Myres Castle

Myres Castle has been awarded five stars by national tourist board, VisitScotland, which recently launched a new category entitled ‘Exclusive Use Venue’.

Myres Castle is set within a 44acre estate in the Kingdom of Fife, Scotland, only 45 minutes drive from Edinburgh. The castle, recently refurbished has exceptional charm and its dedicated team of staff creates an atmosphere of quality and discretion.The facilities are luxurious and the cuisine is outstanding. Whether you are discovering Scotland's living history or celebrating a special event with friends and family, you'll find your stay both relaxing and restoring. Myres is ideal for a house party, small Corporate meeting /Incentive retreat, Fairytale Wedding, Golf with over 100 courses within a 1 hours drive, most notably St Andrews, 20 minutes drive or for exploring the beauty of Scotland.

The castle is set on a rise with panoramic views from the battlements over the surrounding countryside. The original Myres Castle was a Z-plan fortress dating from around 1530. The castle has been altered and extended throughout the years. The square tower top of grey ashlar was added in 1616, providing a striking contrast with the ochre harling of the rest of the castle. This tower top features garlands, shields, initials and, with a parapet and flagpole, is an impressive addition to the castle.

More detailed history

The estate called "The Myres" is situated within the parish of Auchtermuchty. The lands of Auchtermuchty originally formed a part of the large possessions of the earl of Fife, and they were subsequently conveyed by marriage to Robert, Duke of Albany. However, in 1425 his son Murdoch, Duke of Albany, forfeited his estates to the crown. For a long time after 1425 the tenants of Auchtermuchty held their feus directly from the King, and their rents were accounted for in rolls of the Royal Exchequer. In the earliest documents referring to the lands o Auchtermuchty they were divided into two parts, named respectively the North Quarter and the South Quarter of Auchtermuchty, and this division was maintained up to the end of the 16th Century. The first recorded renter of the South Quarter,"The Myres", was an Englishman called Robert Coxwell who lived at the Scottish Royal Court. Click on one of the names opposite to read about the residents of the castle.

Situated on the edge of the Howe of Fife, Auchtermuchty is approximately 30 miles north east of the Forth Road Bridge and within easy reach of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Perth and St. Andrews.

Directions from Edinburgh Take the M90 North over the Forth Road Bridge. Exit at Junction 8 signposted to St Andrews and the Tay Bridge ,A91. Continue through Gateside to Auchtermuchty, turn right onto the B936 signposted to Falkland and Kirkcaldy. The Lodge pillars mark the entrance to the castle on the right hand side just beyond the edge of the village.

Tumble into the deep comfort of the generous beds with their down pillows and quilts in nine individually designed and luxurious en-suite bedrooms. Enjoy the kind of sleep that only Scottish peace and fresh air can give you. Awake refreshed.

Queen's Room

This is the room where Mary Queen of Scots is rumoured to have laid her head after planting the magnificent Spanish Chestnut tree just outside. Very sumptously decorated in blues and golds, there is a magnificent carved double bed and on the wall an original wedding quilt dating back to the nineteenth century and presented by the Ladies of Auchtermuchty to the Fairlie family. The bathroom features an original canopy bath which is an experience in itself.

Joanna's Room

This room - so named after the present owners' only daughter - is delightfully feminine and decorated in the warm coral hues of spice island fabric. There is a charming dressing table fitted into one of the circular corner alcoves. This bathroom features one of the original roll top baths found at Myres and the view from here over the Rose Walk is lovely. This is one of the bedrooms where the beds can be twinned.

Tom's Room

If four posters are your thing, this is the room for you! The tapestry drapes and oak furniture combine to bring a sense of history to this room which is named after one of the present owners' sons.

Tower Bedroom

Snuggled under the eaves, this bedroom is definitely for the romantics at heart. Elegantly decorated in St. Andrews tartan, it features an enormous roll top bath and, hidden behind a wee door, your very own stairway to the turret - the perfect place to watch the sun go down whilst sipping a glass of champagne.

Anne's Room

Named after Captain Fairlie's first wife who used it as her sewing room, it is charmingly decorated in Toile de Jouy fabric. Although this is the smallest bedroom in the castle, the bathroom holds it's own surprise with an enormous sunken bath with overhead shower.

Charles' Room

This is a bedroom with a difference! Also situated in the Chamberlain's wing, it has been totally transformed by Scottish muralist, Jonathan Humpries, into an exotic tent in a riot of blues and yellows. It even comes complete with your own wee furry friend! This bedroom can be twinned.

Christopher's Room

Situated on the ground floor in the Chamberlain's wing, this bedroom has it's own front door with direct access outside as well as being connected by an internal staircase to the main body of the castle. The walls are vibrant with Scottish art and the dramatic bathroom is right out of the 21st century with it's sleek stand alone bath and basin made of the coolest marble. This room can also be twinned.

Richard's Room

Situated in the Chamberlain's Wing, this bedroom is elegantly furnished with hand painted French mahogany furniture and is decorated in muted shades of green. The bathroom is almost as large as the bedroom and apart from an enormous roll top bath, there is also a separate walk in shower with a shower head the size of a dinner plate. This bedroom can also be twinned.

Schoolroom

Nestled at the top of the castle, this room used to be the original school room for the Fairlie children. Evidence of this is all around with toys and children's books and even the old school bell in the adjacent small sitting room. Another feature of this room is the beautiful hand painted French mahogany bed. Exotic birds guard the magnificent views down over the formal gardens - this is truly the room for garden lovers.

