Dunskey Estate
EST. PRIOR TO 2016
PREMIUM VENUE
Dunskey Street, Portpatrick, Stranraer, UK

Dunskey Estate
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Dunskey Estate is like stepping into a storybook.
Located on a sprawling estate of 2,000 acres by the sea, this Edwardian castle and its enchanting grounds offer a dream-like setting.
The Lowdown
Type
BallroomBanquet Hall / Event FacilityCastle / Château / ManorEstate / House / Mansion / VillaHistoric Building
Views
BayCoastlineFarm ViewForestGardenLandscaped GroundsMeadow/FieldOceanRolling Hills
Style
British
Classic
Contemporary
Country
Victorian
Best type of Celebrations
Product Launch
Bachelor / Bachelorette Party
Birthday Party
Charity Event
Corporate Event
Family Reunion
Group Getaway
Holiday Party
Retreats: Corporate, Spa, Wellness, Etc.
Reunion
Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Reception
Workshops: Creative, Photo, Etc.
Anniversary
Engagement Party

Venue Setting

There’s no better place for your spectacular celebration than on our secluded Scottish lowland estate.

Our Edwardian castle and stately grounds make for a breathtaking venue, providing picturesque backdrops that evoke a sense of majesty in all who gather to witness.

Together, you and your guests will discover excellence at every level.

Viewing Dunskey Estate is like stepping into a storybook. Located on a sprawling estate of 2,000 acres by the sea, this Edwardian castle and its enchanting grounds offer a dream-like setting to your celebration. With an in-house team and refined list of professional vendors, every element of your fete can be accounted for and personalized in one place. Each event is given specialized attention and planned with the utmost care and thoughtfulness, from selecting your outdoor wild party location to world-class cuisine and a compassionate team. There are truly few places with as much exquisite charm and beauty as Dunskey Estate, which makes it an unforgettable backdrop to your most special gathering.

Capacity

Seated
86
Buffet
N/A
Standing
120
Fees
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
Price range

Does this include catering fees?

No

Estimated price per head

from $130 to $170

Insurance

Additional Insurance May Be Required Depending On The Event

Connect
Call Venue
Event Logistics and Amenities
(Essential event logistics and amenities to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for you gathering)
Celebrations hosted here since
2016
Curfew
No Curfew
Venue spaces
Indoor & Outdoor Venue Spaces Available
Catering
Client Must Use The Catering Provided By The Venue
Alcohol
Provided By Venue For Fee – You Must Use The Venue For All Alcohol Services
Corkage/Bottle Fee – You Can Bring Your Own Alcohol For A Fee
Licensed Server Is Required
Music
Indoors & Outdoors
Smoking
Designated Smoking Areas Only
Accommodations
25 bedrooms, 19.5 bathrooms
4 grand reception rooms
10 additional intimate, hang-out rooms
3 kitchens
Firepit, large back lawn
Yoga studio, art studio, movie theatre
Dressing up Magic Parlour
Eco/Green Events
Yes
Pet-Friendly Events
Yes
Kid Friendly Events
Yes
Handicap Accessible
Yes
Other
Yes
Amenities
  • A/V Equipment
  • Bridal Suite/Changing Rooms Onsite
  • Valet Parking
  • Wifi
  • Ample Parking Onsite
  • Dining Chairs
Inside Scoop

We create exceptional experiences for our guests without causing harm to our environment. Taking a holistic approach to hosting life-changing gatherings, we aspire to leaving a lasting impression on every guest without leaving one on our planet.

The Dunskey Experience ensures you are well-nourished in all aspects of your stay. There are no “one size fits all” packages found here and we certainly don’t believe in hosting ordinary fetes. Upon departure, you’re left with life-long memories of the time you spent here with loved ones.

At Dunskey, we know it takes more effort now than ever before to get everyone together in the same place. That’s why when you’re here, we do our best to make time disappear, pressing pause so you can enjoy each other’s company for just a little while longer.

