Auchen Castle
Near Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, Scotland
Exclusive Use
You can have the venue to yourself, sleeps 52 guests in 26 rooms.
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Weddings
You can get married at this venue.
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Nestled within the Moffat Hills in the heart of Rabbie Burns country, this historically impressive castle sits amid dense forest and before the rolling hills of Dumfriesshire, creating a breathtaking scene in any season. An exclusive getaway, Auchen Castle offers exceptional and attentive Scottish hospitality in characterful surroundings, just over an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Built in 1849, this stately retreat is adept at entertaining guests and making them feel truly at home in its elegant spaces. Not surprisingly, it has hosted numerous famous names from The Beatles to the King of Norway.
An enchanting faded-stone façade made up of gable roofs, turrets, chimneys and huge bay windows makes for a stunning first impression of this unique castle. Auchen’s manicured lawns and formal garden contrast beautifully against the wilder woodland setting beyond, which features a tranquil private lake.
Once inside, be transported to a historical era as you adventure from room to room, absorbing the delightful interior design and striking architectural features. Take advantage of your magnificent natural surroundings too, wandering the parkland and woodland at your leisure or simply sitting in one of the grand rooms, a drink in hand, to admire the long views.
The Rooms
Featuring richly hued and atmospheric walls framed by gilded cornices and polished oak panelling, the inviting rooms emit warmth and a timeless style. Dripping with old-fashioned splendour, the entrance hall and public rooms will envelop you with their ambiance, from the moment you step foot inside this resplendent castle. Modern touches throughout ensure a truly comfortable stay and glorious landscaped views can be admired from every window.
Accommodation
Slumber like royalty under dark Scottish skies…Auchen Castle’s 26 luxurious bedrooms (sleeping up to 52 guests), whether Classic or Suite, have been individually styled. In addition to sumptuous ornate beds, many of the bedrooms feature stand-alone roll-top baths, uninterrupted garden and lake views and grand spaces in which to relax and lounge. Variously sized, these elegant sanctuaries boast an abundance of character and charm through their high ceilings, period features, draped canopies and charming little touches.
The well-appointed bedrooms are equipped with the following features:
- 100-thread Egyptian cotton sheets
- Luxurious goose down duvets, sumptuous pillows, excellent mattresses
- Royal en-suite or private bathrooms
- Well-stocked hospitality tray
- HDTVs
- Iron and ironing board
- Free Wi-Fi
Activities/Leisure
Within the grounds, guests can take advantage of the wonderful gardens and woodland, as well as fishing, tennis and falconry. Discover the miles of paths and parks nestled in the unspoilt landscape of rolling hills just beyond the estate.
If you prefer more sporting activities, you won't have to venture far from the estate to find boating/sailing, golfing, horseback riding and family swimming. In fact, with Auchen's fantastic travel links, there are many places, including the below, within easy reach.
History
The original castle dates back to 1220 and was built by Sir Humphrey de Kirkpatrick when he was Senestal of Annandale. The Kirkpatrick family, close allies of Robert the Bruce and King Robert, would have been entertained at Auchen Castle often. The Kirkpatrick Clan has long since moved from their seat at Auchen Castle and their estates and holdings came under the ownership of the Clan Johnstone.
The Johnstones remain Lords of Annandale to this day. The castle as it is today was largely completed in 1849 by General Johnstone. Through marriage, the castle then went on to Sir William Younger, 1st Baronet of Auchen Castle of the Youngers brewery family. The castle still maintains many original features; such as the Victorian spring water catchments and reservoirs that supply the castle today. In the castle grounds, there are many unusual species of trees and plants, brought to the estate over the centuries, some of which have a rich history and are of unusual varieties.
Prices
Exclusive use of the castle and its function rooms starts at £1995 per day midweek and £3995 per day for weekends. From October-April, a minimum of 10 bedrooms must be booked, starting at £139 per room, bed and breakfast. During May-September, all 26 bedrooms must be booked, starting at £179 per room, bed and breakfast. Custom food and drinks packages are available and can be quoted for based on your requirements.
Location
Auchen Castle is situated on a thickly-forested estate before a dramatic, mountainous landscape of Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders; a beautiful and unspoiled part of Scotland. This historic castle offers breath-taking scenery and a multitude of walks.
With its independent shops and charming cafes, the local town of Moffat is also rich in history and culture and a mere ten minutes’ drive away from the castle. Its conservation area boasts characterful buildings, theatres, art galleries and shops.
The picturesque estate is only a few miles from the A74(M), which forms part of one of Scotland’s major motorways and offers an easy connection to both Glasgow and Edinburgh, which are just over an hour away.