On the outskirts of Edinburgh on Scotland’s famous ‘Golf Coast’ lays an estate out of a fairy tale. An impressive stone entryway and tree-lined driveway greet you as you enter the estate grounds. Inside the mansion, the lobby (the original keep and oldest part of the building) welcomes guests with a knight’s suit of armor. It doesn’t take long to notice the rich history of the house, and you soon discover that every hallway, room—and even the outside grounds themselves—have a historic tale behind them.
A Brief History of Carberry Tower
There’s been a building on the Carberry property as far back as the 11th century, when it was lived in by the monks of Dunfermline Abbey. (The monks were granted the lands by King David I of Scotland.) Throughout the centuries, the property changed hands and was eventually gifted to the Church of Scotland by the Elphinstone Family. In 2004, a charitable trust took over and it became a Country House Hotel, until the current owners, Jill and Andrewl Mitchell, purchased the 45,000-square-foot estate.
Suit of armor on display in the lobby
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
The Property
Carberry Tower sits on 35-acres of wooded forests with green meadows, immaculate gardens, a wooden bridge, and an Italian rose garden that was a wedding gift to previous owners Lord Sydney Elphinstone and Lady Mary Bowes Lyon. A trail leading from the estate takes you up to Carberry Hill, where Mary Queen of Scots surrendered the throne to her infant son, James, on June 15, 1567 and is marked by a stone monument.
Taking a stroll through the grounds
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
Built between 1480 and 1500, the reception area is the oldest part of the house. Its fireplace was built by the Elphinstone family on the site of the original fireplace, and bears their crest: three boar heads. The crest represents “hospitality” and can be found all over the house, so keep a look out when exploring. To the right of the fireplace, notice the small slits in the 6½-foot walls. These were used for arrows and built into the original stone walls to defend the keep.
The house has been altered and refurbished many times throughout the centuries, but was completed as you see it today in 1909 by architect Thomas Ross for the 16th Lord Sydney Elphinstone. The impressive Jacobean staircase leads from the hall up to the guest rooms and features a stained glass window with the Elphinstone Coat of Arms.
Stained glass window featuring the Elphinstone Coat of Arms on the main staircase
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
The south library was the Music Room, containing an organ built by William Hill in the early 1900s. It features an ornate Flemish-style fireplace from the 17th century and intricate carved panels depicting the Annunciation, the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, and St. Martin of Tours.
The north library is lined with hundreds of leather-bound books (left by previous guests) that you can enjoy on a rainy morning or foggy night next to the fire. The ceiling dates to the 1860s and shows the initials of the 15th Lord: W.B.E. Located on the second floor, it’s a quiet place to escape and relax.
Overlooking the patio garden with views of the large copper beech tree (which is over 100 years old and covers 1/3 of an acre) is the Elphinstone Room, which was used as the dining room. You’ll notice the ceiling is decorated with the family’s initials and family crest, as well as the figure of a woman (legend has it that it’s Mary Queen of Scots) intricately carved into it.
The Elphinstone Room
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
Up the stairs from the sitting room is the Beacon Room (originally the armory), containing a fireplace decorated with Persian tiles (a gift to the Elphinstone Family), and the Minstrels Gallery where guests can sit and enjoy a fine whisky (ask a staff member to let you in as the door is locked). Let your mind wander back in time and picture the meals that were enjoyed in this room, accompanied by performing musicians.
The fireplace in the Beacon Room with Persian tiles
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
Famous Guests
Throughout the centuries, Carberry Tower has been host to many of the United Kingdom’s elite—from Mary Queen of Scots to Queen Elizabeth II, who spent many nights at Carberry.
Room #206 was used by Queen Elizabeth II as a dressing room during her visit in 1968. Room #207 is where the late Queen Mother stayed on many occasions, and Room #212 was the Night Nursery where Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret slept as children. Each room is unique and offers its own story. If only the walls could speak, imagine the tales they’d tell!
Food & Drink
One of Carberry’s signature amenities is its restaurant and bar. Although there are plans for a bistro (coming late 2016) and fine dining restaurant (coming in 2017), the current offering from The Rose Garden Restaurant is impressive.
The lunch menu is comprised of fresh homemade soup of the day and a variety of sandwiches made from locally-sourced, organic ingredients. For dinner, there are two-course or three-course options with a choice of seasonal dishes. While we were there, our favorite dishes were the Loch Duart salmon and pan-seared duck breast.
Homemade tomato soup and egg salad sandwich using fresh, local ingredients…delicious
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
No meal is complete without a libation from the bar. A favorite was Glenkinchie, a whisky distilled eight miles from Carberry Tower. Of course, if scotch or beer aren’t your ‘cup of tea’, they have that, too…
Getting There
Carberry Tower is located about 20 minutes east of Edinburgh’s city center. There are no direct bus lines from the city and it’s not close to many services (which is part of its allure), so we recommend renting a car to get you there. Wallyford Park & Ride train station is only 5 Minutes drive away with hourly trains into Edinburgh City Centre. Alternatively, there is a helicopter landing site on the Estate too! Reservations and more information are available on their website, carberrytower.com.
Carberry Tower from the grounds
Photo Credit: Matt Thompson
About the Author
Matt Thompson is Digital Marketing Manager at TravelSmith. For him, travel is a true passion; particularly exploring and experiencing foreign cultures— from their history to their local cuisine. His thirst for travel has taken him to many destinations, domestic and international, and his favorites (so far) are Greece, Spain and Sayulita, Mexico. Follow his travels on Instagram.
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