Seton CastleLongniddry, East Lothian, EH32 0PG

Seton Castle is a fully restored, opulent but welcoming 13 bedroom family home surrounded by 13 acres of private gardens and parkland. It is the consummate romantic Scottish castle, updated to a superb standard for modern living.

The castle was built in 1789 by acclaimed architect Robert Adam using stone from Seton Palace, described as Mary Queen of Scots' preferred retreat. Seton Castle was Robert Adam's final project in Scotland and his masterful touch is in evidence in the beautifully executed ceiling plasterwork, curved oak panelled doors and dramatic bay windowed rooms. Castellated features such as slit windows and turrets are strikingly imposing from the outside but discreetly located in the numerous turrets, thus allowing it to retain the feel of a grand family home when inside. Secret staircases, curved doors, curved walls, arched windows and hidden doors add to the charming sophistication of the architecture and design.

The unbroken ownership of Seton Castle by the Wemyss family from the late 18th century until 2003 served to freeze Seton in a protective time warp, ensuring the preservation of the elegant architectural detail created by Adam. Seton has since been refurbished to fit today's world, including the installation of a full security system, creation of a state of the art gym, playroom, huge double AGA kitchen, magnificent silk-lined dining room, billiard room, traditional olde world bar, cinema, guest cottages, apartments and a helipad.

In addition to the seven-bedroom home at the core of the castle, the property includes three separate dwellings. The Darnley and The Bothwell are self-contained cottages in the wings, each with a living room, kitchen, three bedrooms, bathroom and WC. The Hideaway is a delightfully romantic suite hidden at the top of a turret spiral staircase.

The working stables at Seton have been refurbished and include a foaling stable. Adjacent to the stables lies the coach house and the Stable Bar - the castle's private tavern, situated in the original tack room of the stable block.

Restoration

The restoration project saw a team of expert stonemasons rebuild the castle's many chimneys and turrets as well as the sweeping rooftop parapets.

Internally, all services were renewed, ceilings restored to their original beauty, the sweeping staircase reinvigorated, ironwork magnificently restored, dumbwaiter reinstated, and 10,000-bottle wine cellar brought back to life.

The installation of 17th century French oak flooring, modern central heating system, entertainment system and security system all installed hidden from sight help to give the home a most welcoming, warm and private appeal.

The castle's interior design offers a successfully eclectic mix of styles and influences and include an array of silks, damasks, silk velvets, embroidered silks, jacquard velvets, jacquard linens, silk wall hangings, gilt detailing, with Scottish wools and cashmere adding elegant and warm touches to every corner.

Design Notes

The interior of Seton has been beautifully dressed using many of the world's most celebrated designers including Pierre Frey; Mulberry, De Gournay, Ralph Lauren, De la Cuona, Fornasetti, Designers Guild, Osborne and Little, Zoffany, Heathfield, William Yeoward, Melton Wools and Christian Lacroix.

ACCOMMODATION SUMMARY

Main House

Reception hall, drawing room, dining room & morning room
Kitchen / breakfast room, billiards room, vaulted playroom & wine cellars
Principal bedroom with dressing rooms & bathroom
5 further bedrooms & 3 bathrooms
Library, study & music room

East Wing
3 bedroom staff flat
Cinema, pool room & office
Stables, coach house and stable bar

West Wing
3 bedroom guest flat
Laundry, gym, offices & garages
Hideaway bedroom suite


Grounds
13.4 acres private grounds with electric gates & security cameras
Formal lawns in front of house. Helicopter pad. Parking
Stream & parkland grazing. 15th century stone carriage bridge

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