A family-friendly stay in Kilmarnock awaits you at this castle. You'll be 7.9 km (4.9 mi) from Ballochmyle Golf Club and 10.8 km (6.7 mi) from Dean Castle Country Park. Highlights at this castle include a kitchen, a washing machine and free WiFi. .Enjoy the gym and sauna as well as access to a playground. Additionally, you'll find laundry facilities, concierge services and limo/town car service. .Sights within a 15-minute drive of this Kilmarnock castle include Kay Park and Dick Institute.
The BBSP Stadium Rugby Park - 10 min drive - 10.0 km
Dean Castle - 11 min drive - 11.3 km
Ayr Racecourse - 17 min drive - 21.0 km
Dumfries House - 21 min drive - 21.9 km
Getting around
Kilmarnock Station - 15 min drive
Glasgow (PIK-Prestwick) - 20 min drive
Restaurants
McRobert’s Food Shack - 7 min drive
McDonald's - 7 min drive
Costa Coffee - 7 min drive
Poosie Nansies Inn - 9 min drive
KFC - 8 min drive
About this property
Historic 2000 Acre Country Estate in Rural Ayrshire, near Troon and Prestwick.
Dating back over 500 years to the Wallace family, new additions were added in 1843 and today, the interiors are elegantly appointed with generations of antiques and artwork. Carnell is a welcoming family home bookable for exclusive use; the spacious reception rooms comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests in the main part with a further 6 guests in the newly converted East Tower (by separate booking see listing).
The main part of Carnell offers 10 bedrooms for guests. All have modern bathrooms and the rooms are equipped with large king or twin beds, fine linens and duvets. The newly converted East Tower provides a fully self-contained suite with a king bedroom, sitting room, bathroom, kitchen with dining area. A further 2 bedrooms with bathrooms are on the floor above. The East Wing is available as a separate booking but will not be offered to other guests if you are booking Carnell.
There are 2000 acres of gardens, parkland and farms surrounding Carnell for guests to enjoy. There is a hard tennis court, fishing on both the pond and the river as well as croquet and outdoor table tennis. There is a gym with an infrared sauna and indoor table tennis.
Pheasant, partridge and duck shooting is available in season from 01 October to 31 January. It is also possible to go deer stalking subject to the various seasonal restrictions. Outside of these dates, we can also offer clay-pigeon shooting as well as trout and salmon fishing on the River Ayr.
A full household staff looks after you and your party from time of enquiry to your departure. The team aim for a friendly but unobtrusive style of service allowing you to enjoy your house party to the full. For this service, we charge a Daily Guest Fee per person which is dependent on the number of guests & requirements but as a guide for 2026 starts at £165 plus VAT per person per day based on a minimum of 16 guests. This fee is in addition to the rental fee.
The Daily Guest Fee includes twice daily bedroom housekeeping. all meals and drinks with up to one bottle of wine or equivalent per day. We agree menus with you before you arrive. These are usually based on traditional British dishes using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Our excellent Chef can also cater to most dietary requirements. For those parties celebrating special occasions, we can organise music, dancing, photography, flowers, etc..
The dining room comfortably accommodates 26 guests. There is also a large outdoor dining area by the croquet lawn which can be tented and accommodates up to 40 guests. There is further dining on the Tower Terrace for smaller numbers and the John Knox Room can also be used for up to 12 guests. If you are planning a small wedding party, dining can be extended to 40 guests subject to additional charges in the main dining room.
A few people do ask about self-catering but the size of the house doesn't lend itself to this.
Whilst the house is set in rolling countryside, the nearby towns of Troon, Prestwick, Ayr and Kilmarnock are within a short drive and offer a choice of large shops, cinemas and theatres.
Glasgow is 30 minutes drive with an international airport and excellent rail links throughout Scotland and to England. Glasgow Prestwick Airport is 15 minutes drive and has flights from Europe and has an FBO for private jets. Edinburgh Airport is 75 minutes drive. Transfers can be arranged.
Some of the world's top golf courses are within an easy drive including, Royal Troon, Prestwick, Trump Turnberry, Western Gailles and Dundonald.
Local places of interest include Dumfries House, Culzean Castle which are both open to the public.
Edinburgh & Loch Lomond are approximately 75 minutes drive.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
1 accessible parking space
Front entrance ramp
Gravel flooring in public areas
Lift
Wheelchair accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
More
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
At least 80% of food locally-sourced
Comprehensive food waste policy
Comprehensive recycling policy
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Local artist showcase
Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
Smoke-free property
Vegan dining options
Vegetarian breakfast available
Vegetarian dining options
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
10 bathrooms
Bathtub
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Entertainment
DVD player
TV with cable/satellite channels
Video games
Food and drink
Blender
Chef service
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dining table
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Kitchen
Kitchen island
Lobster/crab pot
Meal delivery service
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Separate dining area
Spices
Toaster
More
Air conditioning
Cleaning products are eco-friendly
Desk
Desk chair
Dryer
Fireplace
Heating
Iron/ironing board
Living room
Phone
Printer
Recycling
Safe
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 40
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses wind energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 40. This property uses wind energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock in all accommodation.
Property Registration Number 8787-2999-9803-5273
Property is also known as
Historic House Gardens 2000 Acre Ayrshire Estate Hotel Hurlford
Historic House Gardens 2000 Acre Ayrshire Estate Hurlford
Historic House Gardens With 2000 Acre Ayrshire Estate
Historic House Gardens With 2000 Acre Ayrshire Estate
Historic House & Gardens With 2000 Acre Ayrshire Estate Castle
Frequently asked questions
Are there any beaches close to Historic 2000 Acre Country Estate in Rural Ayrshire, near Troon and Prestwick.?
The closest beach to Historic 2000 Acre Country Estate in Rural Ayrshire, near Troon and Prestwick. is Irvine Beach (16.5 km).
Does Historic 2000 Acre Country Estate in Rural Ayrshire, near Troon and Prestwick. have a pool?
No, this castle doesn't have a pool.
Is Historic 2000 Acre Country Estate in Rural Ayrshire, near Troon and Prestwick. family-friendly?
You bet! With amenities such as a playground and an arcade, as well as highchairs and children's books, it's no surprise that Historic 2000 Acre Country Estate in Rural Ayrshire, near Troon and Prestwick. is a winner with our family travellers.
Is there a free airport shuttle available at Historic 2000 Acre Country Estate in Rural Ayrshire, near Troon and Prestwick.?
No, Historic 2000 Acre Country Estate in Rural Ayrshire, near Troon and Prestwick. does not offer an airport shuttle service.
What time are check-in & check-out at Historic 2000 Acre Country Estate in Rural Ayrshire, near Troon and Prestwick.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Are pets allowed at Historic 2000 Acre Country Estate in Rural Ayrshire, near Troon and Prestwick.?