Imagine living in a Scottish Baronial-style castle. Here at Carlowrie Castle, that dream can come true. Carlowrie Castle was built between 1852 and 1855. It sits on the outskirts of Kirkliston, about 10 miles from Edinburgh.
This castle has only belonged to two families. The Hutchison family built it. The Marshall family acquired it 130 years later.
David Rhind, a noted Edinburgh architect, designed Carlowrie Castle. He was best known for commercial and civic buildings. Carlowrie House is a rare example of his domestic work. In 1873, Rhind returned to design outhouses and a gate lodge.
Thomas Hutchison commissioned Carlowrie House. He was a prosperous wine merchant in Leith and the Provost of Leith. Thomas died in 1852 before seeing the castle completed. His son Robert finished the project. The castle cost £33000 to build, a considerable fortune then. The house passed to Robert’s eldest son, Thomas Hutchison, later Lord Provost of Edinburgh.
The Hutchisons had successful trade connections in Leith. Robert Hutchison, responsible for completing the castle, was an expert in arboriculture. He left the wine trade behind. Two of his sons were knighted. Sir Robert Hutchison became a respected medical authority. Sir Thomas Hutchison was Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1921 to 1923. Robert’s niece was Isobel Wylie Hutchison, a renowned Arctic explorer and botanist.
Thomas Hutchison, Isobel’s father, devoted himself to the wine trade. He expanded the business in India and amassed wealth. He returned and married at 40.
The 20th century was difficult for Carlowrie Castle. Thomas Hutchison died in 1900 after contracting pneumonia. His two sons died, one in World War One and the other in a mountaineering accident. These tragedies affected Isobel Wylie Hutchison. She gained independent means to fund her expeditions. Isobel defied convention, refusing to marry. She received the Mungo Park Medal from the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. She later became its vice president.
The castle was requisitioned in World War Two. It was used as a military base. Isobel earned income from her books and lectures. She also provided botanical specimens to collectors and museums. Isobel lived at Carlowrie Castle and tended to the grounds. She remained there until her death in 1982 at age 93.
A 433-year-old goat skin deed was discovered. It revealed previously unknown details about Carlowrie’s past. The deed, dated to 1591, mentions King James VI and others. James Lindesay of Esperstoun received land when Carlowrie was under construction.
Since 2014, Carlowrie Castle has operated as an exclusive-use events venue. It hosts private stays, family celebrations, and weddings. Grazia Magazine named it one of the eight best wedding venues worldwide.
Carlowrie Castle is only eight miles from Edinburgh’s city center. This baronial mansion has undergone lavish restoration. It blends rich heritage with modern elegance.
Inside Carlowrie, the grand hallway opens to a light-flooded atrium. The lounge or Marble Room features a black and white marble floor and a glass chandelier. The Library Bar offers an extensive drink list. The Piano Room leads to the Orangery. The Orangery provides panoramic views over the gardens. The Marquee hosts up to 300 guests for dining.
Carlowrie Castle offers twenty-one luxurious bedrooms. Each room enjoys views across the 32-acre grounds. The bedrooms feature original art, handmade beds, and ensuite bathrooms.
The Stables, recently renovated, has six ensuite bedrooms and a suite. The Gate Lodge offers five bedrooms. The grounds include a walled garden with a tennis court and a woodland walk.
Head Chef Richard Heller prepares all food. The castle showcases Andrew Marshall’s art collection. It includes a Banksy and works by Raiber GoH.
The Hutchison family commissioned David Rhind to design the castle. Their daughter, Isabelle Wylie Hutchison, became an Artic traveler and author. Many of her plant collections remain in the grounds today.
Andrew Marshall, the current owner, has renovated Carlowrie into a luxury venue. Carlowrie Castle stands as a testament to Scottish architecture and history.