Knock Old Castle, Largs, North Ayrshire

Reviewed by The Bath Family from Edinburgh

For almost twenty years – in fact ever since Bruce and Nicky Walker bought Knock Castle, an old Victorian pile overlooking the Firth of Clyde – they have dreamed of renovating the original but derelict castle in the grounds. Now, after five years of painstaking work, Knock Old Castle, which also has amazing views out to Bute, Cumbrae and Arran, has been brought back to life. This was a labour of love for Bruce in particular, and it shows: the property developer from Prestwick has thrown cash at this bijou little castle and the result is a quirky fairtyale building in which even the smallest aspect is bespoke. The attention to detail is quite remarkable.

It’s difficult to know where to start, but the new wing is probably the obvious place. This holds the big wooden-beamed kitchen/diner downstairs and a sitting room with stunning views upstairs. Downstairs in the old castle there’s a snug with log burning fire, while on the first floor there’s the first of the four bedrooms, which is reached from the new wing but is in the old section of the castle. From here, you can reach the other three double bedrooms, each of which is en suite and occupies a whole floor of the tower, although they are certainly not huge and the one on the top floor is not for really big people. The place has the usual goodies, like WiFi and Sky TV etc...

But what such a prosaic description can’t convey is the remarkable character bestowed by Bruce’s eccentric flourishes. Some are practical innovations – such as the two-person sauna at the end of the walkway or the glass-topped viewing turret with amazing views of the Clyde – but most are not. Whether it’s the Walkers’ art collection, the hefty wooden furniture and beds made by local carpenters, the eclectic murals, Teletubbie weathervane or even the scultures of sheep grazing on the roof, the whole place feels somehow otherworldly. In short, it’s memorable and unmissable – and I simply couldn’t recommend the place highly enough. Prices from £1600 per week