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Overview
A fortified tower with panoramic views that delivers the full King of the Castle experience.
A regal tower set by the coast with outdoor pursuits and golf courses galore on the doorstep.
With origins dating to the 11th Century, Fenton Tower offered refuge to King James VI of Scotland in the late 16th Century before it was sacked by Oliver Cromwell and left to fall into disrepair. The crumbling stone ruin formed a familiar part of the rolling North Berwick countryside for centuries, until lifelong friends Ian Simpson and John Macaskill embarked on a four-year restoration project, unveiling a tower once again fit for a king in 2002.
Featuring an atmospheric vaulted dining chamber, a tremendous fire-warmed Great Hall and cosy library in addition to seven lavish bedrooms, the property abounds with authentic period touches - suits of armour, heavy antique chests, wall-hung tapestries and painted coats of arms have guests in the dining hall and Great Hall feeling suitably regal.
The bedrooms, each named after local families, ooze romance with indulgences like an Italian silver-gilt double frame bed in Carmichael, a vast antique French copper bath in Erskine and a canopied half-tester bed in Ruthven. And, while the four double suites are particularly sought-after, the remaining bedrooms each hold their own allure: Seton is a cosy twin room tucked at the top of its own spiral staircase; the Garret Suite, which can be configured as a double or twin room, sits at the top of the tower and boasts direct access to the battlements; while the single room Sydserff offers triple aspect views and comfy window seats from which to admire them.
It is believed that fortifications were first built on the site of Fenton Tower because it offered views in every direction and the views are no less panoramic today, sweeping over North Berwick’s sandy East and West Bays, the Lammermuir Hills and Moorfoot Hills. The tower is ideally situated for exploring East Lothian’s rugged coastline, popping up to Edinburgh (40 minutes’ drive away), and playing at some of the 100 golf courses that are found within 30 miles of it. (If that’s still too far away, there are 15 golf courses within 10 miles of Fenton Tower, including Gullane, North Berwick and Muirfield.) Outdoor pursuits fans will be eager to visit the nearby Fenton Brunt Estate for pheasant and partridge shooting or enjoy excellent fly fishing in the local rivers and lochs.
For the full Fenton Tower experience, gather up to 12 of your favourite people and prepare to be lavished with fully inclusive service: a chef to prepare gourmet meals, staff to pander to your every need, a Piper to pipe you all into dinner, a celebratory Burns Supper, whisky tastings held by the fire…
Property details
Accommodation
It is important to note that the accommodation is set over five floors that are accessed by two spiral staircases and as a result, is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Ground floor
Entrance hall
Dining room with vaulted ceiling and walnut dining table which can seat up to 22 guests. For larger parties, the room can be set up to seat 32 guests on five tables.
Boot room
Cloakroom with WC and basin.
Kitchen
First floor
Great Hall with large stately fireplace and ample seating.
Library with TV and private bar.
Seton bedroom with twin beds, TV with Freeview and DVD player, Roberts radio and side table.
En-suite bathroom with walk-in shower, WC and basin.
Mezzanine level
Sydserff bedroom with single bed, dressing table and window seat.
Second floor
Carmichael bedroom with Italian silver-gilt bed, side tables, day bed, TV with Freeview and DVD player, Roberts radio, wardrobe and decorative fireplace.
En-suite bathroom with free-standing cast-iron bath, separate walk-in shower, double basins and WC.
Ruthven bedroom with super king bed with canopy, TV with Freeview and DVD player, Roberts radio, side tables and writing desk.
Dressing room with ample storage.
En-suite bathroom with original Doulton of Paisley canopy bath, decorative fireplace, basin and WC.
Third floor
Stewart bedroom with zip and link beds which can be configured as a super king double or twin, wardrobe, side tables, desk, TV with Freeview and DVD player, Roberts radio, day bed and decorative fireplace.
En-suite bathroom with bath, double basins and WC.
Erskine bedroom with zip and link beds which can be configured as a super king double or twin, side tables, armchair, TV with Freeview and DVD player and Roberts radio.
Dressing room.
En-suite bathroom with large, French antique copper bath, separate walk-in shower, WC and basin.
Fourth floor
The Garret suite with zip and link beds which can be configured as a super king double or twin, side tables, armchair, TV with Freeview and DVD player, Roberts radio and chest of drawers. This room benefits from a private seating area with access out to the battlements, offering panoramic views towards the coast and Lammermuir Hills.
