Thirlestane Castle
Thirlestane Castle is located in Lauder, Scotland. The 16thcentury castle was built by the Maitland family upon an earlier border fort from the 13thcentury. The current castle was completed in 1590, remodeled in the 1670s and in the 1840s when it was enlarged. The additions included two front towers, the grand staircase, and lavish staterooms with plasterwork ceilings. The castle has 17thcentury furnishings and is known for its paintings, porcelain, and historic toy collection. Thirlestane Castle served as a county home for the Earls of Lauderdale in the 19thcentury, and was a home for St. Hilary’s girl school that was evacuated from Edinburgh during WWII. Captain Gerald Maitland inherited the castle in 1972 when it was in disrepair. In 1984, the castle was given to a charitable trust to ensure its preservation. In 2016, the castle, gardens, and public rooms were opened to the public. Thirlestane Castle offers five star accommodations in the south wing that has five self-contained apartments. They also host cooperate events and offer private dining options.
