The castle that inspired one of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s best-known buildings is now on Airbnb
A medieval castle that inspired one of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s best-known buildings is now an Airbnb vacation rental.
The former castle at Rowallan in Ayrshire has been turned into luxury accommodation three years after being removed from ‘state guardianship’ in a bid to secure its future.
But it’s not cheap. It costs £1,200 a night for up to eight people staying in its four double bedrooms. Extended in the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle is said to have inspired Mackintosh’s plans for the Scotland Street School Museum in Glasgow.
The former Rowallan Castle in Ayrshire has now been turned into an Airbnb listing, costing £1,200 a night
The castle is said to have inspired one of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s best-known buildings, the Scotland Street School Museum in Glasgow.
Dream stay: pictured is one of the castle’s double beds, which is comfortably tucked away in an alcove
However, it does include a golf course designed by Ryder Cup winner Colin Montgomerie and a country club on its doorstep.
The building, which dates back to the 13th century, was taken into the care of the state in the 1950s due to its state of decline after the construction of a new castle on the land to the northwest in the early 20th century.
Its current owners have waged a long campaign to be allowed to regain control of the castle and turn it into tourist accommodation.
The Renaissance-style castle – an ancestral home to the Mure and Campbell families – was later brought back to life after a deal was struck three years ago with the Scottish government, its heritage agency and the East Ayrshire Council .
The castle, near Kilmarnock, is built around a two-storey property believed to date back to 1263 in its oldest parts. Pictured is the property’s living room
Guests can prepare culinary delights in the huge kitchen – and it’s a great place to relax with a dram or two.
For large parties, guests can use the decadent dining room, which the castle owners say is perfect for formal occasions
Built on the banks of the Carmel Water, it is believed to be the birthplace of Elizabeth Mure, who would marry Robert Stewart, a future Scottish king.
The old Rowallan Castle had been state-owned since the 1950s due to its declining state. But the new owners were allowed to rent it out
According to the Airbnb listing, the castle is a “very unique space and recognized as the finest specimen of Renaissance castle architecture”.
The castle, near Kilmarnock, is built around a two-storey property believed to date back to 1263 in its oldest parts.
Built on the banks of the Carmel Water, it is believed to be the birthplace of Elizabeth Mure, who would marry Robert Stewart, a future Scottish king, in 1346. But she died before he succeeded to the throne in 1371.
Its most recent owner, property developer Niall Campbell, also owns the surrounding estate, which includes a 19th-century “new castle” converted into a five-star hotel, as well as the golf course and country club.
There are a total of four double bedrooms in the chateau and two have en-suite bathrooms. The building can accommodate up to eight people
The Renaissance-style castle has been brought back to life after a deal was struck three years ago with the Scottish government, its heritage agency and East Ayrshire Council to develop it as a holiday rental.
The castle’s current owners say they have worked hard alongside Historic Scotland to renovate the building in a ‘true to form’ way
As parts of the castle date back to the 13th century, the Airbnb listing states: “Stairs can be uneven in places and some door frames are lower, so be careful not to bump your head”
One of the luxurious en-suite bathrooms. New owners say renovating the old building was a real ‘labor of love’
New Airbnb the entrance reads: ‘Old Rowallan Castle dates from the 13th century and has been lovingly restored.
“It is a very unique space and recognized as the finest specimen of Renaissance castle architecture.
‘This is a unique opportunity to be king or queen of your own castle. Two of the bedrooms are ensuite, while two share a spacious bathroom.
‘There is a well equipped kitchen with a large table and chairs, plus there is a large dining area for more formal occasions.
The castle was enlarged in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is said to have inspired Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s designs for Scotland Street School in Glasgow
The castle’s most recent owner, property developer Niall Campbell, also owns the surrounding estate, which includes a 19th-century “New Castle” and a golf course.
Prior to renovation, the castle was in the hands of the Scottish Government, its heritage agency and the East Ayrshire Council
The new owners of the castle, who are, from left to right, top – George, Louise and Niall Campbell – and in front, Katy and Jamie Campbell. They say they can’t wait to welcome their new guests
“As this is a 13th century listed building, the stairs can be uneven in places and some doorways are lower, so be careful not to bump your head.”
Mr Campbell said: “To say it has been a true labor of love is an understatement.
“We have been working closely with Historic Scotland to renovate this historic castle as faithfully as possible for almost 30 years, so we are incredibly delighted to finally be able to open our doors to the public.
“We could not have managed this mammoth undertaking without the support of Historic Environment Scotland and the local council, so we express our gratitude to everyone involved.
“We are looking forward to welcoming our first visitors.”
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