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Historic and secluded 17th Century Castle located in private Scottish estate

Photo gallery for Historic and secluded 17th Century Castle located in private Scottish estate

Exterior
Exterior
Property grounds
Private kitchen
Dining

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
AU$595
avg per night

Explore the area

Map
Castle Douglas, SCT
  • Galloway Forest Park
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Clatteringshaws Loch
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Lock Ken
    ‪29 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 5

1 Single Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Spaces

Deck or patio
Garden
Dining Area

Room

  • Sleeps 9
  • 2 Double Beds and 5 Single Beds
Price is AU$595 avg per night,

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About the area

Castle Douglas

Castle Douglas is home to this castle. RSPB Ken-Dee Marshes Reserve and Roods Loch reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Galloway Activity Centre and Cally Gardens. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Laggan Outdoor or Dumfries Ice Bowl. Discover the area's water adventures with waterskiing and windsurfing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and hiking/biking trails.

What's nearby

  • New Galloway Golf Club - 9 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Galloway Activity Centre - 10 min drive - 9.2 km
  • Galloway Forest Park - 16 min drive - 15.2 km
  • Clatteringshaws Loch - 17 min drive - 14.8 km
  • Lock Ken - 29 min drive - 21.6 km

Getting around

  • Glasgow (PIK-Prestwick) - 83 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Clachan Inn - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Smithy - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪CatStrand - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Clachan Inn - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Smithy - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Historic and secluded 17th Century Castle located in private Scottish estate

Property Description:

Grade A listed Scottish tower house built in the mid Seventeenth century by William Maclellan.

The Castle offers comfortable accommodation for a group of up to 9 guests, with excellent westerly views of the rolling hills of the Glenkens across mature lawned gardens and beautiful surrounding countryside.

Furnished in a traditional country style, the Castle has a large kitchen family room on the ground floor, a Great Hall on the first floor and four bedrooms with two bathrooms (one en suite) on the second floor. There is also a bedroom with ensuite located above the entrance.

The Castle is quietly situated within Barscobe Estate, a privately owned 800 acre estate located about 1 mile from the village of Balmaclellan and 17 miles from the market town of Castle Douglas.

This secluded and historic estate also benefits from its own wild trout fishing on the picturesque Barscobe Loch, hills, ancient woodlands, river and waterfalls making it the perfect Scottish retreat.

There are also numerous other activities locally available within 5-10 minutes of the house including sailing, canoeing, water skiing on Loch Ken; hill walking and mountain biking in the Galloway Forest Park; and the local golf course in New Galloway. Barscobe House is also within easy distance of sandy beaches and a range of nationally famous country houses open to the public, such as Drumlanrig Castle and Dumfries House.

PRICING: Minimum stay is 3 nights. Nightly rates vary according to season. The VRBO system is unable to apply our discounts available on nightly rates. PLEASE CONTACT US for an exact quotation if you are interested in booking.

PLEASE NOTE: for families and couples only; stag parties, hen parties or the like are strictly forbidden and entry to the property will be refused.

Property manager

Alistair Emery
Premier Host

Amenities

Pet-friendly
Parking available

House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
£20 per dog per stay (max 2)
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic and secluded 17th Century Castle located in private Scottish estate pet-friendly?

Yes, this castle allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Historic and secluded 17th Century Castle located in private Scottish estate?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic and secluded 17th Century Castle located in private Scottish estate?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Historic and secluded 17th Century Castle located in private Scottish estate located?

