Easily reached from Edinburgh, just 25 miles south on the A68 trunk road at Lauder, Thirlestane Castle is best known today as a historic visitor attraction, but until now you might not have thought about it in terms of self catering holiday cottage style accommodation.

With its own private access and exceptional views of the parkland to the front of the Thirlestane Castle, The State Apartment, located within the south wing of the castle, is now available for self catering holiday lets, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to stay in a genuinely historic Scottish castle.

Nestling in the gentle Scottish Border hills, with its rose pink sandstone walls and fairytale turrets, Thirlestane Castle holds a uniquely important place in Scottish history. It is one of the oldest and finest castles in the land and home to one of the country's most distinguished families. Thirlestane Castle has its origins in the 13th century. It was rebuilt as the Maitland family home in 1590 and greatly enhanced by the Duke of Lauderdale in the 1670s.

Floorplans for The State Apartment will be available soon. In the meantime, please contact us if you have any queries in relation to the layout of the accommodation.

Access to the Apartment

The State Apartment is located within the castle's south wing and has private access through a courtyard up to the first floor.

Bedroom with kingsize bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, dressing table and hairdryer.

Bathroom with original clawfoot bath, walk-in shower, whb and WC.

Open plan kitchen, dining area and seating area

Fully-fitted kitchen with single electric oven with 4 ring gas hob, microwave, refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher.

Spacious and comfortable seating area with TV including the full Sky package. Dining table and chairs for two guests. Wi fi and telephone.

Private tour

A private tour of the castle conducted by Mr Ian Garner, the Castle Administrator, is available to all guests during their stay. Mr Garner is also on hand to assist guests and ensure they get the best from their stay.

Castle opening and events and guests' privacy

Thirlestane Castle is open to the public between 10am and 5pm during the following periods in 2012:

April – 6^th, 8^th and 9^th
May and June – Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2^nd May to 28^th June
May and June Bank Holidays – 7^th May and 4^th and 5^th June
July and August – everyday other than Saturday
September – Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2^nd to 30^th September

2012 Events
8^th April – Easter Bunny Day
10^th June – Historic Motoring Extravaganza

The visitor route passes through the courtyard below the Apartment. Guests looking for complete privacy during the day would therefore be advised to book outside the castle opening periods. The Maitland family and the Castle Administrator also retain apartments within the castle.

Garden and grounds

Guests have use of the magnificent castle grounds (with the exception of the Maitland's private garden) and the wider estate grounds including fabulous woodland and parkland walks. During the periods that the castle is closed to the public, guests have exclusive use of the courtyard below the Apartment.

Parking

There is ample parking in front of the castle which is available to guests regardless of the castle being open.

Catering and housekeeping

The State Apartment can be booked purely on a self-catering basis or on a part or fully-staffed basis. A cook is available to provide cooked breakfasts, packed lunch and dinner or we can arrange for homemade meals to be delivered. We also offer a pre-arrival food shopping service. Daily housekeeping is also available. Please contact us for further details.

Private functions

A vaulted cellar close to the State Apartment provides an unusual venue for private dining and small parties. The room is incredibly atmospheric and can be transformed with a few decorations to suit any number of occasions. The castle tea room is also available for larger parties and events when the castle is closed. Please contact us for further details.

Facilities for infants

Infants under one year old are welcome and a high chair is available on request.

Pets

The Apartment is not suitable for pets.