The Earl & Countess, Thirlestane Castle
Formerly the private quarters of the 14th Earl and Countess of Lauderdale, this three-bedroom apartment is a perfect sanctuary in the heart of Border country.
Accessed from the south wing of the castle, this elegant apartment forms part of a careful restoration project at Thirlestane which is sympathetic to the ancestry and provenance of the Maitland family and 400 years of Scottish history.
Enter into a dramatic black and white hallway with statement lighting and antiques offering a hint to the refined look of the wider interior. This leads into a main reception room with an open plan configuration, contrasted with rich heritage colours and sumptuous velvets which are timeless classics.
The fireplace with the original crest of the 14th Earl and Countess is framed by an ornate gilt mirror from the state drawing room along with two original artworks from the castle collections, including one from fine portraiture artist John Scougall.
Wall panels create a dramatic impact using an intricate wallpaper reproduced from an antique tapestry while high ceilings and vast windows amplify the sense of space and light with glorious views across the sweeping castle parklands.
The bold colour choices of the bedrooms are perfectly suited to the heritage of this property, each stamped with a different feel and personality.
The fired red earth of the master bedroom is beautifully complemented by the draped canopy above the bedsteads which date back to the First World War when the castle was used as a recuperation hospital for army officers. This leads into an impressive en-suite bathroom in wedgewood blue which is warmed with underfloor heating.
The second bedroom displays confident use of colour in a stunning emerald green balanced with an intricate Schumacher ‘Chiang Mei Dragon’ fabric which is an artful salute to the castle’s links with Asia – the 15th Countess’s father was J.J. Bell-Irving, a successful Hong Kong banker and merchant whose influence can be seen throughout the castle. This leads into an en-suite shower room with heritage detailing.
The four-poster bed in limed oak in the third bedroom adds a final flourish, framed by soft linens and warming tweeds as well as those picture-perfect views.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
For guests looking to holiday together, The Earl & Countess can be booked alongside The Maitland Apartment sleeping 4, The Lauderdale sleeping 2, The Sculleries sleeping 2 and Glenburnie sleeping 2. The South Wing is available for guests looking to book all five apartments. All apartments are located within Thirlestane Castle.
Special Offers
Property Layout
ACCOMMODATION
Access into large hallway with hanging space.
Open plan sitting room/dining room and kitchen comprising:
Sitting room with double sofa, armchairs, dining space with seating for six, decorative fireplace, Smart TV. Windows overlooking the castle parklands.
Kitchen with integrated units, electric oven, induction hob, dishwasher, large fridge/freezer, microwave, selection of cookbooks.
Bedroom one with zip and link beds which can be adapted to 6' super king or 3' twin beds, side tables, large wardrobe with drawers, dressing table.
En-suite bathroom with bath and shower over (rainforest head) with separate hand held mixer, heated towel rail, double basins, heated towel rail, WC. Underfloor heating.
Bedroom two with 5'2" king size four-poster bed, side tables, in-built wardrobe with hanging space and drawers, dressing table, Roberts radio.
Family bathroom with bath and shower over (rainforest head) with separate mixer, heated towel rail, double basins and WC. Underfloor heating.
Bedroom three with 5'2" king size bed, side tables, small wardrobe, chest of drawers.
En-suite bathroom with shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC. Underfloor heating.
OUTSIDE
Guests have use of the magnificent castle grounds (with the exception of the family'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 also have use of the courtyard area which is shared with all apartments. There is bench seating in the courtyard area and picnic benches in the play park area, woodlands and wider grounds.
There is private parking to the front of the castle.
Location
In nearby Lauder guests will find a good range of amenities including the Flat Cat Gallery & Coffee shop or the Spotty Dog Deli and Café in Market Place. The Firebrick Bakery is wonderful with a selection of breads, cakes and pastries. There's also a butchers shop and a bakery, along with a small Co-op supermarket on the edge of the village.
For eating out, try the Black Bull Hotel or the Lauderdale Hotel for pub lunches or nearby Carfraemill Hotel for a juicy steak from local producers.
For gifts and lovely things, the Flat Cat Gallery, Made in Grey Britain and Powder Grey are both super stops for a browse.
Amenities
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years.
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- Dog friendlyTwo dogs are welcome (£15 fee per dog). Dogs must be clean and dry before access into the wider property, should be kept off the furniture and are not permitted in the bedrooms. It is important to note that there is no private enclosed garden space and dogs must be kept on a lead in the immediate grounds and across wider farmland.
- EV chargingRefer to Important Information for further details.
- HairdryerA hairdryer is supplied in each bedroom.
- HeatingHeating throughout the property which is thermostatically controlled.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels providedBathrobes are also provided.
- Outside space
- Walking distance to a pub (under 1 mile)
- Wi-FiWi-Fi is available. Mobile signal is best on the 02 and EE network. This improves outside in the grounds.
All Amenities
Important Information
Electric vehicle chargers are available on-site, located in the main guest car park (2 minute walk from the apartments). There is an additional fee to use these facilities which is set by the estate and paid directly to them once on site. For safety reasons, please only use the dedicated charger for car charging at this property. Discover alternative electric vehicle charging points here.
Scottish short-term lets licence number: Pending. The current EPC rating for this property is band D, a copy of the certificate can be found here.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Accessibility
Getting availability
Things to See & Do
Explore our map of recommended things to see and do in our regions and discover the best ways to spend your stay with us. Select the filters below to highlight everything from restaurants to local events, so you can start building an exciting itinerary around your holiday home with the support of our in-depth local knowledge.
Plan Your Trip
Activities
Arts & Crafts
Boutique Shops
Food & Drink
Health & Wellbeing
Experiences
Inspired by the wealth of brilliant activities on offer in the North of England and the South of Scotland, we offer an exciting collection of experiences for you to enjoy while holidaying with us. From snorkelling with seals around the Farne Islands to barefoot pilgrimages to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, each experience has been drawn from our in-depth local knowledge and is exclusive to C&C guests.
Find out moreServices
With numerous additions to make your stay extra special, from doorstep deliveries of regional hampers and fine wines to daily housekeeping, the arrangement of dog sitters, and the organisation of chefs for special occasions, we have all the finest contacts to help make your stay smooth and enjoyable.
Find out more
