Design Story: Taymouth Castle

Summary:

Taymouth Castle and Estate, one of Scotland’s most historically significant estates, was at risk of collapse in the early 21st century. In 2019, Discovery Land Company acquired the estate with the vision of restoring it to its former glory and transforming it into a luxury private members’ clubhouse. Central to this effort was McKenzie Strickland Associates (MSA Architects), led by Eric Strickland and Robert Johnston.

MSA Principal Eric grew up in nearby Crieff, and his deep personal and professional ties have provided a unique perspective on its restoration. As the lead architects, MSA have played a crucial role in preserving the castle’s historic features while adapting it for modern use.

The restoration of Taymouth Castle was a complex endeavour, requiring careful attention to several key challenges:

1. Structural integrity: The castle was in a state of significant disrepair, necessitating extensive structural work to prevent further deterioration and ensure its stability.

2. Historical preservation: MSA Architects put together a talented team of craftspeople to meticulously preserve the castle’s original architectural details, such as stonework and ornate ceilings, while integrating modern amenities such as air con and fire safety measures.

3. Adaptive reuse: Transforming the castle into a luxury clubhouse required balancing historical preservation with modern luxury. The design had to ensure that new additions, like state-of-the-art kitchens and luxury bathrooms, were both functional and respectful of the castle’s historic fabric.

Design & execution:

The restoration project, completed in Spring 2024, involved a substantial investment of over £100 million. MSA Architects focused on:

• Architectural conservation: Preserving the castle’s original features using traditional craftsmanship to restore stonework, ornate ceilings, and historical detailing.
• Modern integration: Modern amenities were seamlessly integrated, ensuring that these new features were unobtrusive and complemented the historical architecture.
• Sustainability: MSA incorporated sustainable design principles, using natural materials and energy-efficient systems to ensure the castle’s long-term viability

Eric Strickland on the Taymouth Castle project, said:

“What we’ve achieved here is incredible. The castle was right on the edge but with sufficient investment, a clear architectural and preservation vision, and an army of insanely talented craftsmen – many of them Scottish – this castle is as good as new and should still be here for another hundred years and beyond.”

Eric and his team are now working on the designs for the 145 properties that will become homes on Estate.