KCR Winter 2025 2026 Mag V3 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 112
THE PERFECT COUNTRYSIDE ESCAPE
IDYLLIC COUNTRY HIDEAWAYS TO BOOK NOW
An elevated retreat through Britain’s most remarkable historic homes
Americans have long romanticised the United Kingdom’s storied landscapes, aristocratic lineages and impossibly atmospheric estates. But closer to
home, a new wave of travellers, British and Europeans alike, are rediscovering the charm of staying in historic houses.
These properties, including castles, manors and great houses, many still family-owned, o昀昀er travellers something truly rare: the chance to live
within history rather than merely observe it. Expect turrets, soaring portraits, landscaped gardens, deep bathtubs, roaring 昀椀res and, increasingly,
saunas, spas, helipads and dedicated wellness spaces. Whether your visit is a milestone celebration, a multigenerational reunion, a themed gathering
inspired by The Forsytes, Bridgerton, Outlander or The Buccaneers, or simply a longing to escape into cinematic countryside, these retreats o昀昀er the
ideal backdrop.
Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate, Dumfriesshire
Dabton House, once the handsome Georgian home of the Duke of Buccleuch, has emerged from an extensive restoration (completed in 2023)
as one of Scotland’s most re昀椀ned new private hire properties. The estate
setting is extraordinary, set amid four acres of formal gardens framed by
27 acres of woodland, with sweeping views across to Drumlanrig Castle
just ten minutes away. Inside, country house elegance meets contemporary quiet luxury. Eleven ensuite bedrooms, a sauna and treatment
room, generous reception rooms, and even heated kennels make this a
true all-ages retreat. Ideal for celebrations, sporting trips, weddings or
corporate gatherings, Dabton is fully sta昀昀ed and ready for bespoke itineraries. For smaller or self-catered stays, the estate’s historic cottages
and apartments including the newly unveiled Montagu Cottage and the
dramatic Drumlanrig apartments at the castle’s heart, o昀昀er access to
gardens, trails and events such as Galloway Country Fair and A December to Remember.
Gilmerton House & Estate, East Lothian
One of East Lothian’s most elegant private houses, Gilmerton has been
in the Kinloch family for 13 generations. The 1600s mansion has
recently undergone a sensitive refurbishment, layering soft tones and
sumptuous Scottish textiles with family antiques and a historic library.
The atmosphere is one of e昀昀ortless grandeur: think billiards, music
rooms, 昀椀reside reading and long coastal walks followed by deep
Victorian baths. The house sleeps 20 across ten bedrooms (with two
more due in 2026) and is increasingly a favourite for creative launches
and high-pro昀椀le events, David Beckham unveiled his Haig whisky here,
while Soho House members have enjoyed stays as part of its Cities
Without Houses events. A particular triumph is the transformation
of the 19th-century laundry house into a spectacular indoor-outdoor
events space, perfect for retreats, yoga gatherings or late-night celebrations. Nearby, some of the world’s best golf awaits, easily reachable
locally or by helicopter for groups wanting to play across the Firth of
Forth in St. Andrews.
Cambo House & Estate, Fife
On Scotland’s east coast, Cambo House is synonymous with its
much-loved Snowdrop Festival each February, but its o昀昀ering is far
more expansive. This vast 60-room house, still home to the Erskine
family, is available for private hire and includes guest wings, elegant
suites and a wealth of activities: wild swimming, woodland walks to
Kingsbarns Beach, and a rich events calendar across Cambo Gardens
and its award-winning café.
Accommodating up to 37 guests, it’s a dream venue for weddings and
events, often cited as one of Scotland’s most enchanting, as well as
celebrations and restorative weekends. The estate also features two
superb o昀昀-grid cabins created by sustainable travel pioneers O昀昀 Grid
Travel, ideal for couples or families wanting to unplug in the wild and
enjoy wild swimming and a sauna on the beach. Whisky lovers can tour
the Kingsbarns Distillery, while golfers can play the nearby
world-ranked Kingsbarns Links.
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
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