A Reintroduction to Fenton Tower
Hello, and welcome to the very first Fenton Tower blog!
This space has been created to help you make the most of your stay at Fenton Tower. From our activities on-site to must-see sights across East Lothian and beyond, our team is on hand to provide every recommendation to ensure you have an unforgettable stay.
To kick things off, we wanted to provide a reintroduction to Fenton Tower; a bit about our background and what we do here.
A Millenium of Scottish History
Fenton Tower has a history steeped in military, religious, and sovereign significance.
There is evidence of a fortified tower on our grounds since the 11th century, alongside the remains of the foundations of one of Scotland’s earliest Christian chapels.
Fenton Tower was long considered a strategic military vantage point. With panoramic views in every direction, an impending attack could always be seen.
Our current building was constructed around 1550, modelled to look like a typical fortified tower of the time. In 1591, King James VI of Scotland – son of Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Henry Darnley – was surrounded by a rebel army in Fife. The local townspeople rallied in support and helped him to escape and he took refuge at Fenton Tower, then owned by the Carmichael family.
James VI later became James I of England and Scotland, and upon the death of Carmichael, he granted Fenton Tower to Sir Thomas Erskine. It was then passed to Sir John Maxwell of Innerwick – although he didn’t get much time to enjoy it as much of the tower’s original structure was destroyed in 1650 during a sacking by Oliver Cromwell’s army.
The land and ruins of the tower then passed through various families until it was given to the Simpsons in the 1850s. Almost 150 years later, Ian Simpson – with the help of his lifelong friend John Macaskill – decided to begin the process of restoring Fenton Tower. Supervised by Historic Scotland, after two years of planning and two of meticulous work, Fenton Tower opened its doors again.
Ever since, it has been operating as an exclusive-use castle accommodation for private groups.
Accommodation Fit For Royalty
They say your home is your castle. When you book a stay with us, this dream becomes a reality!
Fenton Tower has been meticulously restored to retain all of its historic features and charms, with the addition of the state-of-the-art facilities a discerning traveller has come to expect.
The result? Everything you could wish for from an exclusive stay, with an in-house team dedicated to meeting your every need.
In the tower, there are seven luxury bedrooms that sleep up to 13 guests. From secluded rooms up spiral staircases to suites with free-standing bathtubs and spacious boudoirs with private dressing rooms, we have accommodation to suit all tastes.
Each room comes with sensational views across our estate, and every little touch you need to enjoy a moment of peace away from your wider group. Even the most joyful occasions can require a little quiet time, after all!
For larger family groups, we also offer two additional well-appointed accessible cottages that each sleep up to four guests – meaning we can host parties of up to 21 people.
Our candlelit dining room is at your disposal throughout your stay and provides an atmospheric backdrop for celebratory feasts, with seating for up to 32 guests. We have an exclusive partnership with one of Scotland’s best catering companies, covering everything from delectable multi-course tasting menus to our famous full Scottish breakfast each morning of your stay.
Then there’s the great hall, with sumptuous seating and a stately fireplace to provide a comfortable living space and a cosy atmosphere in the colder winter months. And of course, we can’t forget our library – equipped with its own fully-stocked bar, should you wish to indulge in a tipple or two.
When the time comes to check out and say a fond farewell to your luxurious surroundings, you may find that you don’t want to leave…
An Enviable Location
Located just 20 miles east of Edinburgh, Fenton Tower is nestled between Gullane and North Berwick. Some of Scotland’s most glorious beaches are on our doorstep, providing an ideal spot for a stroll in any season. The John Muir Way is also nearby, with options for walking enthusiasts of all experience levels.
East Lothian is home to world-class golf courses. We recommend a round in Muirfiend, North Berwick, or Gullane – you can even practice your swing on our grounds before you tee off. And if you would like to cast the net a little wider, there are over 100 courses within 30 miles of Fenton Tower!
East Lothian is also considered a birdwatcher’s paradise, with the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick just two miles from Fenton Tower. Grab a pair of binoculars and venture into the great outdoors – you never know what avian delights you will discover in our vast skies!
And of course, you have the cosmopolitan charm of Edinburgh on your doorstep too.
Our locally-based team will delight in providing suggestions for the essential activities you should partake in during your stay – from must-see attractions to the best spot for an artisan coffee.
We will post several blogs all about our location and wider locale soon – keep your eyes peeled!
Entertainment Abounds
Speaking of activities – we have such a plethora of options at Fenton Tower that you will never want of things to do!
We’ll dive into our activities on the blog very soon, but to whet your appetite…
Fishing is a popular way to spend a day here – be it by sea, loch, or river.
We would be delighted to book you in with one of our Orvis-approved agents, who will provide all the equipment, refreshments, and sustenance you require for a productive day on the water; including a wee dram to celebrate your catch, naturally!
The shooting season is one of our busiest times, and we can provide partridge and pheasant shooting experiences for up to eight guns at our sister venue, Fenton Brunt Club,
If bloodsports aren’t your thing, you can try out your aim with clay pigeon shooting and archery on our grounds.
On Hand For All of Life’s Occasions
Given the intimate size of Fenton Tower, we are a popular choice for group bookings; in particular, multi-generational family getaways.
If precious time with your loved ones has been on the agenda for far too long, we would love to provide a comfortable, luxurious space for a family occasion or reunion.
Christmas, New Year, special birthdays…the list goes on, but no matter what you’re celebrating, we can design an unforgettable occasion for you.
We also offer a limited number of weddings each year, which can be completely customised to meet your vision for your big day – whether you want to plan an intimate elopement or a larger shindig for up to 300 guests.
Our grounds provide a sensational backdrop for wedding photography, and we only work with the best local suppliers to create a personal, stress-free, and endlessly romantic celebration.
For those seeking a venue for their next corporate event where their every need will be catered too, we can host team-building days and small conferences for up to 50 guests, putting on buffet lunches and multi-course dinners that are sure to impress colleagues and clients alike.
As we are exclusive use, your party will be the only people with access to Fenton Tower for the duration of your event.
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And there you have it – phew!
We hope you enjoyed this whistle-stop tour of Fenton Tour, our starry history, and the eclectic accommodation and experiences that await you during your stay.
If there is one thing we are proud of, it’s our excellent customer reviews – each of which comments on our phenomenal team, who are attentive to your every need without intruding on your stay.
Time after time, we are told how our exemplary staff turn stays at Fenton House from remarkable to unforgettable. No matter how lofty your dreams are, we will always aim to make them a reality
If you would like to find out more about booking a stay or hosting an event at Fenton Tower, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We would be delighted to warmly welcome you through our doors.