Bathrooms

After a hard day's golf or a morning spent waist high in a salmon river, you'll appreciate the torrents of hot water, the clouds of scented steam and the thick, fluffy, heated towels that await you.

The clean lines of polished chrome French taps, a state of the art modern shower set against an original roll top bath, all housed within a room large enough to hold court in!

Recharge your batteries

With a wide range of activities from the muddy and energetic in the highlands to the shopping and culture of two great cities in the lowlands.

Discover Myres Castle's historic links with golf, Scotland's second most famous export. Or just relax in the library with a good book and a glass of fine old single malt.

Walking

The celebrated Lomond Hills...

...otherwise known as the 'Paps of Fife' are clearly visible from the Castle and the conservation village of Falkland lies below. The usual approach to reach the top of either the East or West Lomond is to walk from Craigmead towards Leslie and rewards the climber with a view of Fife practically in its entirety. Pitmedden woods lie to the rear of the village and cross the boundary from Fife into Perthshire. A multitude of forest tracks criss cross the hill and the entire area is a conservation area both well marked and accessible. Take a half an hour drive and the possibilities become endless - the walks around the southern areas of Perthshire are glorious and there are far too many to list here. Needless to say Lavinia & the Team at Myres are always happy to recommend walks and there are guidebooks and maps readily available.

Flied Sports

Country Pursuits

At Myres there is plenty of fishing and shooting to be done within a half hour drive and working in conjunction with local estates and field sport specialists we can assist in the organisation of these sports. Shooting The secluded, exclusive estate of Teasses is situated in a scenic part of North East Fife. Looking eastwards the hills command the spires of St Andrews, to the south the skyline of Edinburgh and north and west views stretch to Ben Lawers and the Grampian highlands. The estates rolling wooded hillsides provide high quality driven pheasants. 150-300 bird days normally let. Driven days and mini days with partridge and duck also available as well as mixed walked up days.Additionally shoot wood pigeon over the estates pigeon magnets . Seasons Grouse 12th August to 10th Decenber Duck & Partridge 1st September to 1st February Pheasant 1st October to 1st February Fishing The Salmon beats located on the Tay and Esk rivers are closest to Myres.Excellent fishing is available in season on both.Fishing can be arranged with an accompanied ghillie. Additionally Fly Fishing is available on a local 5-acre loch, brimming with Natural Browns, Rainbows and Blue Trout. The loch is stocked regularly with quality fish from 1lb+. The loch allows bank fishing only and is superbly located in rural surroundings. The water has been landscaped to allow fishing all round. There is a great variety of terrestrial and aquatic fly life, providing some challenging sport. Fishing & Shooting are season dependant. Prices are available on request. Tennis Myres Castle has its own outdoor, all weather court, within the grounds of the Castle, it is fully enclosed with nets and has a seated viewing area, perfect for a family or corporate tournament; we can even arrange a BBQ, picnic lunch or traditional afternoon tea, rounded off with a Pimms. The Royal Game The tennis court at Falkland Palace is known to be the earliest surviving court in Britain, having been built between 1539 and 1541 for King James V of Scotland. It is a rare example of the 'jeu quarré' court which was common in France: a more 'square' court, and with some very significant differences in construction (and therefore in the way the game is played), than the 'jeu à dedans' court which has survived elsewhere to become the most usual court for the game as played today. With advance notice they can arrange for guests to play and even receive tuition on this historic court. Falkland is 3 miles from Myres Castle Myres Castle is a family home which has always received guests and loved by its guests. We'll help you to entertain yours, from a modest cocktail party for friends, to an extended family banquet to celebrate a landmark anniversary. Discreet, unobtrusive service ensures that everything will be as perfect as you could hope for.

Rooms to relax in

The Library is decorated in warm tones of red and gold with its log fire and inviting armchairs. The 21st century has reached Myres as in this room is situated the sophisticated entertainment centre with a choice of over 200 CDs and DVDs and a large television which receives satellite and terrestial channels.

Privacy and Tranquility Whether you wish to communicate with the outside world via modem, fax or telephone, or simply play backgammon by the fire it is a additional haven within an already peaceful place. The Study also has Wireless broadband access.

The rich gold tones..

...of the Drawing Room provide a luxurious backdrop for a more formal gathering. Bathed in light from the original Baccarat crystal chandelier this beautiful room has remained the entertaining heart of the house for centuries.

The Dining Room

Polished mahogany, gleaming silver and sparkling crystal. A traditional Scottish sideboard, groaning under a wealth of breakfast choices. Candlelight flickering across the table as a sumptuous dinner is served.

Whether the table is set for two or twenty the dining room always retains an air of elegance. On a summer's evening this elegance continues with views stretching out over the formal pond whilst in the winter guests relish the thought of that same garden snow bound while enjoying the tempting dishes of Chef, Christopher Trotter.

Billiard Room

Formerly a Chapel, this room boasts a full size Billiard Table, art specially commissioned by Simon Casson & original William Morris wallpaper. The Billiard room is the perfect place to relax after dinner over a wee dram and a challenging game of Billiards.

Dining, as with everything else at Myres, is a unique experience. From the simplicity of a family supper around the solid oak table in the cosy Victorian Kitchen or the more formal setting of the magnificent Dining room.

At Myres, you can experience both, prepared to the highest standards, using the freshest local ingredients.

Dining Room

Polished mahogany, gleaming silver and sparkling crystal. A traditional Scottish sideboard, groaning under a wealth of breakfast choices. Candlelight flickering across the table as a sumptuous dinner is served.

Victorian Kitchen

Enjoy a simple supper at the old, much loved and well used, kitchen table, basking in the warmth of the Aga.