Braidwood Castle - UK10672
ID: S1328521
- Bedrooms 3
- ・ Sleeps 5
- ・ Pets 2
Guests say
Braidwood Castle offers a truly unique and memorable stay, blending historic charm with modern comforts. Guests consistently praise the peaceful setting, fascinating history, and the novelty of staying in a real castle tower. The grounds and orchard are ideal for families and dogs, and the property is well-equipped. While the many steep stairs and some low doorways require care, most found these features added to the experience. Occasional comments mention minor maintenance or cleanliness issues, but overall, guests leave with fond memories and a sense of privilege at having stayed in such a special place.
Most guests found the property clean and well-presented, with only a few minor mentions of dust, cobwebs, or needing to rewash some crockery. These were outweighed by positive comments about cleanliness and comfort.
The tranquil, private setting and proximity to local towns, walks, and attractions are highly praised. Guests appreciated the peacefulness, wildlife, and easy access to both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The castle is described as cosy, warm, and comfortable, especially with the wood burner. However, the steep, uneven stairs and low doorways can be challenging for those with mobility issues, and some rooms may be cooler in winter.
The property is well-equipped with modern amenities, a well-stocked kitchen, and thoughtful touches. Some guests noted minor issues with heating, storage heaters, or kitchen size, but these did not detract significantly from the overall experience.
Many guests appreciated the welcome hamper and small touches, though it should be noted that such gifts are not guaranteed. The hosts are frequently described as friendly and attentive.
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
Nearby points of interest
- Craignethan Castle
- Lanark Loch
- David Livingstone Birthplace Museum
- Scottish Owl Centre
- Biggar and Upper Clydesdale Museum
Reviews (33)
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Confirmed Guest
What a fabulous place!The castle is amazing with many 'wow' moments upon entering and exploring the rooms. It was exciting to have a castle for the week as our home and was very cosy in the lounge with the fire going. The grounds are well kept and the orchard is a nice outdoor space.There is good access to days out - we explored Edinburgh, Glasgow, Arran via the ferry and New Lanark.Lovely touches from the host such as the welcome hamper and castle history information were appreciated.It is worth noting for some guests that there are many uneven steps and you would need to be physically able to navigate these but we loved them and they actually added to the overall effect.We were sad to leave and would definitely recommend a stay here.
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Andrew Zerkee
The tower never disappoints….always awesome. We have been four times now and will be back. Such a peaceful location. Love the stairs and the great hall at night with the fire. Such an atmosphere being in such a historic tower…..highly recommended.
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Cheryl Brandt
I had wanted to stay in this tower for a while and when I got the opportunity to book it I jumped at the chance. It is such a unique property. Things such as toilet roll, hand wash, washing up liquid etc are all provided and there was a very generous welcome hamper waiting on the kitchen table. As stated in previous reviews, there are many steep stairways, but it's a castle tower, it is to be expected. In anticipation of this, we had packed several backpacks. We left our clothes in the second floor bedroom and took a backpack of nightclothes and toiletries to the top floor bedroom. Each night we gathered our clothes for the next day and took them up with us when we went to bed and each morning we brought our washing down in the same bag to pack away in the single bedroom. The sani flow toilet in the upper floor ensuite is rather disconcerting. We never really trusted it so mainly only did essential wees in it. 😁 We mainly used the main bathroom and downstairs loo. The parapet to access the bedroom was such a novelty and we stood there watching the sunset one evening. It is surprisingly cosy within the castle. You would imagine it to be cold and draughty, yet that wasn't the case. The wood burner in the living room was a welcome thing to set up once we retired there for the evening. The grounds are amazing. There was parking for at least 2 cars by the side of the tower and we were allowed access to the orchard which had an area large enough to be a dog field, so our 2 loons could run off some energy. We visited many places, The Falls of Clyde are only 15 minutes away. We had a fabulous time and feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have had a chance to stay there. To experience a piece of history. It was a perfect way to celebrate our wedding anniversary.