Fenton Tower
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Fenton Tower is a magnificent, fortified 16th Century tower located 18 miles East of Edinburgh near the coastal town of North Berwick. The castle’s location w...
Read moreOverview
Fenton Tower is a magnificent, fortified 16th Century tower located 18 miles East of Edinburgh near the coastal town of North Berwick. The castle’s location was originally chosen in the 11th Century because it afforded panoramic views in all directions and has had many distinguished visitors, among them being King James VI of Scotland (son of Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley) who took refuge there as he fled from the rebel army in Fife across the Firth of Forth.
The Tower has now been meticulously restored, and opened in 2002 to provide 5-star accommodation for up to 13 guests. Set among rolling countryside and surrounded by many of the worlds’ most famous golf courses, Muirfield, Gullane & North Berwick, Fenton Tower makes the perfect base for a magnificent golfing experience.
On the ground floor sits the beautiful vaulted dining room, complete with its own suit of armour and antique French walnut dining table. Lit by candle-light for evening dinners this truly atmospheric room will do justice to any dinner party. 32 guests can be seated comfortably within the 4ft thick walls of this fortified home. Our chefs, using fresh local produce, and with years of culinary expertise, will create dishes to suit your individual requirements. From simple lunches to elegant candle-lit suppers, complimented by a selection of fine wines from around the world, your dining experience will be second to none.
The accommodation is spread over five impressive floors, all interlinked by two spiral staircases, and can accommodate up to twelve guests. The Great Hall, with its double height, oak-beamed ceiling, can be used to entertain family and friends as you relax in front of the roaring log fire, or alternatively why not curl up with a good book or your favourite film in the library, with its own private bar. An additional four guests can be accommodated in the luxury lodge, set just meters from the tower, raising maximum capacity to 17 guests.
All of the beautifully furnished bedrooms come fully equipped with complimentary drinks trays, bath robes and hair dryers, as well as free-view television, DVD players, Wi-Fi internet access and direct-dial telephones. Each bathroom has its own individual style, with an antique bath and power shower, as well as under floor heating, sumptuous towels and luxurious toiletries. Close the door on the world and relax in your very own piece of Scottish history.
*Please note that you will need to select 17 guests at the time of booking in order to have access to all 9 bedrooms.
What you should know…
- Fenton Tower sleeps up to 17 guests across the tower (max. 13 guests, 7 bedrooms) and the lodge (4 guests, 2 bedrooms). Please note that you will need to select 17 guests at the time of booking in order to have access to all 9 bedrooms. For more than 10 or 14 guests, please enquire for exact details about the total number of bedrooms you will have access to.
- The accommodation in the Tower is set out over five levels and is accessed via spiral staircases making it unsuitable for those with limited mobility - the modern lodge however may be more suitable.
- The rural location of the property means that a car will be needed in order to reach nearby attractions and amenities.
Property Features
1) 10 - 13 guests (Tower only) = 5 - 7 bedrooms (dependent on the total no. of guests)*
2) 14 - 17 guests (Tower & Lodge) = 7 - 9 bedrooms (dependent on the total no. of guests)*
* Please enquire for further details. Note that you will need to select 17 guests at the time of booking in order to have access to all 9 bedrooms.