Venue Features
The scene:
Established by a dapper industry magnate and Member of Parliament Charles Lindsay Orr Ewing, Dunskey Castle infuses intelligent luxury and historical romance into every second of your spectacular stay. The Castle, completed at the turn of the century, showcases unrivaled technology of its heyday and historical architecture of enormous proportions. Throughout the Castle, physical features will bring alive the patriarch's globetrotting influences and the rich history of Scottish merchants at the cusp of the Industrial Revolution. From the iconic Delft tiles that grace the mantelpiece in many bedrooms and social areas, to the outrageously intricate Baronnial plaster ceiling, which is deemed culturally significant by the Scottish government. Every moment at Dunskey promises true immersion into history, authenticity, and a perfectly bespoke luxury that befits the Castle's historical grandeur.
Design:
The Baronnial Porch pays homage to the Castle's medieval roots by incorporating original stoneworks from the 11th Dunskey Castle ruin that still stands dramatically cliffside a few miles down the coast. Its pared-back austerity sharply juxtaposes the entrance foyer, where rich oak panels immediately cocoon guests in warmth and resplendence. Ornate frames of art works original to Castle are displayed throughout the reception rooms, including an ever-growing collection of ceramics, a tribute to Charles Orr Ewing's travels throughout South and East Asia.

Inside the Great Hall, the Jacobean fireplace with its impressive curved countenance, bearing the ancient family crest, commands your attention and invites hours of lazing in front of its cracking embers. Offering views of rolling meadows, through the woodlands and as far as the eyes can see to the coast, the Great Hall embodies a quiet magnificence that can sheathe and soothe outward distractions.

In contrast to the stateliness of the Great Hall, the Victorian Drawing Room recalls silk gloves and calligraphed letters. Sink into sumptuous wool and velvet upholstered armchairs, most of which have been painstakingly restored. Stretch out on our buttery leather four-seat Chesterfield and be seduced by the handcrafted Grecian and Scottish vines and foliage that adorn the ceiling. Or play the liveliest round of Chinese Whisper on our leather-and-grommet Windsor conversational settee. There are few places better for escaping into a book than next to the roaring fireplace, beneath the spectacular floor-to-ceiling mantelpiece painted in the softest of dove gray. Operatic callings may be on the cards with the presence of the 19th-century mahogany pearl-inlaid piano, or if karaoke is more your jam, consider treating it as a station for whisky tasting.

Speaking of strong tipples, ensconced yourselves at the United Turkey Red Bar, named after the company founded by the Orr Ewing brothers in 1898, to produce their famously passionate and royal red dye. Entirely bespoke to Dunskey Castle, the bar retains its character from the oak wood paneling salvaged from the attic! While perched on gold and velvet barstools, you'll be charmed by maritime artefacts that came from yachts commissioned and built by Charles Orr Ewing, including gilded prints and photographs. The unusual exposed-brick, multi-tier fireplace will transport you to all the ship's rip-roaring follies on the sea once upon a time. Drink up if the ship's bell from HMS Anson is rung out. Charles' son David was a Naval Captain aboard HMS Anson during World War II.

If it gets too lively at the bar, retreat to the Officer's Corner, a stately homage to the Estate's history and records upon its formation. Here, you'll find an impressive stone-carved fireplace and a fascinating bookcase designed specifically for this quarter. Leather bound and gold embossed volumes of Estate records, crystal ink pots, and mementos from Charles Orr Ewing's globe-circling travels will certainly stir at your own wanderlusts. If that's not quite enough, wool upholstered sofa, throws of sheepskins and velvet armchairs will undoubtedly spur the most intimate parleys. Head towards Dutch kitchen with our most treasured heirloom at your feet: the carpets, dyed of course with the Turkey Red. Commanding perhaps the best lights and views in the Castle with its double-story windows, the space is named after the blue-and-white Delft tiles that grace the wrought-iron fireplace. Full disclosure, these Dutch tiles with their delightful depictions of a coastal village are exceptionally dear to our porcelain-obsessed hearts. Here, you'll find an antique spinning wheel, rosebud fainting couch, lioness chairs and, improbably, our upstanding bear Wilson, who is at least 140 years old. That should be all you'll need to create your favourite fairy-tale reenactment.
Standout venue features:
One-Michelin star chef, an exceptional in-house service team, not to mention the most unforgettable backdrops for outdoor meal, including our famous Dunskey Beach BBQ and Bonfire, are all yours to enjoy. Take hot canapes and whisky tasting at the Water Nest, our oversized dock by the loch, typically covered in flowers. 2000-acre of private grounds are yours to enjoy, including a maze and a walled garden.

