Featured image of Crossbasket Castle

Crossbasket Castle- Luxurious Scottish Castle Hotel

LocationBlantyre, Glasgow, Scotland (Google Maps)
Open for VisitorsYes
Owned byAlison Reid-Timoney
Official WebsiteCrossbasket Castle
Rooms AvailableYes ( Stay, Weddings, Events)

Built in the 16th Century as a tower house, Crossbasket Castle today has been transformed into one of Scotland’s most luxurious hotels and event venues.

Crossbasket Castle History

It is unknown exactly when the first castle was built on the site, but the Lindsay family built a tower house, probably in the 16th Century, which was used as a jointure or dower house by the family. Alexander Lindsay of Mains and Dunrod sold Crossbasket Castle in 1619 to pay off large debts he ran up through an extravagant lifestyle.

Crossbasket Castle was next owned by Archibald Stewart of Blackhall, Robert or James Baillie of Park, James Kincaid, Margaret Scott, and Matthew Cumming, and was eventually bought by Thomas Peter, the Dean of Guild of Glasgow in 1709. Thomas’s son, also Thomas, was responsible for extending the old tower to the east with the addition of a new extension. In the whole of Crossbasket Castle’s history, the castle’s ownership has passed through the hands of many people. However, around 1945, the castle’s ownership was transferred to the J. Little Trust and was used as a children’s home for a while.

During 1963-1976, the castle was owned by the Roosevelt Memorial Fund and operated as James Little College’s further education centre. For two decades, it served as a religious centre before it was purchased by Langvale Homes, the property developer who planned to convert it into apartments. However, he leased it to a children’s nursery while they sought planning permission.

In 2008, the property was marketed for sale by the liquidators, KPMG, until Steve and Alison Reid-Timoney purchased it in 2011. The Reid-Timoneys began the renovation of the castle and converted it into a luxury hotel which opened in May of 2016.

Crossbasket Castle Architecture

Crossbasket Castle Shrouded in Trees
Crossbasket Castle Shrouded in Trees”, by Iain Thompson, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Crossbasket Castle is a stunning 17th-century castle steeped in history and has many unique period features restored to its original beauty using traditional artisans and materials.

The castle brilliantly features nine breath-taking en-suite bedrooms, each decorated in a classical style and named in honour of a historical custodian of this magnificent castle. Each bedroom inside Crossbasket Castle has been individually crafted and strikes the perfect balance between traditional character and modern finishing. It is the ideal luxury retreat for guests looking for peace and tranquillity.

Many things stand out in the magnificent Victorian Castle, but the best part is the Crossbasket’s four-story bridal tower, which dates to the 16th Century. The fairy-tale turret room is built on a hill overlooking the Calder river and is beautifully served by a sweeping spiral stone staircase.

A self-catering accommodation called Gate Lodge is also available for stay purposes. It is a traditional two-bedroomed house located at the entrance to the Crossbasket Estate on Stoneymeadow Road. It is approximately a three-minute walk from the castle, perfect for families looking for a five-star experience with the amenities of the home.

Crossbasket Castle afternoon tea is also famous as it is arranged on the balcony of the Roosevelt Ballroom. It is named after First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who stayed at the castle on her visit to Scotland. Crossbasket Castle’s wedding provides a unique experience for the bride and groom on their special day. It is arranged in their Roosevelt Ballroom or James Little Hall, which can accommodate smaller, more intimate parties to grander affairs for up to 250 guests.

The castle grounds include a massive stretch of woodland, extensive nature walks, and a beautiful stretch of river which features majestic waterfalls. The convenient location assures visitors of a funfilled day with plenty to do and see locally, including golfing, fishing and hiking.

Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
Also, don’t forget to mention your name and social media profile link if you want the credits!

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He is a versatile E-Learning Support Officer and former Academic Officer at the University of York, United Kingdom. Not just an expert in education and technology, Debayan also has a deep love for castles and mountains. With a passion for travel, having explored 168+ cities worldwide, and a keen eye for photography, He brings a unique blend of experiences to the table. Specializing in E-learning content, IT support, AR development, and software engineering, Debayan has made a significant impact, educating over 200,000 students on Udemy.

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