The Tower
Ground Floor
- Fully-equipped kitchen (available for refreshments but not full self-catering)
- Vaulted dining room with seating for 32 guests
- Cloakroom
First Floor
- Great Hall with roaring fire
- Library snug with TV and private bar
- "Seton Suite" with twin single beds (accessed via its own spiral staircase)
Mezzanine
- "Sydserff Suite" with single bed
Second Floor
- "Carmichael Suite" with Italian silver-gilt double bed and adjacent bathroom with freestanding cast iron bath and walk-in shower
- "Ruthven Suite" with Provincial Half-tester king size bed and en-suite bathroom with original Doulton of Pisley canopy bath
Third Floor
- "Erskine Suite" with super-king size bed and en-suite bathroom with French antique copper bath (can be set up with twin single beds on request)
- "Stewart Suite" with super-king size bed and en-suite bathroom (can be set up with twin single beds on request)
Fourth Floor
- "Garrett Suite" with double bed, sitting area and en-suite shower room (can be set up with twin single beds on request)
The Lodge (set just a few meters from Fenton Tower)
Ground Floor
- Open-plan living space with TV and terrace access
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Bedroom with super-king size bed and en-suite bathroom (can be set up with twin single beds on request)
- Bedroom with super-king size bed and en-suite shower room (can be set up with twin single beds on request)
Outside Grounds
- Terrace
- Lawns
- Ample parking
Location
About the surrounding area of Fenton TowerFenton Tower holds a wonderful location set in the heart of East Lothian, guests will feel a million miles away from any hustle and bustle while the closest amenities can be found in the coastal town of North Berwick, which is less than 10-minute drive away. North Berwick is home to beautiful beaches and a helpful selection of shops and restaurants. Those with a keen interest in wildlife will enjoy a visit to North Berwick's Scottish Seabird Centre, informative and educational for the whole family!
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, is less than a forty-minute car journey from Fenton Tower, and with its Medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town, it is bursting with excellent attractions, including, iconic Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the excellent Scotch Whisky Experience and Edinburgh Gin Distillery as well as Camera Obscura & World of Illusions and the Edinburgh Zoo, which the whole family will enjoy! For guests travelling in from afar, Edinburgh Airport is less than a 50-minute car journey away making for a short transfer time.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Edinburgh Airport
(54km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Edinburgh
(40.7km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
North Berwick
(4.5km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Osteria, North Berwick
(4.5km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Tesco Superstore, North Berwick
(4.6km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
North Berwick
(4.5km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Gullane Golf Club
(8.2km) |
||
Region
Welcome to East Lothian, the land of castles, golf courses, seaside havens and a whole lot of character! Tucked away on Scotland's east coast, this enchanting region sits just outside the vibrant city of Edinburgh. Oliver's Travels has sprinkled a bit of luxury magic all over the place, from snug cottages to elegant manor houses and even the odd castle!
Now, let's talk landmarks. Tantallon Castle is the rockstar of historical hotspots. Perched dramatically on cliffs, it is like the celebrity of medieval fortresses, dating back to the 14th century. Nearby, North Berwick is where golfers go to swing their clubs and enjoy views that are basically a nature-induced spa for the eyes. If you are more of a tranquility seeker, the John Muir Country Park is your sanctuary of natural zen. Named after a Scottish-American nature superhero, this park is like a green hug along the coastline. Belhaven Bay is the beachy haven for birdwatchers, sun-worshippers and water sports fanatics, a sandy paradise waiting for your adventurous footprints. Haddington is like a historic market town dressed in cobblestone couture. St. Mary's Church and Lennoxlove House are 13th-century gems that add cultural glitter. Tranent, the vibrant town in the mix, is party central, hosting wonderful events. Dunbar, the coastal village, is where history meets Mother Nature. Dunbar Castle, perched dramatically on a rocky promontory, is like the wise old storyteller with panoramic views as its tales. It is also the birthplace of John Muir, the nature guy. Dunbar celebrates his legacy with a museum, the John Muir's Birthplace, where you can practically feel the green vibes.
East Lothian's calendar is busy. The Haddington Farmers' Market is the foodie's paradise, showcasing fresh veggies. If you are into culture, the Fringe by the Sea festival in North Berwick is where music, comedy and literature throw a coastal bash.
East Lothian offers culinary wonders. Seafood, including the famous Scottish salmon, is the star on many menus. And let's not forget haggis, the local hero. Traditional Scottish dishes are served with a side of warm hospitality that will make you feel like you never want to leave.
East Lothian is that cool friend who knows all the best spots. It is where history, nature and culture mingle, creating an unforgettable experience.
