Only eight miles, or a 20 minute drive, from the centre of Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh and 10 minutes from Edinburgh International Airport, this 19th Century baronial mansion house has undergone lavish restoration under the careful watch of owner Andrew Marshall. Carlowrie is a remarkable retreat that blends rich heritage with modern elegance and luxurious comfort. A haven where guests have the space and tranquility to relax and escape.
At Carlowrie we pride ourselves on designing and delivering an exceptional and bespoke experience for every guest.
The Castle
From the main entrance, the grand hallway opens out to a light-flooded 3 storey atrium with original flagstone floor across which guests access Carlowrie’s impressive public rooms. The lounge or Marble Room, boasts an exquisite black and white marble floor and jaw-dropping glass chandelier. The Library Bar carries an extensive bar and wine list. Surrounded by tall ornate bookcases, decorative cornicing, open fireplace and traditional herringbone parquet flooring it is an ideal setting for a pre dinner drink or whisky tasting. The double aspect Piano Room, leading to the Orangery and Library Bar, is perfect for intimate private dining, hearty family suppers or executive board meetings. To the east side of the Castle, the elegantly classical Orangery bestows panoramic views over the gardens, providing a breathtaking backdrop for events.
The Orangery is a truly serene space, a blank canvas that transforms spectacularly to reflect the occassion. The Orangery hosts up to 110 guests for dining and has direct access onto the lawn and grounds, and is fully accessible.
We are extremely proud of our Marquee, a stunning space boasting floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lawn to the Castle. Fully equipped with a fabulous marble-topped bar, boutique restrooms, crystal chandeliers and colour select led lighting. The marquee hosts up to 300 guests for dining and 450 guests for a reception.
Accomodation
Spread across three floors of Carlowrie Castle, Carlowrie’s Gate Lodge and our latest accommodation The Stables, we offer twenty one spacious and luxurious bedrooms, accommodating up to 40 guests. Each room enjoys breathtaking views across the 32 acre Castle grounds.
Castle Bedrooms
Each of our bedrooms has been individually designed and decorated with original works by some of the world’s leading contemporary artists. Carlowrie’s bedrooms all incorporate handmade beds and feature sumptuous soft furnishings, bed linen and towels. The ensuite bathrooms feature handmade roll top baths, marble tiles, underfloor heating and walk-in showers. Duvets and pillows are filled with Hungarian goose down.
The Stables
Our most recently renovated accommodation is our Stables development which comprises of 6 ensuite bedrooms and one bedroom suite with living space. The stables is a located in the walled garden and is a very short walk to the Castle and is a truly stunning building inside and out.
The Gate Lodge
Within easy strolling distance of the Castle, the lodge offers 5 bedrooms and Carlowrie’s sleek interiors and immediate access to all that the Castle has to offer, just in a more private setting. Whether you’re travelling with family, looking for some peace and quiet, or keen to preserve your morning rituals, the lodge might be just what you’re looking for.
The Gardens and Estate
We have 32 acres of grounds, including our historic walled garden with tennis court, and a woodland walk so there is plenty of space to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. We also hold outdoor events from mini highland games to team building activities.
Dining at the Castle
All food at the Castle is prepared by Head Chef Richard Heller and his brigade. Richard is a native of California, where he grew up in hospitality to appreciate the lighter South American and Asian influenced cuisine. Richard moved to Europe in the early 1990s working in kitchens from Spain to the UK. Richard and his wife settled in Edinburgh and opened the Old Bell restaurant, which picked up many awards including best new restaurant and a coveted Michelin recommendation. Richard moved to Executive Chef for Scottish hospitality group Caledonian Heritable, overseeing dozens of Scottish restaurants before honing his banqueting skills as a Head Chef with luxury event caterers Wilde Thyme. Tempted back to Los Angeles as Executive Chef at UCLA, he oversaw menu development in all hospitality offerings and fine dining at the University. Richard and his family returned to Edinburgh during the pandemic and began working at Carlowrie in September 2020.
Carlowrie Art Collection:
Eye-catching urban and pop art from Andrew Marshall’s personal collection of international emerging artists adorn the walls throughout the Castle. Works include a Banksy, paintings from Cuban artist Raiber GoH and a specially commissioned canvas by Lucinda Burman of the Castle, which hangs above the fireplace in the Piano Room.
History of the Castle:
In the mid-19th century, the Hutchison family, who were wine merchants, commissioned David Rhind to design the Castle. Rhind was also responsible for Stewarts Melville College and what is now the Dome on Edinburgh’s George Street.
The Castle became home to Thomas Hutchison and his wife Jean Wylie and their 5 children in 1852. Their daughter, Isabelle Wylie Hutchison became a pioneering Artic traveler and author, searching for rare plants. Many of the plants she collected are still in the grounds today and can also be seen at Kew Gardens in London.
Andrew Marshall, the current owner is the second generation of the only other family who have lived there. He has lovingly renovated the Castle to be a luxury venue for individuals and generations of families to enjoy.
Directions
Carlowrie Castle is only eight miles, or a 20 minute drive, from the centre of Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh and 10 minutes from Edinburgh International Airport. There is free parking at the castle with a car park large enough for 200 cars.
