Luxury Private Houses & Castles to Celebrate Milestone Birthdays

Celebrate 40th, 50th, 60th and 70th birthdays in stunning, exclusive-use castle, country house, lodge and or cottage. Whether you’re looking to celebrate with family or friends, our IL ambassadors have found some luxury private accommodation, to create cherished memories. Most of these stylish castle and houses allow you to bring your own entertainment, enjoy a gin, whisky and or champagne cocktail masterclass, outdoor activities; golf, fishing, water-sports and spa, all of which can be organised with the luxury venue.  Private chef, butler, housekeeper, all of which can be provided for all the finishing touches to make that birthday special.

Whatever you’re looking for, the UK hosts an impressive variety of gorgeous exclusive use houses for you to have a luxury house birthday party. From spectacular Scottish castle retreats to beautiful countryside sanctuaries in England, Wales and Ireland, from bustling city-centre locations to action-packed seaside escapes, there are luxurious options offering outstanding levels of elegance and comfort to suit every birthday occasion. Here are some of our favourites.

Borthwick Castle – Nr Edinburgh, Scotland

Hawkswood Country Estate, St Andrews, Fife

From the moment guests arrive, it is clear that they are visiting somewhere truly special.  Consisting of three properties, nestled in the beautiful Fife countryside, each has been designed and furnished with exceptional care, providing a truly luxurious and comfortable place to celebrate. The team at Hawkswood can arrange for all staffing requirements, engage a private Chef to cater for that special celebratory dinner. The Roundel Room can accommodate dining for larger parties, or enjoy dining alfresco in a more relaxed manner with the impressive Mediterranean barbecue and outdoor patio area.

Hawkswood House and The Roundel each offer five delightful en-suite bedrooms suitable as either double or twin accommodation, as well as stunning reception rooms, beautiful outdoor entertaining options for the warmer months and top-of-the-range kitchens. Both properties offer guests the chance to unwind in the Hydro Spa, the perfect way to relax. Bowhill Bed and Breakfast is also beautifully appointed, with rooms available on an individual basis or to supplement Hawkswood House and The Roundel.

Look at this video to see for yourself the wonderful accommodation available at Hawkswood Country Estate and picture yourself celebrating there.

Archerfield House, North Berwick 

A magnificent, 17^th Century Grade 1 listed house, sumptuously renovated, Archerfield House promises an unforgettable experience for that special birthday. Accommodating groups of up to thirty guests in the house itself, there are additional accommodation options located around the stunning estate.

With elegant en-suite bedrooms, principal room, a rotunda, dining room and even a snooker room, the exclusive use of this stunning venue offers a truly exceptional way to celebrate. Perhaps you might begin your celebration with afternoon tea in the Rotunda – a beautiful reception room with a glass topped cupola ceiling? Or you may wish to partake of the estate Links golf course or the Fletcher’s Cottage Spa… or keep it simple and work up an appetite with a saunter to Yellowcraigs Beach. You choose the tone for your event and the team at Archerfield will meet your every need. And for the main event – enjoy a celebratory dinner in the splendid, elegant Dining Room.

With discreet staff on hand throughout your stay, you won’t have to lift a finger, leaving you and your guests free to relax and enjoy your memorable visit.

Stucktaymore, Perthshire

On the banks of Loch Tay, in a spectacular setting, lies the splendidly comfortable Stucktaymore, an 18th Century former hunting lodge.  Ideal for a family party, Stucktaymore offers facilities for adults and children alike. With beautiful gardens, an enchanted forest with burns and bridges to explore, games and entertainment rooms the younger members of a party will be kept busy; whilst for adults there is a library, log fires, an outdoor Jacuzzi and a bar with stunning views over the loch. The bedrooms are luxurious, the bathrooms elegant and the public rooms well thought out. There is even a yoga room which doubles as a disco room – genius!

Sleeping up to 29, your party could explore the Scottish Highlands or simply stay at the house and enjoy the wonderful amenities, inside and out. Enjoy a formal birthday dinner in the Dining Room, with your own personal chef arranged by the owners or if you prefer a more relaxed celebration, and make use of the superb kitchen, then round off the evening toasting marshmallows and stargazing at one of the most beautiful fire pits our IL Ambassadors have ever seen.

