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.

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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

Helen Blackburn (8 months ago)
We had a beautiful afternoon tea. The food was delicious and the staff couldn't have been more helpful and friendly. Such a lovely setting. Vegans catered for.
rick birkhimer (8 months ago)
We just stayed for the 1 night as a little relief from out backpacking trip. What a nice break. Short trip from Edinburgh, it is surprisingly private, beautiful grounds, top notch service, and beautiful rooms. Not overly big, making for a great atmosphere. If your wanting a little break, some peace and quiet, book it
Jo Granger (8 months ago)
Fantastic 4 night stay over a weekend, ideally located just outside the city in beautiful grounds. Staff were the absolute highlight, all lovely, and the breakfasts were very generous and delicious (we didn't sample the restaurant in the evenings). Rooms were extremely clean although the walls are thin but that can't be helped! Bed was really comfy and we definitely enjoyed the bar at the end of each of the 4 very long days we spent exploring in and around Edinburgh. Drinks are reasonably priced too, always a bonus! We'd definitely stay here again, loved every minute.
Pat Bailey (8 months ago)
We have just been on a 2 day break at Melville Castle with friends. This was our first visit and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Accommodation was superb, our room was very comfortable and overlooked the garden. We dined in the hotel, the food was good and the service was excellent. Highly recommended . Congratulations to all your team at Melville Castle.
Sarah Steel (9 months ago)
Rooms outstanding, spacious, and comfortable. Service not quite a 100% but very close. Food, afternoon tea excellent with sandwiches, quiche, fruit/cheese scones, also an assortment of small cakes. Dinner, great menu and choice. Would recommend the 3 pork evening meal. Location, the number 3 bus from the entrance of the hotel, takes you to the city centre in 35/40 minutes. I would definitely recommend and looking forward to returning in March.
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