Melville Castle

Dalkeith, United Kingdom

An earlier tower house on the site of current Melville Castle was demolished when the present structure, designed in 1786–1791 by James Playfair for Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, was built.

The original tower house was owned by the Melville family, before passing to Sir John Ross in the 14th century. It subsequently changed hands with the attached lands several times and was sold to David Rannie in 1705. It then passed to Henry Dundas through his marriage to the daughter of David Rannie, Elizabeth Rannie.

The Castle was owned by the Dundas family until after the Second World War, when the ninth Lord Melville moved to a smaller house on the estate and the castle was leased as an army rehabilitation centre and then later as a hotel. By the early 1980s, the hotel fell into disrepair and was unoccupied. In the late 1980s, the estate and the adjoining farms were sold, but remained closed.

In 1993, the castle was bought by the Hay Trust, which extensively restored the property over 8 years. The castle was reopened as a hotel in June 2003, leased by Aurora Hotels. Their lease expired in January 2012. Today it still operates as a hotel and venue for weddings and continues ownership by the Hay Trust.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1786
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Tara Francis (5 months ago)
We held our wedding at the hotel, everything was perfect and we are so pleased we chose this venue, the food was amazing too. Everything ran smoothly thanks to Kathryn who coordinated our big day perfectly and she was so helpful from start to finish. Our guests were also really pleased with their rooms as they were all beautifully decorated, the furniture is older but in keeping with the style of the hotel. All the staff were friendly and nothing was too much trouble, they worked really hard to take care of us. Thank you so much for making our day as wonderful as it was. We will be back.
Lucy Vendi (5 months ago)
We stayed at the castle for one night and found the cost surprisingly good given we booked at such short notice. The double room was warm and spotlessly clean, with 2 bathrooms, and all the amenities we could need (including a kettle with teas, coffees and hot chocolate). Breakfast was absolutely divine, offering continental and cooked. The location was peaceful and scenic. We'd definitely stay again.
Stacie Wringe (5 months ago)
Beautiful grounds. Castle is beautiful. This was a place for me to relax and unwind which I certainly did...so peaceful. Food in restaurant was delicious. Gentleman on reception (Manager) was very polite. A walk on the grounds at this time of year is breathtaking- autumn leaves is stunning.
Vikki johnson (6 months ago)
Amazing dog friendly place with unique rooms and lovely grounds to walk the dogs. Staff are so friendly and couldn’t do enough for you- nothing was too much trouble for them. We ate at the restaurant both nights and the food was delicious both times. Handy location just off the Edinburgh bypass
Laurie Triefeldt (7 months ago)
Melville Castle was perfect in every way. The building was historical and beautiful, on lush and well kept lawns. Our rooms were the best of wonderful antique furnishings and modern conveniences overlooking a field with two shetland ponies. The bar was well stocked and the bartender knew how to make many fancy cocktails. Dinner was delicious and served with a smile. The cost was very reasonable and lower than several other hotels we stayed in during our 10 days in Scotland. I would definitely recommend this hotel and would visit again.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.