A thoroughly modern mansion: 15th-century Scottish castle rebuilt 10 years ago with underfloor heating still hides a historic secret

Banish the notion that castle living has to be cold and draughty with this splendid Scottish gem.

The 15th-century castle in south-west Scotland was rebuilt just 10 years ago and is now a cosy but palatial family home.

On the market for £695,000, the price of a two-bedroom house in Ealing, Barholm Castle hides a historic secret.

It was the hiding place of notorious minister John Knox, founder of the Prebyterian church in Scotland, who was banned from preaching after criticising the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots, in a sermon delivered in front of her new husband.

After her imprisonment in 1566, he even called for her to be executed, but he himself survived the ensuing civil war in Scotland, dying in 1572 at the then ripe age of 58.

Painstaking restoration

Originally home to the local McCulloch clan, by the 18th century the castle began to fall into disrepair and it was eventually sold off in 1999 for just £65,000.

New owners Janet and John Brennan then spent eight years and several hundred thousand pounds on transforming it into a four-bedroom, 2,300sq ft home.

A grant from Historic Scotland helped in the repair of the roof, allowing the start of a painstaking restoration of the interior.

The ground floor is occupied by a 22ft kitchen, with attached outhouse and boiler room, while up the spiral stairs is what is known as the great hall, which has a vast hooded fireplace and a beautifully painted ceiling.

Both kitchen and great hall have underfloor heating to keep the cold away on those long winter nights, while there is gas central heating throughout the rest of the house.

Two en suite bedroom are on the second floor, a master bedroom suite - complete with dressing area, bathroom and office - is on the third floor, while a fourth bedroom - reputed to be Knox’s hideout - is at the top of the tower, which could also be used a cosy retreat with the best views in the whole building.

Rooftop views

However, there is another staircase inside the turret that leads to the roof, for enjoying being master of all you survey or simply gazing at the stars.

The property has a large greenhouse-cum-conservatory in a landscaped garden of 2.75 acres and even features a sundial.

The castle is near Gatehouse of Fleet, a small town in Kirkudbrightshire, and has stunning views over Wigtown Bay. Salmon fishing is a major attraction in the area.

Leaving your remote Scottish lair is easier than you think, with trains to Paddington taking as little as seven hours, while Glasgow’s Prestwick offers a wide range of flights to London and European airports.

Barholm Castle is on the market for offers over £695,000 through Knight Frank.