Top Ten Castle Rooms

For a real sense of escapism, transport yourself back in time and savour the experience of staying in an historic castle and its magnificent surroundings.

Whether you rise with the larks to watch the sunrise or indulge yourself by sleeping till noon these captivating bedrooms will charm and enchant.

From romantic boudoirs designed for seclusion and slumber, to the more flamboyant in rich deep colours, there are rooms and views to suit every taste. Enjoying a relaxing soak in the individual bathrooms, especially in the oldest bath in Ireland which boasts a throne toilet - is a memorable experience. One bathroom comes complete with an oriental themed band stand for those seeking something completely different.

celticcastles.com have hand picked 10 luxury sensual rooms for you to discover…

The King James Suite at Lumley Castle
Lumley Castle, standing four square against the winds for over 600 years, is truly charming, especially in the Autumn when the reddened leaves of the vine ,that cover the south front, are at their most beautiful.

The King James Suite is particulary supmtuous with its antique furnishings, reception room, hidden jacuzzi bath and 20 foot high 4-poster bed. This room guarantees its occupants will feel like a true king or queen!

Tariff: Suite (Double Occupancy) £399 Room Rate with champagne and fresh flowers in the room.

The Red Room at Castle Leslie
Castle Leslie is an incredible Irish property featuring quirky bedrooms such as Papa Jacks Room and The Eagles Nest. The Red Room, however, captures the character of the property with its stunning lake view. The stylish 4-poster bed and all of the furniture, with the exception of the noble French ‘armoire’ cupboard, hail from Peruggia in Italy. Its unique throne toilet is remarkable and the huge panelled bath is the first to be installed in Ireland, with a deep tub in which to savour a pre-dinner cocktail.

Tariff: Master Suite (Double Occupancy) €520 Dinner, bed and breakfast.

The Chinoiserie Grand Feature Room at Coombe Abbey
Coombe Abbey, originally known as The Abbey of Cumbe, was founded by Cistercian monks in 1150 and was restored in 1994. The château feel of the Abbey is theatrical and every room is unique. The Chinoiserie’s oriental theme is complemented with lavish furnishings and steps up to a raised “snooze zone”. A roll top bath features within the room and there is a downstairs bathroom. The Chinoiserie also enjoys the best of views across the formal gardens and the lake.

Tariff: Grand Features (Double Occupancy) £405.00 bed and breakfast.

The Murray Suite at Castle Stuart
The family-run castle has been sympathetically restored to its former beauty and offers a truly exceptional Scottish experience. The Murray Suite, a three turreted bedroom, entitled ‘The Honeymoon Suite’, features a king size 4-poster bed. Located at the top of the east tower, it boasts romantic views over Moray with white doves cooing on the window ledges. The suite is also haunted, so you will have plenty of ghostly stories to tell your family and friends!

Tariff: Suite (Double Occupancy) £390 Dinner, bed and breakfast.

Dalhousie Room at Dalhousie Castle
A fascinating 13th century fortress set within acres of wooded parkland on the picturesque banks of the River Esk, just outside Edinburgh. For the ultimate bedroom in a castle towers, the Dalhousie Room is a must. The unique large, circular room with a large double 4-poster bed features classical oak furniture from the 16th century period. The working shutters, once used for protection from enemy sieges, now provide a barrier against the elements when you are snugly tucked up in bed at night. The antique style bathroom is decorated with miniature tapestries and connects through a private corridor.

Tariff: Themed Four Poster Room (Double Occupancy) £280 bed and breakfast.

The Lairds Room at Balfour Castle
Sleeping on a Scottish island evokes a rugged feel, but at Balfour Castle on the Orkney Island of Shapinsay, the family-run property oozes comfort. Dramatically situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, the ebb and flow of waves can be heard as you drift off to sleep after an evening of castle wining and dining. Balfour’s Lairds 4-poster double bed with carved Balfour family coat of arms is a great place to lay your head and wake up to stunning views over the west facing woodland and sea views.

Tariff: (Double Occupancy) £260 Dinner, bed and breakfast.

Howard Deluxe Bedchamber at Thornbury Castle
This is a former residence of kings and queens, where courtiers have flirted with ladies-in-waiting in the ancient yew-hedged gardens. Stroll up the stone spiral staircase and take up residence in the Howard Room with its deluxe 4-poster bedchamber and heavy wooden hand-carved Tudor bed. Situated in the north wing, it has two open fireplaces and stone walls with views overlooking the inner courtyard, front lawns and vineyard. Its ornate plaster ceiling and an oak paneled en-suite bathroom comes with a large bath.

Tariff: Deluxe Suites (Double Occupancy) £435 bed and breakfast

Madame de Sevigne Suite at Château de Bagnols
The design of the breathtaking bedrooms, arguably the finest accommodation in France, is testimony to the exceptional talents of Lady Hamlyn in restoring this château so fastidiously. The Madame de Sevigne Suite nestled in a tower was built around 1450 by Roffec de Balzac. The large acanthus leaves painted on the vaulted ceiling are part of the 17th-century decoration. The present décor designed by Joseph-Barthélémy Hessler at the beginning of the 18th century, depicts imaginary landscapes, classical ruins and Medieval castles. The water tumblers next to the bed are made of silver, evoking a primeval insight into life as a French aristocrat.

Tariff: Suite (Double Occupancy) €825 Room Rate

Castle Suite at Glenskirlie Castle
All the rooms at Glenskirlie are lavishly appointed and individually themed. Each has been named after a rose and the interior boutique style makes staying in this 21st century Scottish castle an experience with a difference. Relax in a giant sunken bath with a glass of champagne and reflect on the perfect end to the perfect day... after a mouthwatering range of dining options. With easy access from Edinburgh and Glasgow, treat yourself to the perfect pampering package with a gift of Molton Brown Celestial Maracuja Sugar Polish and Body Soufflé - ideal for the sunken bath and luxury shower before a late check-out.

Tariff: Castle Suite (Double Occupancy) £395 bed and breakfast.

The Carmichael Suite at Fenton Tower
A visit to Fenton Tower, whether it is for one night or one month, will never be forgotten. Simple luxury and comfortable surroundings will make your stay so wonderful you simply won’t want to leave. On arrival at the fortified entrance at the South Tower, you won’t find a reception or a bar anywhere. Fenton Tower is a home not a hotel and the Carmichael Suite enjoys a triple aspect of North, East and South. Enjoy sweet dreams on an Italian silver-gilt double bed frame, wash in original French basins from a Montmartre house, this is the perfect place to escape and relax in your very own 'Luxurious Scottish Tower'.

Tariff: Managed letting is based upon £150.00 per person per night for bed and breakfast (for a minimum of 6 guests).

www.celticcastles.com

1 September 2008