En-suite shower room with walk-in shower, WC and basin.
Outside
Fenton Lodge is surrounded by a large lawned grounds with panoramic views in all directions. Fenton Lodge sits nearby but has its own separate access road. While the wider grounds are shared, guests to the lodge do not have access to the courtyard drive or front lawn in front of Fenton Tower. Guests are welcome to walk across the wider estate.
Parking
Ample private parking is available to the side of Fenton Tower.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
For safety reasons, we do not permit electric vehicle or hybrid car charging at this property. If you’re travelling by EV, discover your nearest electric vehicle charging point here.
Babies & Children
Babies and children are welcome but should be closely supervised at all times.
Dogs
One dog is permitted with prior arrangement - strict house rules apply. Dogs are strictly not permitted into any of the bedrooms or on any of the furniture. Dogs must sleep on the lower-ground floor in a crate (not provided) each evening. Any damage caused or additional cleaning required will result in charges to the security deposit.
Guest amenities
Bed linen, towels and bathrobes are provided. Guest toiletries are also provided.
Wi-Fi & mobile coverage
Superfast broadband is provided. Mobile coverage is generally good outside the property.
Heating
Heating throughout.
Exclusive use
Price on application, subject to guest requirements.
Prices from £3520 for a 2 night stay for 10 guests on an exclusive basis including breakfast.
Lunches, atmospheric candle-lit dinners in the vaulted dining room, as well as picnic lunches can all be accommodated at additional cost. The chefs at Fenton Tower use fresh local produce to create dishes to suit all individual requirements, complemented by a selection of fine wines.
Fishing, shooting, golfing, archery, horse riding, whisky or gin tastings can all be arranged subject to separate agreement and additional cost.
A self-catered option may be considered during low season (Jan-Mar) (Nov-Dec).
Please enquire to check date availability and rates.
SHORT-TERM LETS LICENSING
Scottish short-term lets licence number: EL00079F
The current EPC rating for this property is band G, a copy of the certificate can be found here.
Location
Exclusive use at Fenton Tower includes breakfast as part of rate. Lunches, atmospheric candle-lit dinners in the vaulted dining room, as well as picnic lunches can all be accommodated at additional cost, subject to separate agreement. The chefs af Fenton Tower use fresh local produce to create dishes to suit all individual requirements, complemented by a selection of fine wines. For something truly special, a piper can be arranged to pipe you into dinner or why not savour the flavour of Scotland with a whisky tasting in the Great Hall.
The nearest town is North Berwick (3 miles) where the shopping is small and friendly with plenty of quality independent traders and fresh, local producers.
There are plenty of places for eating out with everything from sweet cafes and ice cream parlours mixed with characterful restaurants and bars ranging from the small and intimate dining experience of Osteria; regional dishes and cocktails at The Herringbone; or the distinctly rustic outdoor experience of the Lobster Shack!
Alternatively for a comfy nook and a perfectly roasted espresso head to The Steampunk Coffee House based in an old characterful warehouse in the centre of the town. And did we mention cakes? You can enjoy a scrumptious selection here including a rather heavenly pistachio and white chocolate brownie!
For more elegant dining, head to La Potinière at Gullane (4.7 miles) for superb food or the Creel Restaurant at Dunbar (12 miles) for delicious seafood and award-winning cuisine. Not to be missed is Tom Kitchin's restaurant 'The Bonnie Badger' at Gullane which is a fabulous 5 star AA restaurant using locally sourced produce washed down with artisan beers and wines from an impressive selection.
Activities
The John Muir Country Park covers some of the most spectacular East Lothian coastline, featuring expansive sandy beaches which are a haven for wildlife and birdlife. A gentle stroll from the house will take you to the harbour and the Scottish Seabird Centre where you can watch the rich marine-life and birdlife of the area using powerful webcams and telescopes, including some curious seals and dolphins if you are particularly lucky!
Here you can also take boat trips to some fantastic locations. You can enjoy a seabird catamaran cruise, a three island seabird safari or for nature lovers and photographers, an unforgettable experience on the Bass Rock or Isle of May.
