Escape the endless digital barrage with a tranquil 16th-century castle weekend getaway nestled on a serene Scottish beach.
Restored Saddell Castle Offers Unique Coastal Retreat
Nestled on a picturesque promontory in Saddell Bay, the 16th-century Saddell Castle now stands restored and ready to welcome visitors. Overlooking the Kilbrannan Sound and offering stunning views of the Isle of Arran, this Category A-listed building has undergone extensive renovation by The Landmark Trust.
The Castle's restoration was completed in 2025, with masonry repairs to the exterior and a complete reharling using gauged hot lime mortar. Roofing works were also carried out, and additional bathrooms were installed inside to improve visitor comfort. The aim was to preserve the historical integrity of the building while making it suitable for holiday accommodation.
Saddell Castle now sleeps eight people and allows dogs, making it an ideal remote digital detox location with limited mobile signal and striking coastal views from its crenellated rooftop walk. The castle's future has been secured for another 50 years through these comprehensive repair and internal improvements.
Historically, the castle was built in 1508 and served as the Bishop of Argyll’s residence before coming under the Campbell family for almost 400 years. A notable feature inside is a removable front door floor that could be used to booby-trap unwelcome visitors.
The castle is now available to rent through The Landmark Trust starting from August 2025. It accommodates up to eight guests and costs just over £20 per person, per night when fully booked (with eight guests).
For those interested in exploring Saddell Castle and nearby Landmark Trust properties, including Saddell Lodge, Saddell House, Ferryman's Cottage, Cul-na-Shee, Shore Cottage, and a bothy on Saddell Beach, free open days are being held on the weekend of 20-21 September 2025. Tickets for these open days can be booked for free, with walk-ins also welcome. The ancient ruins of a nearby abbey are also rife for exploring and full of medieval headstones and effigies marking burial sites.
Caroline Stanford, a historian at The Landmark Trust, has expressed her satisfaction with the restoration of Saddell Castle. Lotte Brundle, the Digital Writer for the platform, shared her enthusiasm for the project, having previously worked as a sub-editor for The Times and The Sunday Times.
For more information about staying at Saddell Castle, visitors can visit The Landmark Trust's website. The castle is now fully operational and offered as a unique weekend getaway, combining heritage preservation with visitor experience.
- This unique coastal retreat, Saddell Castle, not only provides a historical stay but also offers an opportunity to immerse in a lifestyle reminiscent of the past, as it lies in the heart of home-and-garden settings, meticulously restored by The Landmark Trust.
- After a satisfying day exploring the castle's interior and the nearby abbey, visitors can plan their next adventure, be it a home-and-garden escape or a travel journey to discover other Landmark Trust properties, all while enjoying the soothing rhythms of Saddell Bay.
