The Sculleries, Thirlestane Castle

Step into the hallway and the scrubbed stone floor, panelled walls and antique Trojan cast iron washing mangle offer a glimmer of the apartment’s past life, while today it’s an ideal dropping-off spot for welly boots and outdoor kit.

There’s a small pantry kitchen for cosy catering for two, leading directly into an atmospheric sitting room, beautifully revived in rich 'Red Earth' which is a perfect complement to the mellow tones of the grand castle exterior.

A dream bedroom in soft duck egg blue has a calm sophistication, finished off with a heavenly sleigh bed and windows overlooking the castle garden.

All guests who stay at the Thirlestane apartments can arrange a tour of the castle at additional cost and a range of optional extras are available including spa treatments, food hampers and exclusive tours.

For larger groups the whole of the South Wing can be booked incorporating all five of apartments at Thirlestane allowing up to sixteen people to stay at the castle. Guests who book the South Wing will also get exclusive use of the Victorian Kitchen so the whole party can dine together. The other four apartments are The Maitland Apartment sleeping 4, The Lauderdale sleeping 2, Glenburnie sleeping 2 and The Earl & Countess sleeping 6.