Timeless Castle
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Overview
Perfect for a family holiday or to celebrate a special occasion, The South Wing allows groups of up to sixteen people to take all the accommodation at Thirlestane Castle.
The castle suites comprise of eight luxurious double rooms, each with their own private bathroom. The rooms have been decorated in a classic but contemporary style with items from the castle collections including portraits and furniture. There is a selection of one, two- and three-bedroom suites which are ideal for large groups travelling in tandem with extended families or friends. Groups that take all the suites have access to the Victorian Kitchens as a communal dining space which features the original range and vaulted ceilings. It can comfortably seat 18 guests on a large central table.
In addition, access to the rustic Vaulted Cellar is also included – complete with a bar, cosy seating area and wood burning stove. The perfect spot to play games with the family or to enjoy a dram of Scottish whisky after dinner! Guests can choose to self-cater or have the castle's award-winning caterers provide sumptuous menus in the Victorian kitchen or perhaps the State dining room for a really exceptional experience.
Immaculately executed, the suites offer airy, gorgeously decorated accommodation with breath-taking views across rolling parkland. They feature original castle features such as fireplaces, ornate and antique furnishings, oil paintings and irresistibly tactile fabrics - whether these be silk printed cushions or warm tartans with a nod to the local industry. There are other additional experiences available upon request such as an exclusive guided tour of the castle by a member of the Maitland family who still resides in a wing of the castle, whisky or wine tasting, food hampers or spa treatments to ensure your stay is as relaxed as possible. It is even possible to organise activities such as a Highland Games, horse riding or 4 x 4 drive experiences for your guests!
The wider castle is open to day visitors over the summer who can marvel at 17th-century Dunsterfield plasterwork ceilings - some of the finest in Europe, the bedroom where Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed and the magnificent State Rooms with one of the country’s most extensive family portrait collections. Day visitors are only permitted in the castle Tuesday-Sunday between May and October which means that out with these times (& in the evenings!) you can have exclusive use of the castle and chose to dine in the State Rooms or the rustic and atmospheric Vaulted Cellars. While the castle suites have been restored in graceful recognition of their surroundings, they offer every contemporary comfort for families and groups providing a “home from home” experience - beautiful and majestic within a 'movie-set’ backdrop!
This lavish and extravagant home creates a dreamy silhouette, its delicate spires and towers fused with a sense of history and theatrical brilliance which has been passed through the generations. Timeless Castle is situated in the tranquil countryside in the heart of the beautiful Scottish Borders, close to the winding River Leader. Visitors can enjoy acres of parkland and woodland and use the castle as a base from which to explore this beautiful part of Scotland. Timeless Castle offers three different booking options. South Wing group hire, Ultimate Castle Experience and Exclusive use.
South Wing Packages
South Wing Group Hire:
Ideal for a delightful family holiday or a special celebration, our South Wing package allows groups of up to sixteen people to enjoy exclusive access to all the accommodation at Timeless Castle.
The castle suites consist of eight luxurious double rooms, each featuring a private bathroom. These rooms are tastefully adorned with a blend of classic and contemporary styles, showcasing unique items from the castle collections, including portraits and furniture.
As a guest, you will have access to the Victorian Kitchen, a splendid central dining space offering views of the castle gardens. This kitchen retains its original range, adding a touch of history to your dining experience. You have the option to either self-cater or have our award-winning caterers prepare meals for you. Additionally, you can enjoy the rustic charm of the Vaulted Cellar, complete with a bar, cozy seating area, and a wood-burning stove. It's the perfect setting for family games or unwinding with a dram of Scottish whisky after dinner.
To further enhance your stay, we offer additional activities such as horse riding, archery, falconry, highland games, spa treatments, or a tour of the charming Border towns.
Ultimate Castle Experience:
For an extraordinary three-night stay at Timeless Castle, we present our Ultimate Castle Experience. This package ensures an unforgettable visit, combining luxurious accommodation in the South Wing with an exquisite dining experience in the castle's majestic state rooms.
With the Ultimate Castle Experience, groups of up to 16 guests can revel in the splendor of our South Wing, featuring eight luxury bedrooms spread across five castle suites. Each room exudes elegance, adorned with antiques and artwork from the castle's collection, adding a touch of history to your surroundings. During your stay, you will receive a complimentary tour of Timeless Castle, along with luxury breakfast hampers and a delightful welcome pack filled with Scottish treats.
As a guest, you will have access to our Victorian Kitchen, boasting a 19th-century range and picturesque views of the Rose Garden. This space is perfect for relaxed brunches and afternoon teas. Additionally, the Vaulted Cellar awaits, providing a cozy retreat with a wood-burning stove and a rustic bar, allowing you to unwind after a day filled with adventure.
