Glenapp Castle
Luxury Castle Hotel in Scotland

Glenapp Castle was built in 1870 - a strikingly beautiful example of the Scottish Baronial style of architecture. 

Designed by the celebrated architect David Bryce for Mr James Hunter, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire, the castle’s mellow sandstone battlements are topped by soaring turrets and towers, earning Glenapp a rightful place as one of the most romantic castles in Scotland.

The castle was purchased in 1917 by James Lyle Mackay, who later became the 1st Earl of Inchcape. The Inchcape family owned the castle until 1982, during which time they expanded the estate considerably and enlarged and altered the castle to its present form.

Local hoteliers, the McMillan Family purchased the castle in June 1994, by which time it had, sadly, fallen into a very poor state of repair.  Their daughter and son-in-law, Fay and Graham Cowan, made the castle their home and embarked upon a lengthy restoration.

Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae	Jean, 1st Countess of Inchcape

Over the next six and a half years, the castle was completely restored and refurbished and Glenapp Castle and its beautiful gardens and grounds have now been returned to their former glory, retaining all of their original character and atmosphere.  Every room in the castle has been luxuriously decorated in traditional style, and furnished with carefully chosen antique furniture and original art (click to read the full story of the restoration). 

In April 2000, the Cowans opened the doors of the castle as an exclusive luxury hotel.  Their philosophy was simple:

“We want our guests to consider themselves honoured personal guests in our home.  We want them to feel that Glenapp is a special place where they can come to escape from the world for a while and renew their energies in peace, quiet and privacy, while enjoying all the creature comforts of a luxury hotel”

Since the beginning, the castle has steadily won a string of awards and accolades and been recognised as one of the finest country house hotels in the United Kingdom.  The castle has been a member of Relais & Châteaux since 2001 (click to view all Awards and Ratings). 

The castle is open each year from late March until January 2nd (excluding Christmas) and is available for exclusive-use throughout the season.

Glenapp Castle, Scotland	Graham and Fay Cowan and Maggie the Springer Spaniel

We look forward to welcoming you to Glenapp Castle.

Graham and Fay Cowan