Stucktaymore really does have something for everyone – wonderful accommodation in a spectacular setting, a perfect place to celebrate a milestone birthday with the family.

The Gart, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs

With a traditional exterior but stunning contemporary interior, The Gart is a stylish and exclusive setting in which to celebrate a 40^th birthday or any of those special birthdays The beautiful, impressive 19th Century baronial mansion, sleeping up to 26 guests, has been luxuriously restored to the highest standard; honouring traditional features but also reflecting the contemporary art and style of owner, artist  Stuart McAlpine Miller.

Set in a private estate near Callendar, the property boasts stunning views of the Trossachs, in particular Ben Ledi and the River Teith. Bedrooms are spacious and beautifully styled, the bathrooms are particularly impressive and the public rooms include a stunning bar, an in-house drum kit and a 100 ft, reception room.  The kitchen is contemporary and fully equipped or The Gart can arrange any staff you require. Hire your own personal chef, or allow The Gart to arrange the catering, and enjoy a magical celebration meal in the glamourous Dining Room, adorned with a multitude of glass chandeliers and a table embellished with bespoke contemporary chairs – a room with which to amaze your guests.

A spectacular setting to hold your celebration, with elegant bedrooms and contemporary bathrooms – in a stunning location, The Gart really is a truly unique place to celebrate that special birthday in luxury.

Blair Estate, Scotland

A stunning 12^th Century Scottish Castle nestled in 250 acres of gardens, parkland and ancient woodland, Blair Castle has been recently renovated to the highest standard of classic luxury, and their expertise is private dining and providing an unforgettable experience for the special birthday. Create a bespoke itinerary to suit your guests either on the estate, with activities such as Falconry or even a Mini Highland Games; or further afield fishing, clay pigeon shooting, rifle shooting and archery can be arranged. Of course, you may wish to simply explore the stunning scenery and the Estate’s wonderful gardens and grounds.

The staff are professional and dedicated to ensuring each guest has a memorable stay. Blair Estate offers a full range of bespoke private dining options, based on fresh, seasonal menus with local produce.  For the big celebration itself, perhaps enjoy a whisky tasting in the stunning 1668 Drawing Room and then proceed to the Dining Room to enjoy the talents of the award-winning in-house chef. If you decide to stay, you will find incredibly comfortable bedrooms and impressively elegant bathrooms.

Sublime and decadent, Blair Estate offers a truly unique and unforgettable way to celebrate a magical birthday.

Cluny Castle, Aberdeenshire

Cluny Castle is an enchanting crenellated Scottish Mansion dating back to the 14^th Century, set in secluded and beautiful grounds. The newly renovated exclusive use accommodation is extremely spacious, combining the historical, Scottish identity of the Castle with modern comfort, resulting in a charming and welcoming place to relax with your closest family and friends and create treasured memories.

The team at Cluny Castle pride themselves  on offering a superior service with exquisite attention to detail – so your celebration itself will be unforgettable – for all the right reasons. Whether you choose an intimate party in the beautiful and elegant Dining Room, something larger in the wonderful and delightful Tenant’s Hall with its mullioned stained glass windows or even to hold your party in a marquee in the stunning grounds, your event can be flexibly tailored to your style and requirements. With a choice of handpicked, talented caterers using only the very best locally sourced ingredients and attentive staff, your guests will enjoy celebrating a remarkable occasion with you.

Hopetoun House Stately Home Nr Edinburgh

For a truly spectacular celebration to mark the most special of birthdays, Hopetoun House would be difficult to beat.  One of Scotland’s most magnificent stately homes, this stunning building plays host to only the finest celebrations. There is a range of hospitality to choose from, from intimate drinks and dinner in the stunning State Apartments to an extraordinary Scottish Gala in the Adam Ballroom. Enjoy a lone piper or a full Pipe Band Beating the Retreat, a ceilidh band or a harpist, Scottish dancers or a ceremonial Haggis Address – any or all of these entertainment options would be memorable.  And to finish the night, what could be more sensational than a fireworks display in the grounds.