The highlight of the Ultimate Castle Experience is an exclusive dining event in the grand State Dining Room. Adorned with intricate plasterwork ceilings and one of the country's largest collections of family portraits, this room offers a truly remarkable ambiance. Our award-winning chefs will collaborate with you to design a three-course menu of your dreams, showcasing the finest ingredients from Scotland's larder. To add a touch of flair, our dedicated Timeless team can arrange a bagpiper to pipe you into dinner or suggest wine pairings for each course. It's the perfect finale to your extraordinary castle stay.
Moreover, we offer a range of country pursuits, such as highland games, 4x4 experiences, fishing on the renowned River Tweed, or horse riding across the breathtaking Border moorland. These activities allow you to immerse yourself in the best that Scotland has to offer during your stay.
Rates:
2023 & 2024
3-night stay: £9,156
2025
3-night stay: £9,600
*available all year round excluding the festive period
Exclusive Use:
If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to celebrate a truly special occasion, our Exclusive Use package provides a bespoke castle experience tailored exclusively to you and your guests. Timeless Castle and its grounds will be closed to the public, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable celebration.
You will have the entire South Wing at your disposal, offering a selection of eight luxury bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Some rooms even feature adjoining private drawing rooms, providing a truly indulgent experience. Every room is meticulously finished to a five-star standard, featuring unique paintings and furnishings from the castle collections. We can arrange welcome hampers to ensure your guests have everything they need during their stay.
To start your exclusive experience in style, arrive in grandeur by private chauffeur or helicopter and kick off the festivities with an evening soiree on the castle terrace. We offer various entertainment options, including archery, highland games, and a whisky tasting session with the director of the Border's Distillery, guaranteeing an extraordinary time.
On the main evening of celebration, begin with aperitifs in the State Drawing Room before being invited to dine in the remarkable State Dining Room adorned with portraits. Our award-winning chefs will work closely with you to curate a perfect menu, utilizing the finest ingredients sourced from Scotland's abundant larder. You'll have access to an extensive selection of wines from the castle cellars to complement your meal. After dinner, retreat to the Vaulted Cellar, with its rustic bar and wood-burning stove, where you can enjoy a taste of the finest Scottish whisky.
Each day can bring a host of exceptional activities tailored to your preferences, including spa treatments, 4x4 excursions, a private castle tour with Edward Maitland-Carew, whose family has resided in the castle for over 400 years, or a personalized tour of the Scottish Borders' finest attractions. For those seeking country pursuits, indulge in horse riding over the Border moors, fishing on the renowned River Tweed, or clay pigeon shooting.
Throughout your stay, various dining experiences can be included in your itinerary. Depending on the length of your visit, you can enjoy a decadent afternoon tea in the Rose Garden, a barbecue in the castle's courtyard, lunch in the estate bothy, or even dinner in one of the Michelin Guide restaurants located just 20 minutes away from the castle in the Scottish Borders.
Every aspect of your exclusive and bespoke stay at Timeless Castle will be tailor-made to create a truly unforgettable experience. Our dedicated team will work tirelessly to ensure every detail is perfect, ensuring that your celebration is truly exceptional and filled with cherished memories.
Price on request for the exclusive use of Timeless Castle.
Each package provides a unique and unforgettable castle experience with luxurious accommodation, dining options, activities, and personalized services. Please see the Extras tab for more details.
What you should know…
- The wider estate is open for public visits during summer months, comprising of three daily guided tours, as well as public access to the estate grounds; the South Wing, however, is solely for resident visitors
This home is a part of our Great Value and Heritage Collection!
This is a historic home, and as such:
- It has probably been standing for over 100 years, which means it's full of historic value and charm but it may also have one or two quirks!
- Some of the decor and furnishings may not be brand new, but that should not detract from your holiday experience in this unique setting that allows you to take a step back in time!
Property Features
The castle comprises of 5 private apartments that offer 8 en-suite bedroom, accomodating up to 16 guests. The apartments can either be taken individually or by a group accommodating up to 16 guests. For groups, the castle’s recently restored atmospheric Victorian Kitchen can be used for communal dining. It features the castle’s original range - last used during the Second World War - as well as an impressive vaulted ceiling.
Apartment 1 | Maitland
This luxury two-bedroom apartment off the castle’s cobbled courtyard sleeps, four people. With its private access and exceptional views of the parkland, those staying in the Maitland Apartment can enjoy a relaxed castle stay. The apartment has been recently created in the South Wing in an area of Timeless Castle that was once the old laundries.
Apartment 2 | Lauderdale
There is a relaxed, neutral palette throughout the living area and generous bathroom in this one-bedroom apartment. The large bedroom has been finished in the striking blues and greens of the Maitland tartan as worn by the Maitland clan.
Apartment 3 | The Earl & Countess’s Rooms
This apartment has three bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms and is in what was once the castle's nurseries. This apartment offers beautiful views over the parkland and boasts impressive portraits of the castle’s former residents.
