4 St. Mary's Terrace, Kirkby Fleetham, Northallerton, N Yorks, DL7 0SF
Thirlestane Castle is a magnificent, rose-pink sandstone castle in the Scottish Borders, functioning as one of Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited residences and the ancestral seat of the Maitland family, the Earls and Duke of Lauderdale, for over 400 years. Built on the site of a 13th-century fort, the current structure dates primarily from 1590, with grand 17th-century remodelling by Sir William Bruce and extensive 19th-century additions.
It is famous for its superlative 17th-century decorative plasterwork ceilings, an extensive collection of family portraits, and its unique Toy Museum. The castle, run by a Charitable Trust, offers public tours, luxury accommodation, and is a major venue for events, most notably the annual BVAC Classic Festival of Motoring, all set within beautiful parkland and estate grounds.
