Category - Events

Secret Rooms for Stimulating Stories

I’m sure you are aware of our famous former resident, Isobel Wylie Hutchison. Explorer, author, botanist and all round early 20th century Scottish legend. If not head to google and then come pay a visit to our latest room in the castle.

We locked local artist Kelly Stewart in the turret room on the top floor for a couple of weeks at the start of the year. Kelly has been inspired by Isobel’s story and  produced the most beautiful 360 degree mural with snippets and tales of Isobel scattered around an arctic landscape.

It’s the perfect space to relax, reflect and take some time out from the hustle and bustle. Isobel’s own thoughts, copies of her publications and items from her life at Carlowrie are on show. For us, it’s a wonderful link to our past and a tale that needs to be told to generations to come.

Water of Life

Christmas posed an interesting question – What happens when you run out of whisky?

You get more whisky of course.

After the huge success of our initial Carlowrie Malt at the start of lockdown, we embarked on a strenuous research mission to find another, even more special drop of the amber nectar. After many late nights and much discussion (probably) our expert panel unanimously decided on a smooth and fruity Highland 12 year old. A quick trip back to the label design and a subtle tweak or two saw the bottling of our new baby, 12 year aged single Highland Malt.

Guaranteed to warm the coldest of Scottish winter evenings and melt the hardest hearts, this is one to be enjoyed with kith and kin.

For more details or orders, please contact us info@carlowriecastle.co.uk  . Now where’s the gin…?

Wining, dining and sunshining

We are very excited about our new property and vineyard in the Loire Valley, France. Purchased during lockdown to boost Carlowrie’s portfolio, progress has taken longer than we would have hoped but we now have some exciting visuals from our architects in Paris to share. Planning permission has been granted, and we have a team on site beginning renovations and refurbishment. We will update this page regularly as it all takes shape.

Set in 6 hectares of prime wine producing land, Domaine de la Citardiere lies 20 minutes south of Saumur. Easily reached from Paris in 4 hours, or Nantes international airport in an hour and a half, the vineyard is ideally placed to sample the region’s gastronomic and bibulous delights, as well as the rich history and charming towns of the surrounding area. La Citardiere will even supply Carlowrie’s own wines from 2022.

We can sleep up to 14 people, the estate and pool are guaranteed private for your group to relax and enjoy our famous Carlowrie hospitality in warmer climes. Domaine de la Citardiere has produced wines for hundreds of years, and the vines are currently looked after by Francois and Vanessa Martin  who will be supplying the castle, and your guests with boutique organic Loire Valley wines.

Opening June 2022, we look forward to welcoming you with a glass of our very own crémant and fine French cuisine. Ideal for honeymoons, family stays and parties. Please contact us on info@carlowriecastle.co.uk  with any questions or interest.

Staycation 2020

Staycation of a Lifetime

When life gives you lemons, go live in a castle. Trips abroad may not be an option this year, however we have something way better.

A truly one-off opportunity to have your own 9-bedroom luxury castle, a team of talented private chefs and welcoming hosts at your disposal. Tennis court, manicured gardens and 32 acres of complete relaxation and seclusion for an unbeatable 2-day experience just minutes from Scotland’s glorious capital city.

Day 1

Arrive at the castle from 2pm to a welcome glass of fizz, check into your luxury bedroom and take some time to explore one of Scotland’s most unique castles. More than 90 pieces of carefully selected modern art grace the walls and grounds of this beautifully refurbished home.

Afternoon tea is served in the lounge, and our library bar is fully stocked with the finest malts, boutique Scottish gins and vintage champagnes should you require a pick me up after your journey. Relax in your own handmade roll top bath, before changing for drinks, canapes and a four-course dinner with accompanying wines, showcasing the best of Scotland’s seasonal larder and introduced by our head chef.

Coffee in the Marble lounge with selected malt whiskies provided by our sommelier, or a glass of fizz from the champagne bar are all included.

Day 2

A choice of Full Scottish or continental breakfast, then the day is yours to explore with an individual picnic lunch prepared for you by our chefs.

We can recommend walks along the beach, or a wildlife-spotting boat trip on the river Forth from nearby South Queensferry. Fruit picking in neighbouring Craigie’s Farm and walk along the coast to Dalmeny. For some retail therapy, Edinburgh’s shops and sights are 30 minutes away, and we can arrange a personal shopping experience with a professional stylist.