Apartment 4 | Glenburnie
This one-bedroom apartment is named after the moorland behind this castle as well as Glenburnie, the horse which was bred by the Maitland family and became European Champion in three-day eventing. The apartment features an original kitchen range in the open-plan kitchen/sitting room and a light an airy bedroom.
Apartment 5 | The Sculleries
Formerly the sculleries for the main castle, this part of the South Wing has been beautifully transformed into a high-end one-bedroom apartment. Accessed from the mezzanine of the castle’s Cobbled Courtyard, guests look out over the castle gardens to the rear with double-height windows throughout. The traditional flagstone floor in the hallway is a reminder of the apartment’s past, as is the authentic mangle which has been repurposed into a beautiful hallstand.
Dining
Guests will have access to the Victoria Kitchen which can seat up to 18 guests, so the whole party can dine together.
Fine Dining at Timeless Castle
Groups may wish to dine in the castle’s State Rooms lined with one of the largest and complete collections of family portraits. Our award-winning caterers can design the perfect menu for you and your guests. Please contact us for further information - prices are available upon request.
Location
About the surrounding area of Timeless CastleTimeless Castle is nestled close to the river Leader, just outside the pretty market town of Lauder. Lauder is on the western edge of the Lammermuir Hills, only thirty-five minutes south of Edinburgh. Keen walkers will be delighted to discover the Southern Upland Way crosses the estate.
This bustling town has an attractive centre and ample historical interest. One of the best ways to discover the town and learn about local history is to explore the Lauder Town Trail. This fascinating town trail is approximately two kilometres long and takes about an hour to complete.
The Scottish Borders are rich with history, offering a glut of stately homes, castles and historical sights. Priorwood Garden is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland and provides a lovely walled garden in the ancient precinct of Melrose Abbey - ideal for a picnic or a stroll in the summer months. Mellerstain House and Gardens is voted one of Britain’s best stately homes by the Telegraph and offers terrific, sedate gardens and tea rooms.
Worth a visit, Abbotsford is the ancestral home of Sir Walter Scott, nineteenth-century novelist and poet.
For golfers, The Lauder golf course has a nine-hole course with beautiful views.
Whether it be walking or cycling, this region is rich with opportunity, while Liamar Horse Hire is a small family-run business offering waggon rides from the village of Pencaitland in East Lothian, or keen equestrians will find multiple stables for trekking and riding.
The Scottish Borders are known for their textiles; the region offers tours of local mills, where visitors can observe the production of the gorgeous tartans and tweeds that the region is famous worldwide for, and will be able to pick up an excellently priced souvenir!
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Edinburgh Airport
(55.6 km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Stow
(10 km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Lauder
(1 km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
The Black Bull
(1 km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
The Golden Bannock
(1 km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Lauder Golf Club
(2 km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Asda Galashiels Superstore
(17.5 km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Co-op (Convenience store )
(1.7 km) |
||
Region
Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in the Scottish Borders
Get ready for a fabulous adventure in the Scottish Borders! This slice of heaven tucked away in the southern part of Scotland is a treasure chest of rich history, jaw-dropping landscapes and the cutest little towns and villages you ever saw. Pick one of our luxurious properties, grab your map, pack your bags and dive into the adventure!
First on the list of must-see wonders is the magnificent Melrose Abbey, a historic monastery dating back to the 12th century. It boasts Gothic architecture that will make your jaw drop. This is where Robert the Bruce's heart decided to take its eternal nap. You will wander through the atmospheric ruins, marvel at intricate stone carvings and let the sense of history soak into your very soul.
The Eildon Hills are your ticket to hiking paradise. These bad boys, with three distinctive peaks, offer views so breathtaking you will be convinced you have stepped into a postcard. Featuring patchwork fields, dense forests and the snaking River Tweed, you will quickly fall in love.
Peebles, a town nestled along the River Tweed, enjoys streets so quaint they practically wink at you. Known for its independent shops and charming vibes, Peebles is your ideal base for exploring. Close by is Dawyck Botanic Garden, a horticultural wonderland with rare and exotic plants galore. For mountain biking fanatics, Glentress Forest is right around the corner, offering trails for all skill levels.
Galashiels, with its textile heritage and woollen mills, now hosts the amazing Borders Distillery. Whisky fans, this one is for you with tours and tastings awaiting your visit! If you are feeling literary, you can gallop over to Abbotsford House, the swanky former pad of Sir Walter Scott.
The scenic A708 road, also known as the "Queen's Way," takes you to the charming town of Moffat. Offering High streets that pop with vibrancy, a Woolen Mill that is the talk of the town and the Devil's Beef Tub, a dramatic hollow in the hills that adds a dash of mystery to your adventure, it is a great place.
