Seton Castle, Longniddry, East Lothian, EH32

Neoclassical castle by Robert Adam in private grounds close to Edinburgh

Description

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

Location

Seton Castle is situated close to the coast in East Lothian, a beautiful and accessible part of Scotland. The Firth of Forth can be seen from the castle’s windows, as can the Forth Rail Bridge, Arthur’s Seat and the skyline of Edinburgh.

East Lothian is known as Scotland’s Golf Coast boasting 22 golf courses (from 19 golf clubs) along its stunning coastline, with the largest concentration of Championship links golf courses anywhere in the world. These include the Renaissance Club which plays host to the Scottish Open and Muirfield which has hosted many Open Championships. Mary Queen of Scots is documented as having caused scandal by playing golf at Seton in 1568 following the death of her husband Lord Darnley.

The Firth of Forth offers spectacular kite-surfing while Belhaven Bay is popular with surfers. There is sailing and coastal rowing at North Berwick. The county also offers game shooting for grouse, pheasant and partridge.

The village of Longniddry, just 1 mile away, has shops and a railway station with regular trains to Edinburgh taking 15 minutes. The castle is within 13 miles of Edinburgh via the A1, meaning it is well located for several of the most highly regarded schools in Scotland, including Loretto School, just 4 miles away.

Square Footage: 18,196 sq ft


Acreage: 13.47 Acres

Directions

From Edinburgh take the A1 dual carriageway east. Leave the dual carriageway at the exit signposted to North Berwick (A198). Turn right at the roundabout continuing on the A198 towards Longniddry. Seton Castle is set in the trees on the left-hand side after about 1 mile.

Additional Info

Viewings: Strictly by appointment with Savills - .

Solicitor: Niall Stringer, Turcan Connell, Princes Exchange 1 Earl Grey Street Edinburgh EH3 9EE. Tel: . Email: niall.

Services: Mains water, electricity, gas and drainage. Central heating from gas fired boilers. Security system and CCTV cameras.

Local Authority: East Lothian Council Tax Band H.

Listing: Seton Castle with retaining terrace and walls is Listed Category A. Seton Castle is a designated Designed Landscape including the walls of the famous formal gardens of the 16th and 17th century and the woodland.

Fixtures & Fittings: The fixtures and contents are available by separate negotiation.