Tasteful Kilmarnock Cottage S73117

About this property

Welcome to the C13th Scottish Castle, home to the Craufurds of Craufurdland since 1245. C13th Scottish Castle is split into two apartments, the Tower House, a luxury self-catering apartment.

Set in the beautiful Ayrshire countryside, close to natural amenities and some of Scotland’s famous golf courses, this C13th Scottish Castle caters for residential visitors and receptions, whether private or corporate.

The castle dates from 1245, one of the oldest in Ayrshire, and is situated within a small country estate with scenic views. Yet it is just 20 minutes from Glasgow.

Original oil paintings, antique furniture, log fires and warm colours makes this a cosy, peaceful retreat for a weekend break or longer. Woodland walks and an abundance of wildlife will delight the visitor.

C13th Scottish Castle is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Glasgow, 1 hour from Edinburgh, Loch Lomond National Park and The Trossachs, 20 minutes from the Beach and the famous Burns Country.

The attractions and amenities in the area surrounding the Castle are wide and varied. The following is just a sample of activities and places of interest.

The newly refurbished Fishery Clubhouse is now also home to The Wee Cafe. Serving hot & cold food and drinks to all, it provides good quality food and excellent service, all in a stunning location. The menu is based on freshly prepared panninis and genuine homebaking. Supreme, freshly ground Italian Illy coffee, pots of tea, or delicious Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows are all available, plus a wide selection of cold drinks. Free WiFi is provided.

Woodland Burial Ground: This idyllic 3 acre site on the Estate at Midland Farm is quiet and tranquil, surrounded by mature Ash trees and Hawthorn hedgerow. The site includes a pet cemetery.

The fisheries on the Estate: The Fishery is set on the Craufurdland Lochan, just outside Fenwick, Ayrshire. The fishery is stocked with rainbow, brown and blue trout. Fishing is available from the bank or on one of the boats on the lochan. There are facilities which include refreshments, tackle for sale and tuition, all run with brothers Alex and Simon Craufurd taking a keen interest in the future development and improvement of the fishery.

Prices are:
- £19 for 8 hours – 4 fish
- £17 for 6 hours – 3 fish
- £13 for 4 hours – 2 fish
- £12.50 for 8 hours ‘Catch and Release’
- £11 for 6 hours ‘Catch and Release’
- £9 for 4 hours ‘Catch and Release’

* £1 discount available to OAP on all permits.

Golf: Dundonald Links - acknowledged as one of Scotland's best golf courses. Scotland offers a wealth of golfing venues. Ayrshire and Aran in particular sport a variety of interesting golf. Prestwick – the birthplace of the Open, Royal Troon, Largs, Girvan, Dundonald Links – acknowledged as one of the best new courses, Lamlash, Isle of Aran and Turnberry are are few of the courses nearby.

Whiskey Tours: Distilleries abound throughout Scotland. Why not take the opportunity to visit and taste a wee dram of  their wonderful malt whiskies.

Loch Doon or Balloch Castle is an eleven-sided curtain-walled castle designed to defend its original island site at the southern end of Loch Doon. The stonework is outstanding and its beautifully hewn blocks of ashlar have stood the test of time. Owned by Historic Scotland, Loch Doon Castle takes the form of an irregular polygon, having eleven sides. This came about as it was built to fit the shape of the island, on which it formerly stood, within the loch. Fishing in Loch Doon (by rod and line) is free; trout are plentiful and a rare fish, the char, is found here.

There are an abundance of hills to challenge the experienced walker who should be aware of the great extent of this wild country, the rough terrain, and the remoteness of help should any accident occur.

Accommodation

Bedrooms
Wallace Suite (4)
This is a split level room and has two small sofa-beds on the lower level, with access to the en-suite bathroom.  The upper level is accessed via a cast-iron spiral stairs, leading to the mezzanine, with a super-king size bed, dressing table, and arm-chair, plus the stunning views over the front lawn through the four gothic stained glass windows. Cots can be added to this room easily.

The knights’ Room (3)
This room, on the second floor of the Tower, is accessed via the spiral stairs, and would have been the ‘Laird’s Room’. This bedroom is a twin/double room, plus sofa bed with its own wash-hand basin and small walk-in shower. The various cubby holes and cupboards around this room were once part of stairs which was within the walls.

The King James Room (2)
This room, is the first floor of the original Tower, and is accessed three quarters of the way up the stairs. There is a super king bed and a toilet in one cubby, a sink in another, and a beautiful roll-top bath in one of the recessed windows.  One of the other windows, which have now been bricked has a beautiful mirror window, making a stunning and unique dressing-table.