Scotland
Ah, bonnie Scotland! A wild and beautiful part of the world, where you can explore the rugged highlands or enjoy the colour and vibrancy of cultural capitals like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
But how do you know you’re getting the very best out of your trip? That’s where we come in. If you’ve had a browse through our range of luxury cottages and castles in Scotland, you’ll know there’s some great places to stay, but to find all the great things to do, see and eat you’ll need our handy Scotland travel guide – so read on and enjoy!
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesBaby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
Onsite Facilities
- Indoor Games
- DVD
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
Dining at Fenton Tower
Dining at Fenton Tower can be tailored entirely to suit you. When hired for exclusive use, you can arrange to have as many or as few meals as you like. All meals are made using fresh local produce, and some examples of dishes would be; smoked trout with an avocado and tomato compote; fillet of Scottish beef glazed with mushrooms and burgundy sauce; rolled berry and rosewater pavlova. All dietary requirements can be accommodated. Please note that there will be an additional charge on top of the rental prices for catering subject to menus and number of guests etc. Please enquire for further details and price information.
At Oliver’s Travels, we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to travel services, we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team, who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
Imagine having your own private castle for your wedding! Fenton Tower hosts the most wonderful weddi...
Read moreEvent information
Imagine having your own private castle for your wedding! Fenton Tower hosts the most wonderful weddings with incredible attention to detail, the most scenic views and backdrops, fireworks over the Tower and a team waiting to ensure that the magic happens. Small, intimate weddings take place in the Tower, while larger weddings take place in luxurious marquees looking out to glorious countryside. With years of expertise and a hand-picked collection of suppliers who have worked in partnership with Fenton Tower for many years, you will be guaranteed a personal, stress-free and truly professional wedding experience. Your photographs will be incredible in this mesmerising scenic spot. Your immediate family can stay in this exceptional, lavish and characterful abode while others can stay at the wonderful Fenton Lodge and other nearby accommodation. Scottish weddings don’t get much better than this!
Indoor Capacity - 32
Outdoor Capacity - 200
Wedding Ceremony
A ceremony could take place in the Great Hall with up to 32 guests or in the grounds or marquee for larger groups. The property is fully licenced to host legal marriages. If you are having a wedding at Fenton Tower, it is your responsibility to apply directly to East Lothian Council for your wedding license.
Wedding Reception
A reception with up to 200 people is possible in the grounds with the hire of a marquee or the Great Hall inside the tower can seat up to 32 people. Dancing could continue in the dining room for smaller groups, in the Great Hall for up to 50 people or in a marquee in the grounds.
Additional Fees for Events
There will be a wedding venue fee. Pricing is created on request; please enquire for details.
Restrictions on Decorations and Themes
Some restrictions apply due to the historic status of the property; please enquire for details. Marquees and fireworks are allowed.
Wedding Planning
The venue can provide wedding planning, or the client may provide their own (for marquee weddings). The venue manager can help with suggestions for all event suppliers required and can help manage the day for events happening within the tower. This complimentary service is offered as the venue wants every happy couple to enjoy the day of their dreams.
Catering
There is no in-house catering. The venue has a recommended list of caterers to choose from.
Wedding Packages
Day before and after events permitted and extra costs apply. All wedding packages are created around the client's individual requirements.
Where To Stay
Up to 12 people can sleep at the property. Others can stay at Fenton Lodge if available, and there is an excellent range of hotels, B&Bs and guest houses within 6 miles of the Tower for other guests to stay. The owners can supply details of local transportation firms. There is complimentary parking on-site.
Venue Accessibility
There is limited accessibility via public transportation. There is complimentary parking on-site. There is limited wheelchair accessibility. Please enquire for details.
Venue Back-Up
Tents can be set up outdoors for rain.
Wedding Suppliers
List of recommended vendors, such as photographers, florists, and DJs provided.
