Kirkliston Castle

About this property

The magnificent Kirkliston Castle enjoys a fabulous position, just outside of Edinburgh. The Castle sits in 32 acres of stunning manicured parkland. It offers contemporary heritage, exquisite interior design, a fantastic art collection, sleeping spaces to die for and sensational entertainment spaces, all in lavish abundance. You will feel the tingle of history as you walk around this grand and inviting abode, the perfect place to bring the generations together, for a corporate event or for a spectacular celebration with your favourite friends. It is an exclusive use venue for many private celebrations, weddings and other events and has been voted as one of the top three venues in Europe at The International Hotel Awards and one of the Eight Best Wedding Venues Around The World by Grazia Magazine.

Kirkliston Castle was built in 1852 for Thomas Hutchison, an Edinburgh wine merchant and Provost of Leith and designed by David Rhind, a celebrated Scottish architect. Thomas Hutchison and his descendents lived at the Castle for the next one hundred and thirty years.

Thomas’s granddaughter Isobel Wylie Hutchison was a successful Arctic explorer and botanist. Defying convention, she travelled alone on expeditions that few would attempt, even today, collecting plants for the Royal Botanic Gardens and Kew. She was an accomplished artist, poet and travel writer, regularly submitting to newspapers and journals including the National Geographic. After World War 2, Isobel’s writing helped finance repairs to the castle which had been badly damaged acting as a wartime RAF base. Isobel’s legacy can be seen across the whole Estate. She planted many plants in the grounds, including rare species that she brought back from her travels. Between expeditions and in later life Isobel worked tirelessly in the Victorian glasshouses and carefully preserved the layout of the formal gardens which still exist today. Following Isobel’s death in 1982, Wilson and Katie Marshall acquired the castle and later sold it to their son Andrew. This marked the beginning of this new chapter.

The Castle’s events including weddings with up to two hundred and seventy five dining or four hundred and fifty or an evening reception. There are fabulous rooms including the serene Orangery and a bespoke marquee with a marble-topped bar and crystal chandeliers. There is a sensational marble room, a piano room and a bar. Every room is opulent, seriously grand and sprinkled with lavish furnishings and incredible art from over twenty five countries. This is an oasis of gracious and glorious living which will leave you with incredible memories.

There are nine bespoke bedrooms in the castle, each individually designed and decorated with original works by some of the world’s leading contemporary artists. The cloud-like, handmade beds offer the sleep of kings, the cabinetry comes from Atelier 1852 and the ensuite bathrooms come with handmade roll top baths, marble tiles, underfloor heating and walk-in showers. The duvets and pillows are filled with Hungarian goose down. Every room enjoys breathtaking views across the 32 acres of castle grounds.

In addition to the main castle, there are five additional rooms at Kirkliston Gate Lodge and also seven extra, newly renovated rooms at The Stables. If you are interested in this extra accommodation, please enquire. The Castle’s Private Suite is named The Isobel and offers two double guest rooms and two bathrooms as well as magnificent living space. It enjoys astonishingly beautiful views of the walled garden.

Guests of Kirkliston Castle enjoy thirty-two acres of manicured parkland to explore and relax in. Those who enjoy a dose of healthy competition will love the on-site tennis court, excellent fun for guests of all ages! The outdoor dining area is fantastic for those who want to dine while soaking in the glorious garden views or simply enjoy a drink alfresco while the Castle’s very own chefs arrange a delicious feast. 

Check out the full tour from The Luxury Home Show here:

Kirkliston Castle holds a wonderful location just 20 minutes from Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, while Glasgow is just an hour away. The airport is just 10 minutes away, making it an excellent venue choice for those travelling in from far and wide, the short transfer time makes it perfect for those travelling with children.  There are plenty of attractions to visit in the surrounding area, a few suggestions and the travel time from Kirkliston are below:

- Edinburgh Castle (20 minutes)
- Stirling Castle (34 minutes)
- Palace of Holyrood House (36 minutes)
- Rosslyn Chapel (25 minutes)
- The Scotch Whisky Experience, by Edinburgh Castle (20 minutes)
- Glenkinchie Distillery (20 minutes)
- Edinburgh Gin Distillery (25 minutes)
- St Andrews Golf Course (1 hour, 11 minutes)
- Muirfield Golf Castle (50 minutes)

Accommodation

Castle Interiors

Ground Floor
- Marble Lounge
- Bar
- Piano Room
- Orangery
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and satellite TV
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and satellite TV
- Two-double bedroom suite with en-suite bathroom and satellite TV
First Floor
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and satellite TV
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and satellite TV
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and satellite TV
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and satellite TV
Second Floor
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom

Outside Grounds
- Private grounds (32 acres)
- Dining facilities
- Barbecue
- Private tennis court
- Croquet/boules/football/basketball
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Ample parking