italian sofas and wood-burning stove.
For those who love al fresco dining and entertaining, the outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, barbecue, and Kamado Joe is ideal, with seating for up to 20. Oh, and the large wild swimming pool is perfect for a cold water dip when the sun is shining.
What to do with the rest of your time at Kilmartin Castle? The friendly owners have crafted a map of the local area, filled with places to see and things to do, and recommending other businesses with a sustainable outlook. Start by strolling into the village, where you’ll discover a museum filled with stories (along with a café serving delicious cake!)
The wild, wondrous Kilmartin Glen – Scotland’s most concentrated collection of ancient monuments – is rich in history, while the nearby Kilmartin Pub is perfect for a home-cooked meal, local ales, and a single malt, just before you retrace your steps back to your noble dwelling.
It’s the perfect end to yet another memorable day.
Things to note
Check in at 4pm, check out by 10am. Please advise if you are bringing your dog, so the owners can have their bed ready too! There is a 3-night minimum stay starting from £1000 per night. One night stays may be possible on occasion if available, and weddings of up to 20 guests are possible – please enquire for further details if you have a few more, the owners will endeavour to accommodate.
Where you'll be staying
Kilmartin, Argyll and Bute
What the guests of Kilmartin Castle say
“I have traveled to almost every corner of Scotland and Kilmartin Castle has to be one of the best castle stays you will ever find. From having the entire, handsome building to yourself to the authentic castle feel mixed with the quirky, modern stylings in the interior, you’ve got a really special place on your hands. That it stands in the incredibly ancient Kilmartin Glen is icing on the cake. One of the unexpected highlights for me was the crate of incredible records! Get the fire roaring and throw on some vinyl. You’ll never forget it.”
“Our 4-night stay at Kilmartin Castle was the highlight of our trip to Scotland. I did a lot of research on castle hotels in the country. Basically all of the other options are castle facades with a completely modern Marriott style interior. Kilmartin Castle is the real deal, by contrast. Stone walls and floors, uneven and creaky floor boards, towers with arrow slits, two stone spiral staircases (one scary, one less scary), no TV or Internet. It is the right compromise between 15th century everything and modern comforts (running water, lots of bathrooms, comfy beds, functional kitchen, etc.). If you want the real castle experience in Scotland this is where you MUST stay. And since you have your own castle for a few days, you should arrange for Chef Ali to cook for you. We did, and the experience of being served royal meals in the candlelit dining room was incomparable.”
“THIS PLACE IS AMAZING. So are Stef and Simon. We were a party of 9 with 2 young kids, broad cross-section of needs and everyone loved it. From the amazing interior design, to the LP player in the living area, to all the mod cons (awesome cooker and underfloor heating), the recommendation of Ali the cook who treated us with the best seafood platter we’ve experienced, the BBQ outside and the pointers for where to explore in the surrounding area. It’s a very special castle, run by to very special people in a wonderful part of the world.”