Flexibility on Duration
Yes, please enquire for more information.
Children
Children are welcome, but there are no childcare services available.
Security Measures
Limited security measures in place, guests are responsible for their belongings.
Noise Restrictions
Noise should be minimised after a certain hour to respect the neighbours. Music is allowed to be played until 1 am, then the wedding celebrations should end.
Other Information
The event fee varies depending on guest numbers, please enquire for details.
Other Events
The venue does accept other events with the same numbers. Pricing will very much depend on the event and requirements.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
| Security deposit | Please enquire. |
| Arrival time | 1.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 11.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | Please enquire. |
| Arrival time | 1.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 11.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes, standard changeover clean included. Guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Internet access? | Wi-Fi internet access included. |
| Changeover day | Flexible. |
| Minimum stay | Tower only (up to 13 guests): 4 nights during Xmas & NY, 2 nights approximately April to October and 1 night during all other periods. Tower & Lodge (14-17 guests): 4 nights during Xmas & NY, 3 nights during all other periods. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The rates advertised on the "rates" tab are inclusive of bed and breakfast. Any additional catering will be quoted for separately. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Fenton Tower sleeps up to 17 guests across the tower (max. 13 guests, 7 bedrooms) and the lodge (4 guests, 2 bedrooms). Please note that you will need to select 17 guests at the time of booking in order to have access to all 9 bedrooms. |
| Property Licence Number | EL00079F |
Booking Deposit
Please note that for this property, a non-refundable deposit for 50% of the total booking cost is required at the time of booking.
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 10 people: For every additional guest up to 17, it will cost an additional £213 - £300 per person per night.
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 21st 2024 - Dec 20th 2024 | £4,250 | £6,375 | £8,500 | £10,625 | £14,875 |
| Dec 20th 2024 - Jan 3rd 2025 | - | - | £12,000 | £15,000 | £21,000 |
| Jan 3rd 2025 - Mar 14th 2025 | £4,250 | £6,375 | £8,500 | £10,625 | £14,875 |
| Mar 14th 2025 - Mar 21st 2025 | £4,250 | £6,375 | £8,500 | £10,625 | £14,875 |
| Mar 21st 2025 - Mar 31st 2025 | £4,250 | £6,375 | £8,500 | £10,625 | £14,875 |
| Mar 31st 2025 - Apr 4th 2025 | £5,000 | £7,500 | £10,000 | £12,500 | £17,500 |
| Apr 4th 2025 - May 23rd 2025 | £5,000 | £7,500 | £10,000 | £12,500 | £17,500 |
| May 23rd 2025 - May 30th 2025 | £5,000 | £7,500 | £10,000 | £12,500 | £17,500 |
| May 30th 2025 - Jun 27th 2025 | £5,000 | £7,500 | £10,000 | £12,500 | £17,500 |
| Jun 27th 2025 - Oct 31st 2025 | £5,000 | £7,500 | £10,000 | £12,500 | £17,500 |
| Oct 31st 2025 - Dec 19th 2025 | £4,250 | £6,375 | £8,500 | £10,625 | £14,875 |
| Dec 19th 2025 - May 25th 2026 | - | - | £12,000 | £15,000 | £21,000 |
Prices based on an occupancy of 14 people: For every additional guest up to 17, it will cost an additional £213 - £300 per person per night.
