Historic castle with links to Mary Queen of Scots could be yours
A grandiose castle said to be one of the most legendary in Scotland is on the market and could be yours for a hefty £8 million.
Seton Castle in East Lothian dates back to the 18th Century and is said to have been made from the stones of Seton Palace – Mary’s favourite retreat.
Set in an incredibly beautiful 13 acres of parkland and gardens in Longniddry, the castle has been transformed into a 13-bedroom home with working stables and even its very own private tavern.
Despite some modern features, however, its historic past remains undisguised in the form of secret staircases, curved doors and walls, arched windows and hidden doors inside the turreted building.
The restoration project has been unbelievably thorough, with the use of original French oak flooring from the same period, painstakingly renewed ironwork, staircase and ceilings, along with a major upgrade of all services and the rebuilding of turrets, chimneys and parapets.
Professional interior designers were brought in to select and hang a fabulous array of silks, damasks, tweeds and wool from many celebrated names including Ralph Lauren, Mulberry, Zoffany, Osborne & Little and Christian Lacroix.
In addition to the main house there are two self-contained apartments situated in the west wing, each with three bedrooms: Darnley Cottage and Bothwell Cottage (named after Mary Queen of Scots’ husbands, both of whom no doubt spent time at Seton Palace) are ideal for guest, extended family or staff accommodation.
There is also, up a discreet secret staircase, the fairytale ‘Hideaway’ – a romantic and atmospheric bedroom suite retreat.
East Lothian is also home to the world’s oldest golf club. Indeed, Mary Queen of Scots is said to have caused scandal by playing golf at Seton in 1568 following the death of her husband Lord Darnley. The open championship course of Muirfield is a mere 8-mile drive from Seton.
Jamie Macnab, of Savills, said: “Seton Castle is simply one of Scotland’s most significant and ravishing buildings, with eight centuries of history and legend carved deep in its walls. But it’s more than that. With the unstinting dedication and investment shown by recent owners, Seton Castle is now also a wonderfully comfortable and welcoming home. It has been exquisitely renovated and decorated, the stone of old now brilliantly showcased with lavish but carefully considered textiles and an exemplary level of finish to suit modern living.”
Rightmove’s property expert Miles Shipside added: “This neoclassical masterpiece is a charmingly impressive feat of architectural craftmanship. The restoration, which offers a successfully eclectic mix of styles and influences, is sublime. I’m also a big fan of the 10,000-bottle wine cellar that has been spectacularly brought back to life.”
This property is being listed for sale with Savills and Rettie.
