Knock Old Castle

• Sleeps: 8
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 4
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

You’ll find this 14th-century, turret-laden castle in beautiful Largs on the Ayrshire coast, now exquisitely restored into quirky, whimsical, and totally unique holiday accommodation.

Sleeping eight in total, Knock Old Castle is the ideal destination for a special group holiday, whether you’re visiting with family or friends. Children will adore its magical design, grown-ups can look forward to luxury in spades, and even the family pooch can come too!

Knock Old Castle is a sight to behold on first arrival.  With a central keep, a castellated rampart, no fewer than three turrets, and a modern extension with sheep grazing on a wild flower roof, it’s certainly the only one of its kind in Scotland – or, in fact, the world!

The imaginative redesign is the product of painstaking work by local craftsman, who have restored this castle to its former glory, and then some.  Given the castle’s age, you won’t find any straight lines in the building, but you will find quirky doors, interiors, and amazing stained glass windows (don’t forget to hunt for Baloo the Bear!).

Enter the main keep and you’ll find yourself in Knock Old Castle’s first living room. A real sense of history has been retained, with original timber beams and window recesses, traditional furniture and a wood-burning stove for a warm welcome. However, look up and you’ll see a fantastic painted ceiling, with horses, greyhounds, elephants, and even killer whales zipping over bright backgrounds!  If the sheep on the roof weren’t enough of a clue, there’s a real sense of fun running through the whole of Knock Old Castle, and this is just one more part of it.

Leading through, you’ll come to the gorgeous open-plan kitchen and dining area. Light, airy, and modern, there’s still a sense of the ‘old world’ here, thanks to the stunning beams overhead and the hand-crafted dining table with seating for eight. Sunshine floods in through the patio doors, leading guests outside to the charming courtyard with a lawn and sitting-out area.

At a glance

• Restored 14th-century castle on Ayrshire coast, re-imagined with quirky features throughout
• Sleeps 8 (3 twin bedrooms; 1 super-king bedroom); pets welcome
• Perfect for a special group holiday
• Sensational views from lookout tower
• Hidden sauna in turret
• A short walk from town of Largs
• Ideally placed for exploring Ayrshire coast, with easy access to Scottish Islands and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Large Groups
• Seaside Breaks

More information

Upstairs, you’ll find yourself in the second living room – a stunning space with bespoke wooden furniture, eye-catching sofas, and patio doors opening to a balcony with magnificent views. There’s also a wood-burning stove in here, as well as a 48-inch television.

The first of Knock Old Castle’s four bedrooms is also on this floor – a stunning twin bedroom with an en-suite shower cubicle.  On the second and third floors above are two more twin rooms. Both come with an en-suite shower and toilet, and have been finished with their own unique touches. The final bedroom is found up on the fourth floor, and offers a sumptuous super king-size bed and Velux windows – perfect for stargazing!

For the best views from Knock Old Castle, climb the stairs to the central tower, ingeniously restored with feature windows for 360° views of the surrounding countryside and the Firth of Clyde.  Curl up with a Scottie-dog cushion on the circular window seat and feel your worries float away as you soak it all in.

For ultimate relaxation, Knock Old Castle hides one further secret – a sauna! This wonderful gem is found in the third tower at the end of the rampart, and is well worth a scurry in your dressing gown!

In the unlikely event you want to leave the comfort of your quirky castle, there’s also lots to discover beyond the grounds.  You’re just a short walk to bustling Largs, where you’ll find shops, restaurants and a quaint promenade.  It’s also easy to explore the islands of Cumbrae and Arran and the Isle of Bute from here. Or, catch a ferry to Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula for easy access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Closer to home, there are a whole host of villages, beaches and rocky coves to discover on the Ayrshire coast. Walking, cycling, horse-riding, fishing and golfing – you’re perfectly placed for it all here, so why not make the most of it?

It’s easy to see why a stay at Knock Old Castle is like no other – this beautiful home really is one of a kind, and has to be experienced to be believed! So have you packed your bags yet?

Things to note

Travel cot and highchair available on request, there is an unfenced stream in the garden, located 10 yards away from the tower, welcome pack is provided, minimum stay 3 nights, 2 well behaved pets may be brought upon prior arrangement.