A vast and spectacular Victorian retreat overlooking the Irish Sea and the island of Ailsa Craig, Glenapp Castle, set in 30 acres of glorious gardens, dates back to 1870 and opened its doors as an exclusive luxury hotel in 2000.
GUESTROOMS
17 luxurious guestrooms and suites, all of which offer a spacious en-suite bathroom, are furnished with antiques and are decorated in traditional style. Each room looks out on the gardens or across the Irish Sea to Ailsa Craig and boasts excellent room amenities.
FACILITIES
McMillan Dining Room, Colquhoun Dining Room, private gardens, tennis court and croquet lawn. Game shooting, clay pigeon shooting, river fishing, sea fishing, windsurfing, sailing, boat trips, curling, off road driving and horse riding can all be enjoyed nearby.
ACCOMMODATION REVIEW
Originally built in 1870 for James Hunter, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire, Glenapp Castle and its lands were purchased by James Lyle Mackay in 1917. His descendants owned the castle until 1982, during which time they enlarged and altered Glenapp Castle to its present form. By the time the McMillan family acquired Glenapp in 1994, the property had fallen into disrepair but six years later, having been restored to its former grandeur, Glenapp Castle, which is set in some 30 acres of private gardens and woodland, opened its doors as an exclusive luxury retreat.
Complementing the structure and general aura of Glenapp Castle is some 30 acres of magnificent gardens and woodland. Restored from a tangled wilderness to their former glory, guests can wander through the formal terraced gardens and sit in the shade by the Azalea Pond or discover for themselves the treasures of the walled garden and its superb 150-foot Victorian glasshouses. Within the castle, each piece of antique furniture and original oil painting has been carefully chosen to assume its rightful place on the fine Austrian oak-panelled hallways and rooms.
There are 17 guestrooms and suites at Glenapp, all of which are handsomely furnished with antiques and fine oil paintings. Each room boasts excellent amenities and magnificent views over either the gardens or coastline, while many have coal and log effect gas fires. Dining at Glenapp Castle is a unique experience and guests can choose between the McMillan and Colquhoun Dining Rooms. But no matter what the venue, the menu comprises the finest cuisine, produced by a highly professional team. Complementary wines from the cellars are served with each day's menu or guests may choose from the extensive Connoisseurs List.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
Situated 18 miles south of Turnberry, Glenapp Castle may not be the most conveniently located option in terms of playing Ayrshire's great links but what it lacks in terms of proximity, it makes up for with everything else. In a word...quality!
Situated just off the A77 route, less than two miles south of Ballantrae and approximately 35 miles south of Ayr.
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae, Ayrshire KA26 0NZ.
Tel: + 0044 1465 831212. Email: info@glenappcastle.com.
The dining room offers views towards Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran, while the delightful cuisine features the likes of king scallops with caviar and fillet of Angus beef.
Malin Court, Turnberry, Girvan KA26 9PB
Tel: + 44 1655 331457. Email: info@malincourt.co.uk.
This light modern restaurant offers views across the Clyde estuary towards the island of Arran. Service is friendly and attentive and the kitchen is eager to please.
Ivy House Hotel, Alloway KA7 4NL (south of Ayr)
Tel: + 44 1292 442336. Email: enquiries@theivyhouse.uk.com
Sitting across from Burns Cottage, this intimate hotel restaurant manages to be both refined and relaxed. The produce is fresh, while the emphasis is strongly on the modern.
Originally built in 1870 for James Hunter, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire, Glenapp Castle and its lands were purchased by James Lyle Mackay in 1917. His descendants owned the castle until 1982, during which time they enlarged and altered Glenapp Castle to its present form. By the time the McMillan family acquired Glenapp in 1994, the property had fallen into disrepair but six years later, having been restored to its former grandeur, Glenapp Castle, which is set in some 30 acres of private gardens and woodland, opened its doors as an exclusive luxury retreat.
