3. The Castle Of Mey, Scotland
The Castle of Mey was the only castle owned by the Queen Mother. The original castle was built between 1566 and 1572 by George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness. In 1952, after the death of her husband, King George VI, the Queen Mother visited friends in the Highlands. She fell in love with the ruined castle’s charm. On learning that it was abandoned, she declared, “Never! It’s part of Scotland’s heritage. I’ll save it.” She restored both the castle and its 30 acres of grounds, making regular visits in August and October from 1955 until her death in 2002. Prince Charles developed a similar bond with the castle during his childhood and still spends a week there each year. Before the Queen Mother died, she made the castle over to the Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust.
Today, guests can stay in the Captain’s House, where the Queen Mother picnicked indoors because of the sea views. This luxury self-catering cottage includes a 20-foot conservatory overlooking an enclosed garden. In May of 2019, Prince Charles opened The Granary Lodge, a 10-bedroom bed and breakfast perfect for couples. There are downstairs rooms and two luxury suites upstairs. A drawing room features an open fire and views of the Pentland Firth. All rooms are dog friendly. For more Castle of Mey rentals, see this page.
During your visit, you can tour the Castle of Mey. The Queen Mother’s beloved pre-lunch tipple was gin mixed with Dubonnet and a slice of lemon — with the seeds removed! Visit nearby Dunnet Bay Distillers for a gin tasting; their botanicals are gathered from around the castle walls. Dunnet Head is Scotland’s northernmost point, offering sightings of the northern lights. Enjoy the mysterious Achavanich Standing Stones. The area also offers bird-watching — keep an eye out for puffins on the boat trip out to Orkney.
4. Llwynywermod, Wales
Llwynywermod, a former 18th-century coach house and farm, has been the Welsh home of Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, since 2007. In a secluded location outside the town of Llandovery, Llwynywermod is cocooned within 192 acres of farmland and woodland and offers stunning views of the countryside.
Two cottages adjoining the main farmhouse are available. North Range sleeps six, and West Range sleeps four. Both have stone floors, open fireplaces, and windows with oak shutters. On-site materials such as Welsh slate were used in the construction, and it is said that Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, did the interior design. The blankets, quilts, and curtains are made from Welsh textiles, and the rugs are from a local wool mill.
The cottages exemplify Charles’s commitment to green living. Sustainable natural building products include wool insulation and hemp plaster. Heating and hot water are from a wood chip boiler. A reed-bed sewage system filters wastewater, the gardens are pesticide-free, and even the washing-up liquid is eco-friendly.
With their open fires, these cottages are perfect for hibernation with a book and some music. Or stride through the sheep-dotted hills and dales in your rain boots like a royal. Carmarthenshire is famous for its many castles, and you can hike in the Brecon Beacons.
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