A seemingly endless supply of magic and wonder exists across our slice of coastal Scotland. Guests have access to secluded beaches, enchanting gardens, a glen that stretches for miles, waterfalls and lochs. Our idyllic grounds provide a magical setting for you to spend your days kayaking the coves, seal watching, and going on fishing expeditions.

You can find plenty of adventure on solid ground as well. With trails, hikes, archery and more, our estate is filled with countless opportunities for escapades and exploration. Want to go off-site for an afternoon? Trek on over to the Dunskey Golf Course and Portpatrick Harbour for a leisure day of golf and pub-hopping—both are just a twenty minute walk away.

Built in 1900, Dunskey is a historically listed Edwardian castle. Superbly maintained since its construction, it retains many of its original features including some of the original furniture. From luxurious interiors to breathtaking grounds, our property offers every personality a space that suits their wants and needs.

Inside the castle are 25 thoughtfully designed and generously sized bedrooms and suits, complete with views of woodlands and wildlife. While all exude lavish living history and contemporary luxury, each room is uniquely decorated with notes of whimsy. From brightly coloured accent walls to arching canopy beds and elegant claw-footed tubs, each room will charm you in its own right.

Extra perks:
Tables, chairs, and white linens for up to 80 guests.

Our dedicated event staff and in-house chef will work with you to create an event tailored to your needs. Whether hosting a family reunion, a friend’s birthday, a retirement party, or anything in between, we’ll carefully curate a memorable celebration that will provide fond memories for years to come.

Few places exist that offer spectacular settings that lend themselves to meandering strolls, rigorous hikes, beach BBQ’s, and boat outings all in one location. And while there is more than enough entertainment on-site, you and your guests are free to head off property to hit a few rounds at Dunskey Golf Club, or drink with the locals in a village pub—both are just a short distance away. When your day is done, our accommodations will guarantee you the rest and relaxation you need for another day of revelry in our enchanting venue.

Awards & Notables
Awards, recognitions, or noteworthy achievements associated with the venue.
The Guardian
Lodestar Anthology
Singapore Straits
Salvage Hunter
Scottish Fields
Food Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Lounges
This section provides insights into our diverse culinary and social offerings.
We feature a one-Michelin star chef and a full service team to create the most bespoke menu for your event.

Dunskey Estate offers unparalleled culinary experiences, using only the finest, locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Our accomplished head chef creates unbeatable bespoke menus, world-class cuisine, and a dining atmosphere where people come to explore and be delighted. No dining experience would be complete without the expertise of our in-house curator of wines and spirits, who can suggest pairings to complement each course.

We strive to support organic and sustainable cuisine, sourcing much of our food from local suppliers, who we work closely with to ensure their practices are aligned with our values. By reducing plastic packaging, composting food waste, and serving only the highest-grade cuts of meat from cruelty-free farms, you can be assured that your meal has minimal impact upon our environment.

Our head chef David Alexander is an extraordinary human. First, he is truly an exceptional chef who has devoted his life to culinary adventures and excellence. Dave hails from Michelin-star, 3AA Rosette kitchens, and has over twenty years of leading professional teams in high-pressure environment. Dave cares deeply about using local and seasonal goodies, and is a champion of all the the excellent ingredients that Southwest Scotland has to offer. However, everyone at Dunskey simply loves Dave because he devotes himself to maintaining a beautifully calm, cooperative, and stress-free kitchen. We consider ourselves the luckiest people in the world to have Dave on the team, and once you experience his phenomenal food, you, too, will try to whisk him away to your home country (don’t you dare!)

We create a menu for every occasion, delivering festive dishes to spectacular locales. Whether a sashimi soiree on the loch or a hot chocolate afternoon tea in front of a Castle ruin, we promise that every meal is a memorable event. Your entire stay will be imbued with highly personal touches across a truly diverse culinary experience. Drawing upon your preferences, we source many of our ingredients at their peak-freshness right from Dunskey’s own gardens, crafting seasonal, delicious meals during your time at the estate.

A full bar, the United Turkey Red, is available during your entire stay. No dining experience would be complete without the expertise of our in-house curator of wines and spirits, who can suggest pairings to complement each course.

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Dunskey Estate
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