Forter Castle
- 12
Sleeps 12 / From £4,725 per week
Surrounded by stunning scenery in Glenisla, Forter Castle was originally built in 1560 and enjoys a history as rich as the countryside in which it sits.
Rich in history, originally built in 1560 and subsequently partially destroyed in 1640 by the Duke of Argyll, Forter has been painstakingly and sympathetically rebuilt and exquisitely renovated to modern comforts by its current owner, International interior designer Katharine Pooley. Set over five floors there are six bedrooms sleeping twelve comfortably, all boasting luxurious comfort whilst not compromising on the castles original character. The Great Hall is dominated by the wonderful vast log fire and exquisite hand painted ceiling and is a perfect setting for a celebratory dinner for sixteen (or buffet for twenty six), business venue or an intimate wedding, which is complimented by the small and unique chapel on the ground floor. A local chef can be arranged to prepare fabulous 3 or 4 course meals accompanied by beautiful wine. Alternatively they can also provide full catering during your stay.
Forter Castle in Glen Isla is exquisitely positioned and set against a stunning backdrop of rugged Perthshire countryside. Ideal as a sumptuous bolt-hole for total relaxation or alternatively, for those wishing to participate in all the area has on offer. It is a convenient base for a wide range of sporting activities. World famous golf courses such as St Andrews, Gleneagles and Rosemount are all close by. Well renowned rivers for salmon and trout fishing are on the doorstep, namely the River Tay. River Isla and the River South Esk. Pheasant, partridge, grouse and stag shooting can all be organised nearby by arrangement. Glenshee is easily accessible for those wishing to participate in winter skiing and snowboarding. Forter is also situated at the base of the Cataran Walking trail.
In addition to the 6 beautifully appointed bedrooms, The Garret provides four extra single beds enabling occupancy for up to 4 children (aged under 12 years). It is the perfect hideaway at the top of the castle and especially loved by the younger visitors to Forter.
Located forty minutes from Dundee Airport, where there are daily flights from London City. Edinburgh Airport is a ninety-minute drive away.
2023 Rates:
Low – £5,198 per week
Mid – £5,985 per week
High – £7,875 per week
Easter – £6,615 per week
Christmas 2023 and New Year 2023/24 – £9,135 per week
Mid-Week Break (Mon-Fri) – From £4,505
Weekend Break (Fri-Mon) – From £3,812
Catering
For catering, only Forter Castle’s own catering suppliers are allowed on site and to use the kitchen facility. Their prices start from £143 + VAT per adult, and £77 + VAT per child, per day. Alternatively, you can organise your own private chef, however they must have Public Liability Insurance (a previous chef set fire to the kitchen!), and a payment of £250 for them to use the kitchen facilities to account for ware/tare and extra energy. We can provide you with contact details of some of our recommended cooks and chefs.
Dogs
A maximum of three well-behaved dogs are allowed at any one time. Do keep the gate shut and your dogs in the grounds.
Please do not allow them on the furnishings. Absolutely no dogs on beds please.
Accommodation
The accommodation at Forter occupies five floors, each reached by a stone spiral staircase. The castle sleeps twelve comfortably. Each room has its own character and atmosphere and the new addition of storage heaters means that your evenings will be both toasty and relaxing. It has recently been refurbished, boasting a kitchen full of modern conveniences, including catering oven.
The magnificent great hall has comfortable seating for up to 18 and can accommodate up to 26 for dinner. The vast log fire and painted ceiling makes these unique surroundings perfect for any special occasion.
A small chapel is available for an intimate wedding or christening by arrangement.
Accommodation comprises
Six bedrooms.
Hall.
Small chapel.
Spacious and well equipped Chalon kitchen.
Breakfast room.
Cloakroom/W.C.
Upper Ground
Roberts Room – Four poster (accessed by private staircase from the Great Hall)
2nd Floor
The Lairds Room (Master Bedroom) – Four poster – en-suite
3rd Floor
Sebastian’s room – Four poster
4th Floor
Julian’s room (King Size Double Bed) with en-suite (Zip & Link)
Katharine’s room (Zip & Link)
Family bathroom
5th Floor
Samantha’s Room (Zip & Link)
The Garret
4 x single beds for children aged under 12 years only. Not for adults.
