Category - Team

We’re planting a truffle orchard.

Truffles and truffle oils are delicacies that most people associate with the warmer climes of the continent. So, it might surprise you to know that we’re planting our very own truffle orchard right here in Scotland. While it’s true that truffles are traditionally grown in France and Italy, some varieties thrive in cooler climates. Soil conditions can be ideal for truffle cultivation in parts of Scotland too. Truffles grow on the roots of trees and do especially well amongst oak, hazel and beech, all of which are indigenous to the UK and provide a fantastic habitat for our wildlife. In a few years, we hope to be serving our guests with our own Scottish-grown truffle delicacies. Watch this space.

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

IT’S A FIRST! BOOK INDIVIDUAL ROOMS IN AUGUST

To celebrate our first anniversary we are opening the castle doors for individuals to stay in August… and… as a happy coincidence it coincides with the Edinburgh Festival.

Fact… Edinburgh is busy in August and accommodation is hard to find – 1 festival (5 to 26 August), 7 double rooms, 1 suite with 2 bedrooms, 24 days availability. Technically we can rest 384 sleepy festival going heads – in luxury and in a castle – from £295 per double room throughout August!

Whether you lean towards the avant-garde or mainstream, the classics or quite frankly the outrageous you are invited to stay with us. Rooms and Suites… from £295 per night inclusive of Scottish Breakfast and VAT.

Email us and quote ‘FRINGE’ to reserve your room in the castle between 1 and 31 August 2016.

WE HAVE OUR VERY OWN CHILDREN’S NANNY

Emma Howden is joining the team to look after our younger guests while Mum and Dad are playing tennis in the grounds or popping into Edinburgh for a night out. Emma spent 5 years in Paris, Australia and then London working as a Nanny before coming back to Scotland to undertake a Montessori education course. The children she looked after during her spell as a nanny were aged from babies to 12 years old. Her organisational skills, patience and sense of fun come in extremely useful when looking after children. Welcome Emma.

BLOOMING LOVELY!

A short post to share a glorious image from the Walled Garden taken by David the Castle’s Head Gardener. Beautiful delicate pale blue Meconopsis – and a cheeky Alium photo bombing in the background.

OUR NEW BAR

The castle has a brand new glamorous bar that was installed for Andrew’s 40^th birthday party (he owns the castle) which was a great success. In fact a little too much of a success! But, we didn’t say that.  The addition of the bar ensures that guests experience the ‘exclusively’ intimate atmosphere of a private members club when they stay, or join us as part of a larger group. Ideal to gather for a pre, and post, event drink or two!!

A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBER

It gives us great pleasure in welcoming Caroline to our Carlowrie Team as Business Development Manager.

Already Caroline has settled in very well.  Caroline has a strong passion for luxury and independently owned properties, with an industry experience of over 30 years’ its clear to say that we are more than happy to have Caroline as part of the Carlowrie Team.

A big hello to our latest team member

We are very happy to announce that Tracey Smith has joined our team, coming on board as Director of Sales. She brings with her a wealth of experience from the industry and a huge passion for delivering the best service for all our clients at Carlowrie.

She has previously worked all round Scotland in 5 star Castles and hotels and resorts, so we are delighted she has joined us here and we look forward to working together.

Fun all round with Maximillion

Kilts, cocktails and canapes was the order of the day with our recent corporate fun day. Maximillion organised a fantastic fun day for a corporate client which got everyone competing in ‘clans’ on segways (pictured), quads and Highland games. The activities then culminated in a giant tug of war.

After all their hard work, our guests were rewarded with a relaxed BBQ and drinks in the sunshine, while they played giant games on our events lawn.

If you would like to arrange a corporate day with us, please email Angie Alexander, our Business Development Director, for more details.