Other favourite spots include the vast glorious beach at Gullane; the dune-fringed sands at Belhaven; or the secluded sands at Seacliff - an enchanting gem with a tiny harbour and wonderful views north towards Tantallon Castle.
For cycling you can join Sustrans 76 which runs all the way down the coast to Berwick-upon -Tweed or you can enjoy some leisurely cycling circuits along traffic free paths and minor roads, taking time to explore the quaint coastal villages of the area.
Bikes can be hired from in Law Cycles North Berwick or Belhaven Bikes in Dunbar, while fatbiketours.co.uk in North Berwick run lessons and guided treks on specially designed ‘fatbikes’ which are a fantastic way to explore the remote sandy bays and ancient clifftop castles of the area on two wheels.
Take the John Muir Way for walking, a scenic route passing through North Berwick and following the line of the East Lothian coast, or take a hike to North Berwick Law where you will be rewarded with fantastic panoramic views over the town.
For watersports, superb kayaking can be found around the waterways off Dunbar, with thrilling wakeboarding and ringo rides at Foxlake. Surf buffs can enjoy some enjoy some wonderful sport right along the coast and there is a surf school in Dunbar offering lessons in paddleboarding, surfing and coasteering. There are also dive charters from the harbours in North Berwick and Dunbar taking in the stunning nature reserve sites around the Forth, Bass Rock and Isle of May.
For golf, the area is world-famous for its stunning links courses with the North Berwick club right on the doorstep, and Muirfield, Luffness, Gullane all within easy reach.
Next take a visit to the magnificent city of Edinburgh (26 miles) where you can explore the fascinating architecture of the old town and soak-up the culture and heritage of this beautiful vibrant city. Wander the cobbled closes and narrow stairwells of the Royal Mile and Grassmarket; take a candle-lit tour of the underground vaults of the old city for some fascinating tales of Edinburgh’s darker past; or perhaps partake in a wee dram or a tasting session at the Scotch Whisky Centre where you can learn to nose, swirl and taste like an expert.
Finally a visit to iconic Edinburgh Castle which sits majestically over the city and houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, 15th Century gun Mons Meg, and the National War Museum of Scotland. And if you’re lucky enough to be in the city in July and August, don’t miss the vibrant Fringe Festival, exceptional Jazz and Blues Festival or the Edinburgh Military Tattoo ending with a poignant lone piper lament high on the castle ramparts. Truly spectacular!
C&C experiences
We invite you to enjoy the most coveted and exclusive local experiences available in the North of England and the South of Scotland on your next Crabtree & Crabtree adventure.
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Children and families
Here at Crabtree & Crabtree, we like to think we’ve pulled together some rather nifty ideas to keep tots to teens happy and entertained during your stay.
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Fishing
Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.
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Historic houses and castles
With more stately homes, castles and historic sites here than you can shake a proverbial stick at, visitors are quite simply spoilt for choice.
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Wildlife
Our region is home to outstanding scenery which boasts emerald forests, pristine lochs and rivers, heathery hillsides, sweeping moorlands as well as a picture perfect coastline.
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Walking
From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.
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Golf
There are 40 golf courses in Northumberland, and another 21 in the Scottish Borders offering visitors an incredibly wide and varied range of golfing options.
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Adventure Sports
If you love a challenge or just crave a little excitement away from the day-to-day bustle of working life, we have lots to offer - whether it be watery pursuits, muddy blasts or thrill seeking, adrenaline-charged adventures.
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Cycling & mountain biking
Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels. Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.
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Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
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Ancestral history research
Crabtree & Crabtree know that tracing the history of your family can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Here are our top tips for starting your family tree.
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Additional housekeeping
Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.
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Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
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Wine delivery
Crabtree & Crabtree have teamed up with Corney & Barrow one of the longest established independent Wine Merchants in the UK to offer a bespoke service.
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Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
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Reviews
Availability
- One dog is welcome with prior arrangement. Please see house rules under the Property Details tab.
- Fenton Tower is an exclusive use property which is fully staffed and serviced. The rate includes breakfast.
- Prices from £3520 for a 2 night stay for 10 guests on an exclusive basis including breakfast.
- Typical arrival day: Flexible
- Arrival time: 1pm
- Departure time: 11am
"Popping up onto the battlements for a spot of tranquil star gazing before returning to your merry gang, curled up by the fire in the Great Hall"Sue, Crabtree & Crabtree