Queen Mary Room (2)
This recently renovated room boasts a beautiful mahogany four poster bed, and new en-suite bathroom.  This bright room has three windows overlooking the front lawn, one with a 16th Century stained glass panel, and a fourth window looking towards the tower.

The Garret (3)
Situated on top of the 14th Century Tower, the Garret is a great room, looking over the battlements of the tower.  Reached via the stone spiral stairs, the traditional space has a  pitched ceiling.  Warm in the winter and cool in the summer, this beautiful room, decorated with Crawford Tartan, and in its colours. It is truly unique.  Whether used by kids to get away from the adults, or a couple who want their privacy, you’ll love this room. There are 3 single beds which can also be set up as a super king bed with a single.
Bard's Room (2)
This room, situated on the first floor, fits two with its super king bed, which can be changed to twins beds if necessary. The colour palet used make the atmosphere very relaxing. This room is ensuite, with shower over bath, giving you the best comfort and best space to rest after a long walk in the Scottish countryside. A cot can be added in this room when needed.

Hall
This is a classic Norman Barrel Vault room, which is the ground floor of the 14C Tower House or Keep.  The Entrance doorway and window in hall were both formed in the 1980’s when the house was split into the two houses.  The door at far end, now takes you to the lobby of the kitchen and dining room, it was originally the foot of the spiral stairs which was added to the tower, probably in C15.
This room also has a games table with foos-ball, mini-pool, air hockey etc

Utility Room
Housed in a smaller vault, the utility has a small WC at the end, with sink.  This also contains your Washing Machine, Tumble Drier and  supply of good seasoned logs for the fire in the Drawing Room, and the King James Room for the more romantic. With lots of pegs you can dry any coats and waterproofs, that’s if it rains.

Kitchen
Architecturally, few kitchens can boast more unusual windows; the Tower House kitchen will remind those old enough of ‘Playschool’, with its arched, round and rectangular windows.  We hope you will find everything you need in the kitchen including all your herbs, spices etc.  We have tried to make this house a home from home, and as such kitted out the kitchen hopefully with all the tools of a cook’s kitchen.  If you can’t find anything you need please ask, we’re just next door.

We can help you get some wonderful local produce, including handmade pies plus a vast selection of home-made food all of which can be delivered, or why not visit the local farm-shops, you’re sure to buy more than you expected, but won’t be disappointed.

Dining Room
Please don’t let my ancestors put you off your food, they’re good sorts really. The table will take up to 16 and with that many voices and laughs, how can you not enjoy the food, drink and merriment.

Drawing Room
This is a beautiful Georgian Drawing room with exquisite cornicing and 10 foot high windows looking over Craufurdland Water below. The large marble fireplace keeps things nice and cosy.
This room has ample space and seating for everyone in the house to gather.  The large fire place will keep you warm, whilst yet more ancestors on the walls keep an eye on proceedings.  By all accounts they enjoyed the house too, so will watch with envy.

A TV, DVD Surround Sound, Radio/CD with I-pod dock are all in this room.
There is a PS3 in the Garrett, a TV and DVD player  in the Wallace room, a mini hifi in the dining room as well as the TV and DVD player in the Drawing room. A selection of Board games are in the chest of drawers in the Drawing room and there is also a miniature games table in the Vaulted hall. There are some maps and brochure’s things to do in the area and central Scotland are in the chest of Drawers in the vaulted hall.
The Gardens and Estate
The estate is yours to play in, for walks, cycling, mountain biking etc.  You are invited to try the trout fishery at Craufurdland Lochan, where we also have a small cafe, which serves hot and cold food and drinks.
Additional Information
Linens and towels are provided, as are basics such as washing up liquid, soap powder, toilet & kitchen tissue, cling film and kitchen foil, basic herbs & spices, tea and coffee  to start you off, please replace them if they are finished.
The estate also has 10K of  cross country mountain bike trails which are free to use.
Another activity available on the estate is fly fishing at Craufurdland Fishery.
There is a bootcamp on Wednesday evenings 7 pm  starting at the cafe/Fishery and Trail running   on Saturday at 8 am and Sunday 10 am again starting at the cafe.
We have some wellies here for your use to allow you to enjoy the woodlands on the estate.
Welly Sizes:
11,9,9,8,7,7,6,6,5,5,4
*****  Please note: That the owners refuse to accept non-family groups under the age of 30, as well as Stag and Hen parties.