St. Abbs, a fishing village on the coast, is a real-life fairy tale. Colourful cottages, rugged cliffs and a bustling harbour offer enchantment at its finest. Nature lovers, grab your binoculars for coastal walks and birdwatching, because the diverse marine life here is like a living, breathing National Geographic documentary.
So head to the Scottish Borders to explore ancient abbeys, conquer scenic hills and enjoy the charm of quaint towns and villages. This region is a captivating tapestry just begging to be explored!
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 AgesChildren are very welcome at Timeless Castle. We can provide travel cots, cots and highchairs for our younger guests and there is also a play park close to the apartments within the grounds.
Activities that are suitable for all ages such as archery, falconry and tree climbing can be organised during your stay.
The Borders is bursting with places to visit and some local attractions, such as Paxton House and Bowhill, offer children’s programs. Watch out for the Donkey Sanctuary, Alpaca Trekking and the opportunity to monkey around swinging between the trees at the Go Ape near Pebbles.
Kids Activities Close-by
- <1hr to Airport
Services Available
- Catering Available
Oliver's Extras
- Catering Available
- On-Site Concierge
- Fine dining in one of the castle’s State Rooms with the castle’s award-winning caterers
- Guests can add a private guided tour of the castle by a member of the Maitland family onto their stay
- A number of experiences are available at the castle, for example, a bagpiper’s welcome, whisky or wine tasting - even traditional Highland games activities!
Activities
Upon request, our team can organise a range of unforgettable experie...
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Catering Available
- On-Site Concierge
- Fine dining in one of the castle’s State Rooms with the castle’s award-winning caterers
- Guests can add a private guided tour of the castle by a member of the Maitland family onto their stay
- A number of experiences are available at the castle, for example, a bagpiper’s welcome, whisky or wine tasting - even traditional Highland games activities!
Activities
Upon request, our team can organise a range of unforgettable experiences for accommodation guests including horse riding, country pursuits, whisky tasting, tour of the borders and highland games.
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
| Security deposit | £1000 paid directly to the property owner prior to arrival. It is refundable provided no damage, loss or additional cleaning occurs during your stay. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 pm |
| Departure time | 10.00 am |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £1000 paid directly to the property owner prior to arrival. It is refundable provided no damage, loss or additional cleaning occurs during your stay. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 pm |
| Departure time | 10.00 am |
| Energy costs included? | Yes |
| Heating costs included? | Yes |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes |
| Pets welcome? | Pets are welcome |
| Smoking Allowed? | No smoking inside the house |
| Minimum stay | 3 nights minimum stay |
| EPC Rating | The Earl & Countess Apartment – D Glenburnie Apartment – C The Lauderdale Apartment – F The Maitland – G The Sculleries – D |
*** Please note no external caters can be hired at the Castle. All catering must be arranged through Timeless Castle***
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 16 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5th 2024 - Dec 20th 2024 | £4,815 | £5,525 | £6,235 | £6,213 |
| Dec 20th 2024 - Jan 3rd 2025 | £6,122 | £6,922 | £7,722 | £7,794 |
| Jan 3rd 2025 - Apr 1st 2025 | £4,950 | £5,750 | £6,550 | £6,450 |
| Apr 1st 2025 - Nov 3rd 2025 | £6,430 | £7,270 | £8,110 | £8,180 |
| Nov 3rd 2025 - Dec 19th 2025 | £4,950 | £5,750 | £6,550 | £6,450 |
| Dec 19th 2025 - May 9th 2026 | £6,430 | £7,270 | £8,110 | £8,180 |
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.
Reviews
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Everyone is still talking about the stay at Timeless Castle.
Everyone is still talking about the stay at Timeless Castle. I have been travelling for over 40 years, having visited 65 countries and 6 continents, and spent almost 3,000 nights in hotels, and I don't think I have ever stayed anywhere that matches Timeless Castle.
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Fantastic venue for a family gathering
We had an absolutely amazing time. The accommodation was brilliant, we took all the apartments and therefore had the large Victorian kitchen which made a big difference. It was also great to have our own individual spaces to go back to. The castle staff were really attentive in the run up to the stay (I contacted them independently as I had a struggled a bit with the concierge service at Oliver’s Travels) and whilst we were there. They were very flexible about us using outdoor spaces at the castle. Everyone from aged 3 to 70 loved their stay.
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Beautiful setting!
It’s in a beautiful setting - so quiet and peaceful and everybody very friendly.
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Perfect in all its aspects!
Everything was really perfect and we enjoyed our stay very much. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. All in all it was such a good atmosphere and we would love to come back
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Dream castle!
I couldn't think of a more exciting place to stay, we secretly pretended it was our castle!
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Great experience!
It was a long journey but as soon as we came through the gates and saw the Castle it was all worth it!
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