With exceptional staff on hand to help you plan and tailor your event at Hopetoun to ensure that guests have an unforgettable experience, in addition to award winning caterers using only the finest ingredients, a birthday celebration at Hopetoun will be indelible in the memories of all of those you choose to celebrate with.

Blairquhan Castle, Ayrshire 

An exclusive and memorable location in which to host a celebratory House Party, Blairquhan Castle is an impressive and exquisite castle in Ayrshire with 15 elegant and sumptuous bedrooms. This fine Regency mansion offers a range of sophisticated reception rooms and stunning gardens. Enjoy drinks in the glorious gardens or spectacular Saloon, dine in the beautiful Drawing Room or Dining Room and then retire to the Library to round off your celebration in an intimate and relaxing manner.

With experienced and accommodating staff, your every need will be catered for. The Head Chef takes pride in sourcing the finest seasonal ingredients from the very best local producers and creates stunning bespoke menus to be paired with truly exceptional wines. And once you retire for the evening, you will enjoy beautifully spacious rooms thoughtfully designed to provide the most extraordinary levels of comfort.

Your guests will love exploring this baronial mansion which combines the historic with the luxurious; an impressive yet charming gem in the Scottish countryside, creating the perfect backdrop to a wonderful birthday celebration.

Wardhill Castle, Aberdeenshire 

Wardhill Castle has been in the same family for 900 years, Wardhill Castle, dating from the 12^th Century, boasts a breathtaking location and stunning views, and is ideally situated for all the wonders the North-East of Scotland can offer. Recently refurbished to the highest standard, enjoy a few days away in opulent luxury in the Scottish countryside. Your itinerary might include country pursuits such as fishing or stalking, or partake in the golfer’s paradise of Aberdeenshire and tee off on some of the world-renowned courses.  Spend a day exploring the iconic Scottish Whisky Trail, taking in some of the seven local distilleries, or simply explore the stunning parkland and managed forestry of the estate itself.

And for the perfect celebration, enjoy a glamorous party in one of Scotland’s oldest castles. Relax and enjoy drinks in the Drawing Room, then engage a bagpiper to be lead you in to the traditional Dining Room for a formal dinner, lit by candles. Another option is to host a mini highland games for your family and friends followed by a barbecue on the terrace. Set the format of your celebration as you wish, with chefs and additional staff available by arrangement, and make your milestone birthday celebration truly one to remember.

Chaffeymore Grange Dorset

A 17^th Century stone manor house set in the fabulous Dorset countryside, Chaffeymore Grange is a simply beautiful house in which to gather with friends and family for a wonderful house party. Retaining original features such as inglenook fireplaces and mullioned windows, the Grange has been completely restored into a comfortable, stylish and luxurious home.  Set in five acres of gardens, the Grange also boasts a lake, tennis court, five-aside pitch and a croquet lawn.

Inside, there are 10 stylish bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms. Reception rooms include an oak-panelled Drawing Room, a games room and a stately Dining Room. The kitchen is large and well equipped, or highly-recommended  local caterers may be hired to provide a wide range of dining options. A blend of an historic building with comfortable furnishings and stylish contemporary décor provides a picturesque location for a relaxing and comfortable celebration with family and friends.

Pentrehobyn Hall, North Wales

A Grade 1 listed Jacobean Manor dating to 1625, Pentrehobyn Hall is a historic yet luxury exclusive use property in Wales.  Accommodating up to 14 guests, the Hall is a family house designed to offer a luxurious stay in an unusual setting.

Approached down an ancient tree-lined drive and situated in 100 acres of land including 3 acres of gardens, Pentrehobyn Hall offers complete privacy. In addition to seven bedrooms, the Hall also boasts an oak-panelled central hall and a large Drawing Room and Dining Room, both ideal spaces for entertaining and holding that celebratory dinner. The Hall prides itself on having the flexibility to offer whatever guests require for hosting their special occasion, from fully self-catered to a range of formal and informal private dining options, with a dedicated chef and waitress service if required.

The staff at Pentrehobyn Hall can assist you to plan a programme of activities for your house party, or your guests may simply relax and enjoy the historic setting and secluded grounds. Whether you would prefer a bird of prey display on the lawn or clay pigeon shooting in the extensive grounds, or to simply relax and enjoy each other’s company, Pentrehobyn Hall offers you the opportunity to design a celebratory weekend to suit your occasion.

