Alistair Hardaker | Image: Ayton Castle (Knight Frank)
Comedian to document 18th Century castle’s restoration as part of upcoming Disney+ series
Comedian Alan Carr has reportedly purchased a 17-bedroom castle in the Scottish Borders for £3.5m, ahead of a television series which will document his restoration of the property.
Ayton Castle is located to the east of Ayton in the Scottish Borders, and dates from the 19th century. It is protected as a category A listed building by Historic Environment Scotland, with its grounds included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland.
In private ownership since 2014, the castle has since remained privately owned and isn’t routinely open to visitors. It did offer occasional open days events and tours, according to its website, last updated in 2024.
Ayton Castle is the last major work of James Gillespie Graham’s Gothic revival architecture, designed in 1845. Norman settlers were the first recorded owners of Ayton when the De Vesci family are understood to have built a small castle.
The Grade II property is listed with a sale price of £3.2m, and includes 17 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms over 160 acres of land.
Its renovation will be documented in an upcoming TV series for Disney+, with the working title ‘Castle Man’.
Carr said: “Some men when they have a midlife crisis buy a Lamborghini or grow a ponytail, but me – I want my very own castle. Since I was a boy in Northampton, I’ve always dreamt big, and have always been enchanted with the history and romance of a stately home and as I turn fifty, I feel it’s my time.
“All I want is a turret to call my own – get me over that drawbridge!”
