Scotland’s unique fairytale landscapes of highlands, lochs and glens provide the perfect backdrop to some of the world’s most magnificent country estates.
Each with its own unique history and hidden treasures, our leisure Travel Manager, Mark Smith, takes us through Caledonia’s canniest castles and grandest stately homes.
1. Mount Stuart
On the perfectly formed western isle of Bute lies Mount Stuart. This outstanding historic home of the Bute family first came to life as a multi-wing Georgian stately home in 1716.
After a fire in 1877, the building was reborn during the height of Britain’s Gothic Revival. But this time, great architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson planned to fill the new designs with all the technological advances of the Victorian age, from heated pools to electricity and lifts.
Today, you can book out the entirety of the estate for your special event or holiday retreat. As well as the main house sleeping 37, 36 guests can stay in the charming cottages around the grounds for a truly memorable luxury Scottish travel experience.
The Horoscope Room is adorned with the imagery and prophecy of the cosmos. With a private breakfast room, carved beds and marble arches, this room is perfect for couples in search of a romantic (and Romantic) retreat.
2. Dunrobin Castle
An hour from Inverness, Dunrobi Castle is the most northerly stately home in the country. It is also one of the most striking. Its breathtaking fairytale sensibility has made it a popular wedding and tourist destination.
If it takes your breath away too, simply ask your personal Simplexity Travel Manager to book your visit. From the charming Customs House cottage on the shore of the stunning Loch Fleet, you can enjoy all this gem of the north has to offer.
Be sure to explore the stunning gardens, designed by Sir Charles Barry in 1850. The whole building is inspired by a French Chateaux, but the gardens draw particular inspiration from Versailles. If all those manicured lawns get you in the mood for a spot of golf, we will arrange a few holes at the nearby Golspie Golf Club, a beautiful, vintage 18 holes on Scotland’s North Sea Coast.
3. Holyrood Palace
Holyrood is the UK monarch’s official residence in Scotland. At the end of the Scottish capital’s Royal Mile, this historic stately home mirrors its southern sister, Buckingham Palace, in its openness to visitors.
Visit the State Apartments for a revealing insight into the mores of British monarchs stretching back to Mary, Queen of Scots. The tapestry collection is unrivalled. Arrive for the start of a royal residence to see the historic Presentation of the Keys of the City ceremony.
Just opposite the palace is the Queen’s Picture Gallery. Here you can find a fine selection of intimate portraits of key Scottish figures and works by prominent British painters.
For the best beds in Edinburgh, stay at the Scotsman. As well as offering an unrivalled whisky tasting experience, the Penthouse Suite gives the occupant a sublime view over Edinburgh’s Old Town up to Castle Rock. This luxury Edinburgh hotel room is the peak of Scottish hospitality with a concierge team, sauna and library all waiting for your use.
If you can’t wait to start your Scottish adventure, talk to one of our leisure@simplexitytravel.com today on 0203 535 9290, or email info@simplexity.com now.