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 21st 2024 - Dec 20th 2024 | £10,655 | £12,880 | £15,105 | £15,825 |
| Dec 20th 2024 - Jan 3rd 2025 | - | £13,675 | £16,775 | £22,875 |
| Jan 3rd 2025 - Mar 14th 2025 | £10,655 | £12,880 | £15,105 | £15,825 |
| Mar 14th 2025 - Mar 21st 2025 | £7,240 | £9,465 | £11,690 | £16,070 |
| Mar 21st 2025 - Mar 31st 2025 | £7,715 | £9,995 | £12,275 | £16,625 |
| Mar 31st 2025 - Apr 4th 2025 | £8,635 | £11,235 | £13,835 | £18,695 |
| Apr 4th 2025 - May 23rd 2025 | £8,550 | £11,150 | £13,750 | £18,950 |
| May 23rd 2025 - May 30th 2025 | £8,840 | £11,495 | £14,150 | £19,250 |
| May 30th 2025 - Jun 27th 2025 | £8,550 | £11,150 | £13,750 | £18,950 |
| Jun 27th 2025 - Oct 31st 2025 | £8,840 | £11,495 | £14,150 | £19,250 |
| Oct 31st 2025 - Dec 19th 2025 | £10,655 | £12,880 | £15,105 | £15,825 |
| Dec 19th 2025 - May 25th 2026 | - | £13,675 | £16,775 | £22,875 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
History
Fenton Tower’s location was originally chosen because it afforded views in every direction, so that you would have early warning of an attack, while ...
Read moreOwner Profile
History
Fenton Tower’s location was originally chosen because it afforded views in every direction, so that you would have early warning of an attack, while also being sheltered from the elements on the side of Kingston Hill.
There has been a fortified tower on this site since the 11th century. To the north of Fenton Tower there is a medieval burial site and the remains of the foundations of one of the earliest Christian chapels in Scotland.
Patrick Whytelaw, son of Lord Ruthven, constructed the current building around 1550, a typical fortified tower of the time. But in 1587, ownership of the tower was forfeited to Sir John Carmichael. No doubt Fenton Tower was the reward for being the Scottish Ambassador to Denmark and a loyal subject of the crown.
In 1591, King James VI of Scotland, son of Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Henry Darnley, was surrounded by a rebel army in Fife, north of Edinburgh. Fortunately the local townspeople rallied to his support and helped him to escape. James took the ferry across the Firth of Forth to North Berwick and took refuge with the Carmichaels at Fenton Tower.
James VI later became James I of England and Scotland, and upon the death of Carmichael he granted Fenton Tower to Sir Thomas Erskine who became Lord Dirleton, Viscount Fenton and later Earl of Kellie.
In 1631, the Tower passed to Sir John Maxwell of Innerwick, who became Earl of Dirleton in 1646. However his enjoyment of the castle was shortlived. In 1650, Oliver Cromwell invaded Scotland and he sacked Fenton Tower along with the nearby Dirleton Castle. With Fenton Tower now just a ruin, the surrounding land passed to Sir John Nisbet in 1663. In the 1850s the land and ruins passed to the Simpson family.
Ian Simpson and his life-long friend John Macaskill, decided to start the Tower’s restoration in 1998. As it is a listed ancient monument and a Category A-listed building, Historic Scotland supervised the meticulous restoration. Fenton Tower has been two years in the planning and two years in restoration. It has opened its doors once again as a great Scottish house.
Reviews
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Perfect!
We spent the week of Christmas at Fenton Tower, and it was the most ideal week I’ve had in a long time. The Tower itself is beautiful, wonderfully restored and offering many winding staircases to transport you back to a far away time. It is set in the gorgeous countryside that begs to be gazed at (from the lookout tower up top, out the curtained bathroom windows, or via a stroll around the grounds). Our family was very comfortable in the accommodations, which allowed for each couple to have their own bedroom and en suite bathroom. The owner and the team were phenomenal and had the Tower decorated with Christmas trees and holiday cheer for us when we arrived. It was the perfect place for our family to gather and cozy up by the fire for a Scottish Christmas.
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Fantastic
We had a fantastic experience at the tower. The attention to detail is exceptional as is the restoration quality. Superb value for money and excellent in every way, I’ll certainly be back.
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Magical
Staying at Fenton Tower was the most magical place I have ever been. The staff were wonderful, accommodating, and really nice! They were a huge part of my engagement to my now fiance. Couldn't ask for a better place to stay and create special memories.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
