Home Tour : Aldourie Castle
Happy Friday! Today I have a real treat for you because it’s time for a really fun home tour… and this isn’t just your basic “home” – it’s an actual castle… with impeccable design fit for autumn. Are you excited? I can’t wait to show you. I pinned this entire place. Kudos to Charlotte Freemantle of Jamb Interiors for a job well done on the most recent, extensive design overhaul of this castle. I believe she called it “informal elegance” which honestly translates. I also pulled so much inspiration from Christopher Horwood’s portfolio, who beautifully photographed this place. Scroll on for a complete castle tour that exudes romance and excellent interior design… Aldourie.
Design by Charlotte Freemantle & Photography by Christopher Horwood
History
Located in Scotland, on the Strath Dore (between the southern banks of Loch Ness and the Glen), sits this stunning 300 year-old, straight from a storybook, castle. Of course it has been remodeled time and time again, but it’s historic- to say the least… and stuffed to the brim with antiques.
I first learned about Aldourie in one of my World of Interiors magazines. I was mesmerized by the design, architecture, and intrigued by the history of this breathtaking castle. If you’d like to learn more about its story and who currently owns it, check out the initial article from WOI. Spoiler alert… it’s the family behind fast fashion brand, ASOS. Bet you didn’t see that one coming! The couple is actually Scotland’s largest private landowners and are hoteliers- with great taste, obviously.
You can rent this particular castle, that is… if you have the funds. For two nights around 24,000 euro, this place could be yours, and you can bring 23 of your closest friends (it sleeps 24). That price includes butlers, housekeeping, and a private chef! Talk about a holiday.
Exterior
This 300-year-old Baronial castle was most recently designed and reimagined by Charlotte Freemantle. It was designed a home and exclusive rental property for events & occasions. It’s nestled on the mystical banks of Loch Ness, and sits on 500 acres of woodland, wildflower meadows, and has impressive gardens on the ground. Enchanting seems like the appropriate word for this magical place… I’d sure like to visit! I recently learned (thanks to a DNA test that was gifted to me) I’m 24% Scottish. Based on that alone, I’m convinced I should plan a trip someday, ha. My new mission is to find my family tartan.
Ground Floor Common Areas
The ground floor includes eight spaces: a drawing room, conservatory, library, vestibule, laird’s room, dining room, great hall, and a billiards room. It sounds reminiscent of a proper game of Clue, right? Joking aside, each room on the ground level is nothing short of gorgeous.
Above is the main dining room, laird’s room, and a peek into the library. Pretty spectacular, right? One antique piece of furniture and decor seems better than the next. There is so much of that to discover within this tour!
Above is the drawing room… and I’m pretty certain this is my favorite common space. Although I’m sure the word common doesn’t even belong in the same sentence as this mesmerizing space. You can also catch a glimpse the vestibule in the sliding images above. Next, we’re moving along to the great hall…
The last ground floor common area is the billiards room, and I can’t seem to get over the ceiling, stunning color palette, millwork, and light fixtures. Perfection!
The Bedrooms
According to the Castle website, “the design approach was to embrace and respond to the individuality of every room- with the intention of creating these little jewels that guests would be excited to stay in.”
There are seven bedrooms on the first floor, and five bedrooms on the second floor… all equally as intentional and charming.
The Gardens, Greenhouse, & Grounds
From meadows sprinkled with wildflowers and woodlands, to walled gardens and greenhouses… the grounds are managed by a head gardener, Elliot.
Their main goal was to conserve and accent the Scottish Highlands, and it certainly shows. Guests are free to roam, wander, and get lost in the beauty.
The Boathouse
The last outdoor space is the boathouse. It mimics a boat’s hull and has a gorgeous water view of Loch Ness. I’m imagining the sunsets here must be quite incredible.
This structure also rests on the original plot of land with a thatched roof in the shape of an upturned boat. It’s a charming and unexpected architectural moment.
FAQ
Tempest! It’s the one with the ticking stripe canopy bed, marble double sink bathroom vanity, and lighter palette. It just feels so cheerful and is most aligned with my personal aesthetic.
Obviously it’s now on my bucket list. Who is getting married, needs an incredible venue, and wants to add me to their guest list? In all seriousness, I’d love to visit this stunning castle someday! I was just chatting with my sister about a girls trip to Scotland during the autumn season someday.
Definitely the drawing room! It’s the hunter green space with the vintage rugs, ginger jars, floor to ceiling windows, and sofas facing each other. Beautiful!
Me too! I uncovered an accidental plot twist of sorts in my DNA (those ancestry stories are always crazy, right?), so it was really interesting to learn that many of my ancestors are Scottish. Of course now, as you might guess, I’m trying to track down my family tartan. My love for wool textiles run deep. Maybe there’s a reason for that? Who knows.
More Inspiring Homes to Tour
Granted, these aren’t castles… but here are a few more notable homes to tour (if you’re interested)…
- Home Tour : Bondi Apartment
- Home Tour : Isle of Wight Victorian
- Home Tour : Neutral Home at Hill Place
- Home Tour : Southern Living Show House
I really hope you enjoyed this one! I sure had fun learning all about Aldourie, gathering these images, entertaining a virtual Scottish vacation, admiring the aspirational design elements, and dreaming of autumn vacations on Loch Ness. What a stunning tour! I hope you’re still liking these home tours. Cheers to a beautiful fall weekend ahead. I’m off to prep for my Halloween / birthday party this weekend!