Guests say
Braidwood Castle offers a truly unique and memorable stay, steeped in history and full of character. Guests consistently praise its peaceful setting, beautiful grounds, and the novelty of staying in a genuine castle. The property is well-equipped and comfortable, with many appreciating the welcome touches and the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. While the stairs and low doorways present a challenge, especially for those with mobility issues or young children, most guests found these quirks added to the charm. Overall, it is highly recommended for those seeking an extraordinary and tranquil getaway.
The majority of guests found the property clean and well-presented, with comfortable beds and tidy rooms. A few minor issues were noted, such as some crockery needing to be washed before use, but these were exceptions rather than the rule.
The location is frequently praised for its tranquillity, privacy, and proximity to local attractions, walks, and towns. Guests appreciated the peaceful setting and easy access to both Edinburgh and Glasgow via public transport.
Guests found the castle comfortable and cosy, especially with the wood burner and quality beds. The main challenges to comfort were the steep, uneven stairs and low doorways, which may not suit everyone, but most found these added to the experience.
The property is well-equipped, with a fully functional kitchen, log burner, and thoughtful amenities. Some guests noted issues with heating in certain rooms and the kitchen being cold, as well as limited space in some areas, but overall facilities met or exceeded expectations.
Many guests appreciated the welcome hamper and small touches provided by the hosts, which added to the overall experience. Please note that such gifts are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Enjoy a stay at this magnificent restored tower, awash with history, which boasts a majestic great hall and is set over four floors.. 1 step to entrance.
Ground Floor:
Kitchen/dining room: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Dishwasher, Washing Machine
Separate Toilet.
First Floor:
Great hall: Freeview, DVD Player, Woodburner
Second Floor:
Bedroom 1: Single (3ft) Bed
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet
Third Floor:
Bedroom 2: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Fourth Floor:
Bedroom 3: Double (4ft 6in) Bed, (Bedroom Accessed Via Short External Gantry/Walkway)
Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Toilet.
Electric central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and logs for wood burner included. Travel cot and highchair available on request. Welcome pack.. Enclosed garden with garden furniture. 1½-acre natural grounds with lawned area and orchard (shared with Orchard Cottage at Braidwood Castle ref UK10671). Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: The headroom is low from the stairs onto each floor level of the property. There is a fenced stream in the garden 20 yards away.. This is an extraordinary place, merging the history of a 500-year-old building with contemporary, high-end comforts. It is like time travelling, but Braidwood Castle also offers Wi-Fi, a dishwasher and a fabulous en-suite master bedroom right at the top of the tower. Braidwood Castle is in a class of its own, a rare gem owned by the same family for 350 years, but however tempting it sounds, please be aware that the stairs are steep and narrow, and a stay here would not be advisable if you would usually prefer to take the lift! Orchard Cottage set beside the tower (ref UK10671, sleeping 2) would be a more suitable choice.
Set in the lovely Clyde Valley and also known as Hallbar Tower, Braidwood Castle has a venerable history, being built around 1581 as a fortified tower to protect the Douglas family and neighbours from Border Reivers, and it still is a refuge of peace today. The tower was restored with enormous care and attention to authentic historical detail throughout this ancient building, and the great hall has a unique, painted ceiling.
The somewhat austere exterior has crow-step gables, narrow windows and an external parapet walkway with fantastic views over the Braidwood Burn and the surrounding countryside. The tower was designed, of course, for that very purpose of giving early warning of unwelcome visitors!
Very effective electric central heating helps maintain this ancient stone building and is very cosy for visitors too. A steep stone staircase with deep treads, built within the 1.5-metre exterior wall, connects each floor with the kitchen/dining room and a toilet on the ground floor. The kitchen/dining room has a stone floor, a barrel-vaulted ceiling and is fully equipped. On the next floor is the great hall, which has a low (5ft 6in) doorway, a huge original fireplace with a wood burner and it is beautifully furnished with period oak furniture and lovely fabrics. The painted ceiling shows heraldic motifs, flowers and beasts of the forest, reflecting the fact that hunting was an everyday pursuit 500 years ago. Just imagine an evening in the peace and warmth of this special room, then going up onto the battlements to look at the moon and stars. The bedrooms are on the next three floors, and include a pretty single room and well-appointed bathroom above the great hall. There is also a spacious twin bedroom with a wash hand basin, period furnishings and a vaulted ceiling. Finally, the master bedroom, at the top of the tower, is reached by going out onto the parapet walkway; it has a good sized shower room and lovely period furnishings.
The surrounding enclosed 1½-acre grounds comprise native woodland, and an orchard with a seating area which is shared with guests in Orchard Cottage. A walk leads to the River Clyde directly from the grounds. The central location of this historic tower house enables easy access to some wonderful countryside in the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve just north of Lanark, 5 miles, where there are way marked trails to explore, while at the unesco New Lanark World Heritage Centre on the magnificent Falls of Clyde, you can discover how life was lived at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Youngsters will love a visit to the Clyde Valley Family Park close by, or enjoy a day in Glasgow which is very easy by train from Carluke. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.
Braidwood Castle can be booked together with Orchard Cottage at Braidwood Castle (ref UK10671) to accommodate up to 7 guests.
Please note: There are open, steep, spiral or narrow stairs at the property.
There are open, steep, spiral or narrow stairs at the property.
There are steps to the property.
There is open water in the property grounds.
Letting licence No.: SL00062F
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Reviews (23)
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Ruth Sim
What a stunning place! We had an amazing week here. Yes, the stairs are many and steep but they are totally worth it for such a unique stay. We loved reading up on the history of the painted ceiling in the great hall. The welcome hamper was a lovely touch too. Thank you for everything. 😊
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Confirmed Guest
Great experience with reservations. Kitchen clean and well equipped but too small for 5 . Over furnished leaving little room to move . Stairs/ steps lethal !! Need to be forewarned photos don’t give true danger. Lounge furniture uncomfortable and tired. Beds very comfortable. Expectation of guests hoovering is not only wholly impractical but unsafe. Our dogs could not climb safely and it was a constant problem. Overall the experience of a castle is overshadowed by the above mentioned points. Wouldn’t bring young children here . But if you are young and or able to go for it !
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Michael Dräger
We had an unforgettable week in this unique holiday accommodation and loved every second of our stay. The place is not as nice as it looks in the description, it is so much nicer! Heaven seventeen!The only problem were the historic stairs, which were a bit demanding for "best agers" with beginning health problems.Braidwood Castle is absolutely recommendable!