Kilmartin Castle Restoration
We feel privileged to work with many castles within our extensive portfolio that have been painstakingly restored. Expertise spans from structural repairs to interior renovations, often culminating in years of hard work ensuring the properties remain functional whilst preserving their historic charm and ultimately breathing new life into these ancient landmarks.
)Here we share with you the restoration story of Kilmartin Castle, a 16th-century Z plan tower house in the remote Kilmartin Glen in Argyll, near Scotland’s west coast, a landscape abound in rolling hills, lush green valleys and dramatic views.
A brief history of Kilmartin Castle and Glen
Kilmartin's history began at the end of the Ice Age, when a massive glacier, in Loch Awe, gradually melted, spewing mega-tonnes of ice-melt into the ocean via Kilmartin Glen, forming a large flat river mouth that would become the historically significant Kilmartin Glen. The rich and fertile landscape with its close proximity to a sheltered coastal position attracted the first hunter gatherer inhabitant of Scotland, and would go on to become one of Scotland's most significant cultural centres; with constant human occupation until this day, Kilmartin Glen is filled with the signs of past civilisations. Brimming with standing stones, hill forts, ritualistic gathering stone circles and burial cairns, stone aged rock art, to medieval castles ruins. Kilmartin Castle now sits proudly overlooking this ancient landscape.
There are said to be more than 300 ancient monuments within a six-mile radius in Kilmartin Glen and it is still rich with historical sites today, including standing stones, burial cairns and Neolithic markings, revealing Scotland’s ancient past. The castle itself has witnessed a fascinating history, from its role as a stronghold in the medieval period to its more recent decline into ruin, after being abandoned for 200 years, before its eventual restoration.
)What inspired the restoration of Kilmartin Castle?
Stef Burgon and Simon Hunt spotted Kilmartin Castle advertised for sale in 2014 whilst 3,700 miles away, working in Dubai.They had just returned from a two-week trip exploring Scotland. After falling in love with the unique Scottish landscape, and having little to no experience in hospitality, the enterprising couple purchased Kilmartin Castle, saying; “We fell hard for the rugged hillsides, lochs, history…and the list goes on.”
The renovation overview
The vast project, which began in 2019, was aimed at preserving the castle's rich heritage while restoring it to a functional, liveable space. Little did the couple know that their project would revitalise the site, securing the castle’s future as a cultural landmark.
)The castle overhaul
The couple recall, “We spent a year living in a camper van on site and working as "the help" alongside skilled builders…The builders addressed problems with the roof and the ground floor, which would both leak, the scheme added a modern underfloor heating system, and modern insulation hidden away to maintain the rustic beauty of the castle; the original flagstone floors were mapped, then painstakingly lifted by the couple to introduce a layer of modern insulation and underfloor heating below with the flagstones re-laid in exactly the same position.
Another key focus of the renovation was ensuring Kilmartin Castle remained both comfortable and accessible for modern visitors. This involved adding luxurious yet tasteful interiors that combined contemporary design with the castle’s historic charm, alongside replacing plumbing, heating, and lighting systems throughout for a smooth, comfortable experience. The couple carefully sourced everything to make the castle the inviting and inspiring place it has become.”
)Renovation of the grounds
After completing the interior revamp, the diligent couple focused on the outdoors, adding drainage, rebuilding the chimney, and renovating the gardens and grounds. The gardens now feature a mix of native Scottish plants and formal spaces, whilst the surrounding grounds of the castle were also carefully landscaped, complementing the rugged natural beauty of the surrounding Argyll countryside.
No stone left unturned
Throughout, Stef and Simon considered every detail, commenting, “We now have a beautiful outdoor entertaining area with a BBQ kitchen, glasshouse dining room, an orchard, organic vegetable garden, and a wild swimming pool.”
As the castle kitchen is at the top of the garden, they thoughtfully ensured that it was fully stocked with all the necessary tableware, cooking tools and hot running water for washing up and the old-stone-shed-turned-charming-toilet-block featuring a wood burner is perfect for small weddings and events. The glasshouse was added last, beside the garden kitchen, creating a cosy dining space for 20 guests.
)What does Kilmartin offer today?
The renovations of Kilmartin Castle have brought new life to this historic Scottish landmark, transforming it into a unique destination that blends ancient heritage charm with modern comfort, offering guests a truly immersive experience in a stunning, historical setting, with incredible access into the surrounding ancient landscape of Kilmartin Glen. The castle is available on a self-catered, exclusive-use basis.
It was important to Stef and Simon that when guests step inside they feel as though they are in a 16th-century castle, so material choices were well considered to ensure that the rustic magic of Kilmartin Castle remained intact. It now has five beautiful bedrooms, all en-suite, some with copper tubs and wood-burning stoves. The characterful, fun and relaxed interiors showcase a mix of antiques and modern original artwork, collected over time.
)Restoration success creates a famous destination
The renovation project was filmed for Channel 4’s 'The Great Hotel Escape'. The dedicated duo remember, “This was extremely motivating and got us out of the camper van and up to the top floor to work when it was cold and rainy and all we really wanted to do was sit inside our van with the fire on.”
In 2023, Kilmartin and Castle was named the fourth best place to visit in the world by The New York Times; a testament to its stunning beauty, rich history, and charm. Stef and Simon’s restoration process was no meat feat but it was most definitely worth it!