Dairsie Castle

Castle hosted by Etsuko

14 guests
6 bedrooms
10 beds
5 bathrooms

Great location

93% of recent guests gave the location a 5-star rating.

Great check-in experience

100% of recent guests gave the check-in process a 5-star rating.

Park for free

This is one of the few places in the area with free parking.

Every booking includes free protection from Host cancellations, listing inaccuracies, and other issues like trouble checking in.

Dairsie Castle is a unique self-catered property which sleeps 14. Located close to St. Andrews (15 minutes drive) and Edinburgh (1 hour drive), it is an ideal setting for a holiday to explore the heart of Scotland.

The space
First sited in the 12th Century, Dairsie has been the location of secret Scottish parliaments, military sieges, and safe haven for escapee monarchs (James VI and I in 1583). The castle became a ruin in the 19th Century. In 1992 it was bought and rebuilt by the current owner who worked hard to restore the castle to its original medieval character, with all the comforts of a modern family home.

The Castle

‘The Dungeon' - On the ground floor there is a twin bedroom with a vaulted ceiling and ensuite bathroom.

'The Family Bedroom' - This huge master bedroom has 3 four-poster beds; 1 king-size, 2 large singles. The en-suite bathroom is complete with a stand-alone bath and window shutters, painted in the style of Hokusai.

‘The Spottiswoode (Upper Tower Room)’ - Named after one of the long-term residents of the castle, John Spottiswoode, the Archbishop of St. Andrews in the 1600s. This bedroom has a double bed and an ensuite bathroom.

‘The Learmonth (Lower Tower Room)’ - Named after the family that owned Dairsie for a 100 years, before they sold it to Archbishop Spottiswoode in 1616. This bedroom has a double bed and an ensuite bathroom.

‘The South Caphouse’ - A twin bedroom on the top floor at the end of the Gallery. It has a shared shower room with the North Caphouse bedroom, with a small compact shower unit.

‘The North Caphouse’ - This double bedroom is at the opposite end of the Gallery, at the top of the spiral staircase. It has a shared shower room with the South Caphouse Bedroom, with a small compact shower unit.

The Great Hall – As the hub of the castle, with a dining table which can seat 12, and is surrounded by beautiful artworks and sculptures.There are two large sofas and a foot stool around the fire place for post-dinner relaxation. A Minstrel’s Gallery which over-looks the Great Hall which can be reached from a staircase behind the room.

The Kitchen – The kitchen has all the usual culinary equipment and has a 2-hub Aga cooker. The room has a table and chairs and is large enough also to be used as a breakfast room. Behind the kitchen is a laundry room with a washing machine and dryer, and adjacent to the kitchen is a washroom.

The Living Room – The living room is on the 2nd floor, situated next to the Family Bedroom. It is carpeted and has a TV and comfortable sofas. Next door to the living room is a small Toy Room which is filled with children’s books, toys and some board games for the evenings.

The Gallery – The Gallery is a spacious area on the top floor of the castle and is where a lot of the castle’s artwork and antiques are displayed. It is a very bright and large space with good views of the surrounding countryside.

Dairsie has 6 acres of grounds including a cop with a woodland walk down to the river Eden, a walled herb garden, an orchard and a large open grass area. There is an open garage, a watch tower and a large drive which can park a maximum of 15 cars. The castle's caretaker lives next door.

It is a truly unique property seeped in Scottish history, and one which we welcome you to experience and enjoy!

Where you'll sleep

Bedroom 1

2 single beds

Bedroom 2

1 queen bed, 2 single beds

Bedroom 3

1 double bed

What this place offers

Kitchen

Wifi

Free parking on premises

Washing machine

Dryer

Patio or balcony

Garden

Indoor fireplace

Cot

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Guests

1 guest

4.98 out of 5 stars from 66 reviews

Cleanliness

Accuracy

Communication

Location

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Where you’ll be

Fife, United Kingdom

There is so much to see and do in the local area!

For golf enthusiasts, the famous Old Course in St. Andrews and Kingsbarns are both close by, whilst Carnoustie and Gleneagles courses are less than an hour away.

For family fun, there is Craigtoun Country Park (Nature & Adventure Play Park), The Deer Centre, the Secret Bunker, and Deep Sea World.

You can spend a day exploring St. Andrews, where you can find the old Cathedral and castle, go on a distillery and tasting tour at the Eden Mill, and walk along the West Sands beach. For some history, Scone Palace in Perth, and Glamis Palace near Forfar are a drive away. You could also spend a day exploring Edinburgh and all it has to offer.

The Michelin-starred Peat Inn is also worth booking for a delicious meal.

Hosted by Etsuko

Joined in February 2012

66 Reviews
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Originally from the south of Japan I left to study abroad (UK & US) when I turned 18, and I have since lived in Australia and Hong Kong, before settling in Scotland where my children have grown up.

We bought Dairsie as a ruin and restoring it has been tough but ultimately very rewarding. It was primarily built as a family home and so despite having its origins set in the 1300s, you can expect all the home comforts of a spacious modern house. I hope you have a lovely time absorbing the historical atmosphere and the beautiful countryside surroundings.

Originally from the south of Japan I left to study abroad (UK & US) when I turned 18, and I have since lived in Australia and Hong Kong, before settling in Scotland where my ch…

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