Solent Forts Portsmouth

For that unforgettable, wow-factor experience, the Solent Forts offer a unique luxury location in which to celebrate that special birthday. Having reached your exclusive-use fort by boat, enjoy what is effectively your own private island. Award-winning accommodation, wine caves, rooftop hot tubs and saunas… the forts offer a quirky alternative to traditional venues. There are three forts to choose from… depending on how you envisage your event taking place.

Arrive by speed boat or helicopter for the ultimate thrill, enjoy relaxing drinks in the hot tub, sample the delights of your own private chef- whether you’d like formal dining or a barbecue – the choice is yours. Round off the evening toasting marshmallows over a fire pit in the middle of the sea… and retire for the night to luxurious yet chic bedrooms and suites in the midst of these historic and extraordinary buildings. There really is nowhere else in the UK quite like the Solent Forts which means you will be talking about this special occasion for years to come.

Hill Place, Swanmore

Offering a bespoke and flexible venue for your event, Hill Place is a charming 18^th Century house set in beautiful grounds in the heart of the English countryside. Elegant yet comfortable bedrooms, exceptional bathrooms, grand sweeping staircases and opulent reception rooms make this a lovely venue for a house party with which to celebrate your special birthday with family or friends.

Whether you are looking for a quiet, relaxing retreat or an action packed itinerary; self-catering, fully catered or a combination of the two, the owners are delighted to help arrange your ideal celebration.  Grand yet cosy, beautifully appointed, with a mixture of modern luxury and antique fittings – create lifelong memories both inside this lovely property and outside, on the manicured lawns and pretty gardens.

Cornwell Manor Cotswolds

Set in the beautiful Cotswolds, Cornwell Manor is an ivy-clad historic house well-suited to all kinds of entertaining. Surrounded by water, woods and idyllic English countryside, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it is a truly peaceful place in which to celebrate that special birthday. With a full-sized tennis court, outdoor heated swimming pool and stunning lawns, simply relax and enjoy each other’s company.

For the celebration itself, enjoy a quintessential English garden party in the grounds, with champagne, croquet and canapes. Or a more formal meal in the oak-panelled dining room complete with the family silver and dancing in the grand Ballroom afterwards. With traditional yet comfortable bedrooms and a live-in staff, Cornwell Manor offers an elegant and unforgettable way to celebrate with your nearest and dearest.

Ballinacurra House Kinsale Ireland

Adults and children alike will enjoy a marvellous reception at Ballinacurra House, where the owners seek to exceed expectations in every way. Ideally located to explore the stunning Kinsale peninsula in this glorious part of Ireland, or simply stay on the estate and relax with a range of activities tailored to your requirements, this is a luxurious and delightful place to commemorate a special birthday.

An elegant exclusive use country mansion set in a walled garden in the midst of a beautiful estate, Ballinacurra offers not only privacy and seclusion, but exceptional levels of service – nothing is too much trouble, from supplier recommendations through to organising a hot air balloon. With opulent accommodation, world-class sporting activities and historic locations nearby, a Michelin-standard chef and even a Cuban Cocktail Lounge in a converted woodshed in the grounds, Ballinacurra really is a truly special place to celebrate in style.

Lough Cutra, County Galway

A castle in a majestic location in the west of Ireland, Lough Cutra, exclusive use luxury, is an excellent place from which to sample the delights of the nearby vibrant city of Galway or the rugged wilderness of Connemara. Accommodating up to 17 guests in 9 bedrooms, the castle has played host to modern royalty, politicians and historical legends over the centuries. Set in a 1600-acre private estate next to the largest privately owned lake in Europe, Lough Cutra offers absolute privacy; the concierge team can organise a whole host of activities, either in the grounds or further afield, or your guests may simply relax and appreciate the stunning surroundings.

For the big occasion itself, the sumptuous interior offers many possibilities. Choose between the Library or the Saloon for pre-dinner drinks, and between the Dining Room and the Great Hall for dining or even dancing – the choice is yours. The staff pride themselves on offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for their guests, whilst providing a relaxed, yet luxurious atmosphere.