Situated in Castle Douglas, this castle is within 6 miles (10 km) of Roods Loch, New Galloway Golf Club and Galloway Activity Centre. Loch Ken Marina and Clatteringshaws Loch are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Historic and secluded 17th Century Castle located in private Scottish estate Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 38 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 38 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 38 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 38 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ashley L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Festive Christmas Stay
We had a great family holiday and would highly recommend the property.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Jean O.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Rose B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Retirement family get together
3rd time of staying at Barscobe with the family Magical place, homely and peaceful with beautiful gardens and waterfall, we never want to leave, and most certainly will return.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ann-Marie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Birthday weekend at Barscobe
Fantastic property and grounds. Made a special birthday extra special
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely stunning!
We took the whole family and partners to Barscobe Castle and found both castle and area absolutely fabulous. The castle is so atmospheric and the area beautiful. Would definitely book again
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Colin T.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in
Unique experience.Great place to celebrate a special birthday with my close family
All the facilities were correct for what is a very special place, difficult to replicate anywhere else. Communication though needs to be more timely both from Vrbo (No communication between booking made and 3 days before with key instructions) and the proprietor who sent an email after we had left home
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Heidi B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pretty good
We LOVED walking around the farmland and open areas--there's a small lake and lots of hills, most with a lot of sheep. It was relatively remote but the two houses of the people that work on the farm were pretty close; however, I only ever saw them twice in 4 days and just as we were driving by. The castle has all the conveniences and was very homey. However, the mildew and peeling paint here and there from all the moisture had me worrying about perhaps some being black mold. I'm sure it doesn't have it as the owner was very responsive and has clearly taken good care of it, but it was still a concern of mine. It has some funky, musty smells throughout, and the stairs were something you had to be very careful on as they're not really even or flat steps. It was only two of us, so we only needed one room and one bathroom. I think this would be a great place for a group as it was well set up w/multiple bedrooms and bathrooms and a large updated kitchen. I recommend it but with hesitation due to the moisture. I was happy with my stay but wouldn't stay there again. If you're looking for something, as I was, that is out in the country where you can roam freely without seeing people, this is great for that!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda M., Camp Verde, Texas

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fairy Tale
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Barscobe Castle. It was like being in a real-life fairy tale. The property was absolutely breathtaking. We enjoyed our hikes to the falls and the loch as well as waking up to sheep frolicking in the fields. We live on a Ranch in Texas so although it rained most of our stay and the locals asked if the weather was being kind to us we couldn't have been happier to see rain!! The Castle was well equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. I would definitely recommend this property to anyone wanting to visit Scotland and hope our travels bring us back one day. If I have one recommendation it would be to have a history book or wall or something about the castle and property. For something to have stood the test of time since 1648 it has to be rich in history, stories and memories. Also, we had the joy of chatting with Vicki several times. She is a sweetheart!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shawna H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely castle of our own
Gorgeous property and castle!! A bit remote— more accessible if you have a car, but doable with taxis (just book ahead!!).
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous Stay at Our Very Own Castle
This castle was a perfect place for our group of friends to reunite and spend time together. It comfortably slept 8 adults, and we loved being able to easily gather around the large table or upstairs in the great room. We had trouble with the WiFi (silly castles didn’t seem to be built for that modern technology!), and it certainly is fairly remote, but if that’s what you’re looking for, it was lovely.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
One-of-a-kind location
The hosts were gracious and accommodating in every way. We had the most memorable experiences staying at this amazing home and exploring the southern regions of Scotland as a family. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

laurie powell

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic location
Beautiful scenery and great walks
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