Downstairs WC and basin (ground floor)
Please note that, for insurance purposes, the maximum adults allowed to stay is 12, plus up to 4 children aged under 12 years.
Features & Facilities
• Linen (duvets) and towels inc • Elec, convector heaters and gas underfloor heating, Logs included, •TV for DVD’s only •Extensive DVD and CD library • Music system, • Payphone, • Microwave, • Dishwasher • F/freezer • Auto washing machine • Tumble dryer • Highchair • Cotbed •Hairdryers • Parking • Garden and grounds of 3 acres • Terrace with furniture • Private weddings and catering in the Great Hall for receptions (max 25 persons) by arr • 4 mountain bikes available foc • Baby sitting by arr • Unsuitable for the infirm • Pets – 4 well behaved dogs max.
All linen is included in the rental.
The Castle will be prepared for your arrival, however any further housekeeping services are extra and should be by arrangement with the housekeeper directly and ahead of your arrival.
Activities
Forter Castle can organise the following activities and catering on your behalf.
Packages can be adopted to suit bigger, smaller, child and adult only groups
2023 Rates – Please note prices do not include VAT at 20%.
Scottish Sporting Experience
£75 + VAT half day per person (minimum 6 people)
A favorite for a wonderful day event no matter the weather. A local friendly expert will bring tomahawks, archery and cross bows to the castle for guests to enjoy in the grounds. This activity is suitable for all ages (5 years old+).
Hunting, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Fishing & Golf
£Please submit your enquiry for a tailored quote
All wonderful outdoor adventures that depending on time of year should be experienced in Scotland particularly as Forter Castle is situated around the Cairngorm National Park. The Cairngorm National Park has been voted as a top 20 place to visit in the world by National Geographic Traveler.
Hunting and fishing are excellent all year around but fishing is particularly popular from January-October each year as its salmon season and from October 1st equally popular for hunting is the pheasant season.
Mountain biking and golf are available all year around. Forter has three basic bikes included in your rental but we can arrange bespoke guided off road tours with a trusted local guide.
Skiing is available at Glenshee 25 minutes’ drive away from Dec-March each year.
Incredibly there are hundreds of golf courses within 1.5 hours drive of Forter Castle including the Rosemount (40 minutes) Gleneagles (45 minutes), and St Andrews (1.5hr)
Guided Hiking
£275 + VAT (3 hours) or £550 + VAT (up to 6 hours)
A wonderful chance to walk part of the Cateran trail with a local guide. The guide will meet you at the castle and take you on one of the many spectacular routes that surround Forter Castle.
Clay Shooting Experience
Visiting a local estate you will be using traps located in the beautiful hills only a few miles from Forter Castle. All equipment and coaching (if needed) is provided. The cost is roughly £90 + VAT for the session and then the cost is £1 per clay shot with a minimum of 50 clays per person per session. The session is paid for in advance to Forter and then the number of clays used are paid directly to the gamekeeper/estate after your shoot has finished.
Bagpiper
£275 + VAT (£350 + VAT Wedding)
A local bagpiper can come for two hours and pipe you awake or simply stir the emotions of days gone by at anytime.
Birds of Prey Display
£770 + VAT
This is a wonderful opportunity to see a variety of stunning birds of prey flying demonstration at Forter Castle for a fixed period (between 30 and 60 minutes is most common). A demonstration will include multiple species of birds including owls, hawks, kites, falcons, buzzards, vultures, caracaras and mighty eagles.
Ceilidh (Live Music with Dancing Night)
£605 + VAT(2 piece band)
A wonderful chance to have a local band playing traditional music whilst you and your guests are guided through famous Scottish dances from the comfort of the Great Hall.
Popular Catering Options
Fully Catered Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
£187 + VAT per person (minimum 6 people)
Gold Standard Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Cooked breakfast, basic either packed lunch or buffet style lunch and three course dinner.
£143 + VAT per person (minimum 6 people)
Silver standard Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Cooked breakfast, basic either packed lunch or buffet style lunch and three course dinner.
£77 + VAT Childrens Catering all day per child (3-11 years)
Continental breakfast, packed lunch and a two course dinner.
Please note that dining does not include travel expenses £40 each day and waiter service at £80 (waiter(s) must be used for the evening meal service as the Great Hall is separated from the kitchen by two flights of stairs)
All food options do not include alcohol which can be priced separately or simply bring your own.
Where to find Forter Castle
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