Dating back over 500 years to the Wallace family, new additions were added in 1843 and today, the interiors are elegantly appointed with generations of antiques and artwork.Carnell is a welcoming family home bookable for exclusive use; the spacious reception rooms comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests in the main part with a further 6 guests in the newly converted East Tower (by separate booking).
The main part of Carnell offers 10 bedrooms for guests. All have modern bathrooms and the rooms are equipped with large king or twin beds, fine linens and duvets. The newly converted East Tower provides a fully self-contained suite with a king bedroom, sitting room, bathroom, kitchen with dining area. A further 2 bedrooms with bathrooms are on the floor above. The East Wing is available as a separate booking but will not be offered to other guests if you are booking Carnell.
There are 2000 acres of gardens, parkland and farms surrounding Carnell for guests to enjoy. There is a hard tennis court, fishing on both the pond and the river as well as croquet and outdoor table tennis. There is a gym with an infrared sauna.and indoor table tennis. Pheasant, patridge and duck shooting is available in season from 01 October to 31 January. It is also possible to go stalking subject to the various seasonal restrictions. Outside of these dates, we can also offer clay-pigeon shooting as well as river fishing on the Ayr.
A full household staff looks after you and your party from time of enquiry to your departure. The team aim for a friendly but unobtrusive style of service allowing you to enjoy your house party to the full. For this service, we charge a Daily Guest Fee per person which is dependent on the number of guests & requirements but as a guide starts at £165 plus VAT per person per day based on a minimum of 16 guests in 2025. This fee is in addition to the rental fee. This fee includes twice daily housekeeping and all meals and drinks with up to one bottle of wine or equivalent per day. We agree menus with you before you arrive. These are usually based on traditional British dishes using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Our excellent Chef can also cater to most dietary requirements. For those parties celebrating special occasions, we can organise music, dancing, photography, flowers, etc..
The dining room comfortably accommodates 26 guests. There is also a large outdoor dining area by the croquet lawn which can be tented and accommodates up to 40 guests. There is further dining on the Tower Terrace for smaller numbers and the John Knox Room can also be used for upto 12 guests. If you are planning a small wedding party, dining can be extended to 40 guests subject to additional charges in the main dining room.
A few people do ask about self-catering but the size of the house doesn't lend itself to this.
Whilst the house is set in rolling countryside, the nearby towns of Troon, Prestwick, Ayr and Kilmarnock are within a short drive and offer a choice of large shops, cinemas and theatres.
Glasgow is 30 minutes drive with an international airport and excellent rail links throughout Scotland and to England. Glasgow Prestwick Airport is 15 minutes drive and has flights from Europe and has an FBO for private jets. Edinburgh Airport is 75 minutes drive. Transfers can be arranged.
Some of the world's top golf courses are within an easy drive including, Royal Troon, Prestwick, Trump Turnberry, Western Gailles and Dundonald.
Local places of interest include Dumfries House, Culzean Castle which are both open to the public.
Edinburgh & Loch Lomond are approximately 75 minutes drive.