2/10 Terrible

Rebecca F.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy
No running water for half the stay, nobody came out to check on us and no refund of any kind.
We booked a 3 night stay. On day 2 we went out and when we returned found that the water had stopped working. It took about 10 phone calls to find someone who would pick up our calls and then that's when the nightmare started. First, we were told that this had only ever happened after a long drought. An hour later they called to say everyone on the estate was out of water, this has never happened this time of year, and the caretaker was on his way to the water tanks to investigate. Meanwhile, we had no drinking water, couldn't flush toilets, do the dishes, couldn't bath or shower. We were all sweaty and grassy from playing out in the nice, weather on the fresh cut lawns and ended up having to climb into bed like that. I received a text message at 22:40 to say the water problem was unprecedented, that they would fill the tanks the next day but only use what we need to drink and flush loos, but not to bath for 24 hours!! The water still wasn't working then. No offer to bring us drinking water, no gesture of apology, nobody came to speak with us, no money back at all and a loud, whirring noise from the utility room went on through the night, keeping us awake. The next day we were told by text the caretaker would look into it, but we never saw him and the water was still not working fullywe had a trickle in the kitchen so we had to carry jugs upstairs and manually fill the cisterns to flush. On our last day wewent out to get away from it, and it was back on when we got in. Never
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hal c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Barscobe retreat
Wonderful bucolic retreat
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
King of the Castle
It was magical to have an actual castle all to ourselves! It was easy to imagine life back in the 1600’s. My favorite experience was waking up to lambs playing just outside our window. We loved hiking to the loch and to the waterfall. In addition to the castle, there was a ton of Scottish terrain to explore. This was one of my best vacations ever!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicki Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A fabulous New Year away with extended family.
The most beautiful peaceful setting to relax & enjoy being together. We cooked, ate, danced, played games, walked, hiked, climbed, swam & read our way through the New Year break, just lovely. Alistair & the team looking after the castle could not have been more helpful.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lesley W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay
Spent Christmas week at Barscobe Castle with the family. Despite the weather, it was warm and comfortable with everything needed for preparing our Christmas celebrations. It was very special and we even had our own tree to decorate and to put the presents under. The area was stunning, amazing walking country and we were very sad to leave. Thank you for giving us such a memorable Christmas and a birthday celebration.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning location, spacious and warm accommodation
Even in dark and damp November the castle's setting is impressive and peaceful. We enjoyed a week's stay in this lovely location. The ground floor kitchen and first floor Great Hall are superb spaces for everyone to congregate and socialise. I became chief cook during our stay and I absolutely loved working in the kitchen - imagine Mrs Padmore in Downtown and if you like cooking, you'll enjoy the experience! Ample room to accommodate the 9 guests.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bruce M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great holiday getaway
The castle was great and had everything we needed. Definitely recommend that you arrive during the daylight hours as it could be a little confusing finding the castle at night. Also be aware that the closest little store is only open for short hours every day and has minimal selection of items. The closest grocery store is about 30 minutes away. A little planning will make your stay great.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Julie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical Family Get Away
The castle was a perfect setting for our family of 8! The property was lovely and the house was well appointed and very comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Perrine D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magnifique séjour!
Superbe petit château, très confortable dans une magnifique région
Stayed 9 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful castle property with wonderful grounds
A very special property in quiet rolling hillside with wonderful grounds to enjoy. A very peaceful and relaxing stay. An excellent venue to socialise with family and friends.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alison c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful weekend at this beautiful castle!
This is such a special place to stay with family and friends. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Abigail M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic stay!
We rented Barscobe castle for my husbands delayed 40th birthday (had to cancel last year due to covid but rebooked this year). There were 7 of us in total (myself and my husband, our 2 year old son and both our parents). The accomodation was fantastic! Very clean and very well equipped! I was impressed with everything the kitchen included and especially plastic table ware and cutlery for little ones! Loads of storage space so you can unpack and not feel like you're living out of a suitcase. All the rooms were great and very spacious. The castle was also very cosy, which surprised me as, having lived in older properties before, i came packed with lots of jumpers and slipper socks (they werent needed!). Such a great entertaining space in a beautiful setting. Owners were great too with clear and friendly comms! The only very minor thing was that we had our son in with us during the night as i was worried that he'd wake during the night and fall down the spiral stairs. I knew this was a period property when i booked though and saw pictures of the stairs so was prepared that this may be the case. Just something to consider if you're bringing littles! Would definitely come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Veronia H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Barscobe castle
Fantastic, beautiful, peaceful location and property to stay. Our break away has been incredible. But it needs to be stated before booking that you must strip beds and bag them along with all towels. Clean fire and ovens, and empty all bins on leaving the property. This property also says dog friendly but only allows them to stay in the only room on the ground floor. Check in is very late too.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021