In a quiet corner of Lanarkshire, nestled amidst rolling hills, stands Crossbasket Castle. Its story begins in the 14th century when the Hamilton family of Cadzow first owned the land. Crossbasket Castle wasn’t always the grand structure we see today. It began as a tower house, likely built by the Lindsays in the 16th century. This tower, much like its counterpart at Mains Castle, featured a vaulted ground floor and two stories above. Atop the tower, a parapet walk and a garret offered stunning views.
Crossbasket Castle changed hands many times. In 1619, Alexander Lindsay sold both Crossbasket and Mains Castle to settle his debts. The castle then passed through various owners, including Archibald Stewart of Blackhall and lawyer James Kincaid. In 1709, Thomas Peter, the Dean of Guild of Glasgow, acquired Crossbasket Castle. His son, also named Thomas, extended the original tower eastward, marking the first significant addition to the castle.
The Peter family’s ownership spanned the entire 18th century. In 1818, they sold Crossbasket Castle to none other than Charles Macintosh, the inventor of waterproof fabrics. The castle’s story took another turn as it passed from Macintosh to businessman Alexander Downie, then to insurance agent John Cabbell, and finally to farmer Robert Clark in 1852. Robert’s son, James, further modernized and expanded Crossbasket Castle in the mid-19th century.
The Clarks retained ownership until 1891 when they sold it to George Neilson, who oversaw two expansions during his tenure. The East India Company’s Thomas Dunlop Findlay became the owner in 1919, holding it until 1932. James Little took ownership then, transferring Crossbasket Castle to the J. Little Trust around 1945. The castle found a new purpose as a children’s home. From 1963 to 1976, the Roosevelt Memorial Fund owned Crossbasket Castle and operated it as the James Little College. It served as a religious center from 1981 to 2004. Property developer Langvale Homes bought it next, intending to create apartments. They leased it to a children’s nursery while seeking planning permission. After Langvale Homes went into administration in 2008, Crossbasket Castle was put up for sale. In 2011, Steve and Alison Reid-Timoney purchased it. They began a meticulous renovation, transforming Crossbasket Castle into the luxurious hotel it is today.