Back to your castle for a more relaxed dinner, perhaps a barbecue, then a movie or games to round off a perfect stay.

Day 3

Breakfast and a final walk around the estate, before check-out at 11.30am with a lifetime of memories.

We have limited availability over the next few months and expect this to be very popular. Our experience price is £9000 for a two day stay, inclusive of food, drink and board as above for up to 18 people. Extra nights and experiences can be added, please ask one of our team.

You know what they say: “When you’re on the cover of China’s most prestigious travel magazine…”

Did we mention that there was a glossy 8-page spread inside too?

But in all seriousness, we are thrilled to have been featured and look forward to welcoming anyone who discovers the castle through the feature.

In the meantime, maybe we’ll crack open a bottle or five of champagne and congratulate ourselves.

Explore Our History: Celebrating the past

Carlowrie Castle has everything: a world-class art collection, Nespresso machines and roll-top baths in every room, an award-winning chef, stunning gardens, the best parties in Scotland…

The castle also has a fascinating history.

Working in partnership with Craft Design House, we are developing an exclusive collection of homeware and accessories and an innovative program of experiences by leading Scottish designers and makers. These will provide a stylish, unique and interactive interpretation of Carlowrie Castle’s history and the story of its most intriguing inhabitant, Isobel Wylie Hutchison.

>Born at Carlowrie in 1889, Isobel was a pioneering Arctic explorer, botanist, writer, artist, polyglot (she spoke over eight languages fluently) and one of the world’s first documentary filmmaker, capturing extraordinary footage of the native peoples she encountered as they went about their daily lives.

Isobel made her first expedition in 1924 to Iceland, and later travelled to Greenland, the Arctic, Alaska, Canada and the Aleutian Islands. In 1934 she became the first woman to receive the prestigious Mungo Park Medal from the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. It was presented to her by the future King George VI.

Isobel sent back thousands of botanical specimens to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew and Edinburgh and was responsible for planting and nurturing much of the garden at Carlowrie Castle. By the 1950s Isobel had slowed down somewhat, but still embarked on ‘strolls’ from Carlowrie to London and John O’Groats, gave lectures and wrote papers about her experiences, including for the National Geographic.

When Isobel passed away in 1982 the Hutchison line ended and the castle went on the market for the first time. It was bought by the Marshall family who own it to this day.

The collection will be launching in October 2018.

Ultimate Exclusive Use Party Venue

The castle is featured in Singapore Airlines priority member’s club magazine as one of the world’s most inspirational exclusive use party venues – vineyard estates in Australia, chalets in Switzerland, houseboats in South Africa and us! We couldn’t agree more.

Welcome to Carlowrie’s new Executive Chef Jonathan Greer

Formerly of Northern Ireland, Jonny’s passion for cooking has gained widespread recognition within the hospitality industry.

Having worked with Paul Rankin at the Michelin starred Roscoff in Belfast Jonny moved to Scotland in August 1999 as a Sous Chef at Gleneagles, before moving to Ballathie House Hotel, swiftly becoming Head Chef. In 2007 Jonny became Head Chef at Murrayshall Country House Hotel in Scone retaining 2 AA Rosettes for the restaurant and achieving a silver from Eat Scotland.

During Jonny’s career he has been fortunate to have cooked for well-known people including members of the royal family and has completed ‘stages’ at restaurants including Marco Pierre White’s ‘Mirabelle’ and Michel Roux Jr.’s ‘Le Gavroche’.

In his spare time Jonny enjoys spending time with family, foraging and salmon fishing.

Nope – no Pokemons here!

Rumour has it we ‘had’ a Pokemon appear at the weekend – we would know if we have and we haven’t seen it – we looked everywhere!.

As much as we want to be up with the latest trends and down with the kids, there are no Pokestops, no eggs and no gyms. We do have quite a few Roe deer, rabbits and birds, a tennis court, fountains and mysterious room with no access to it in the turret.

Carlowrie is a family friendly ‘non-combat’ private estate. Terrestrial visits are by appointment only – we don’t want to disappoint or appear to be rude by refusing access – ‘…Go’ Away’ if you stroll up the drive un-announced – see what we did there! Our virtual viewings can be arranged by Skype and Facebook. Thank you

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?

In celebration of Middle Sunday at Wimbledon – Game, Set and Match at Carlowrie! Off to find the Pimms.