Fresh off his dramatic victory on The Celebrity Traitors, comedian Alan Carr has traded gameplay for real estate in a massive way. The television star has purchased a historic 19th-century castle in the Scottish Borders and plans to document the entire renovation process for a major new streaming series.
From Traitor to King of the Castle
This purchase marks a massive lifestyle shift for the chatty man usually found in London. Alan Carr reportedly paid over £3.25 million for Ayton Castle which is located just north of the English border near Berwick-upon-Tweed. He fell in love with the Scottish aesthetic while filming the hit BBC reality show at Ardross Castle last year.
Carr beat fellow celebrities to win the Traitors prize pot for charity. Now he is sinking his own fortune into a property that is as dramatic as the show itself. The comedian jokes that this impulse buy is his version of a midlife crisis as he approaches his 50th birthday.
“Some men when they have a midlife crisis buy a Lamborghini or grow a ponytail, but me… I want my very own castle,” Carr said about the acquisition.
He admits the romance of the idea took over his logic. He has always dreamed of owning a stately home since his childhood in Northampton. Now he finally has a turret to call his own.
What £3.25 Million Actually Buys You
Ayton Castle is not just a big house. It is a striking example of Scottish Baronial architecture built from red sandstone. The estate covers over 100 acres of rolling parkland and includes some truly eccentric features that fit Carr’s personality perfectly.
The property was designed by the renowned architect James Gillespie Graham in 1851. It dominates the local landscape with its towers and grand windows.
Key features of the estate include:
- 17 Bedrooms: Plenty of space for his famous friends to visit.
- The Great Tower: A four-story structure that offers views all the way to the coast.
- A Private Railway: A fully working one-mile miniature railway line runs through the grounds.
- A Gate Lodge: A separate stone building at the entrance of the estate.
The previous owners did significant work on the property. They updated the interiors and maintained the grounds. However, a building of this size requires constant attention and deep pockets to keep running.
Turning Stone Walls into a Dream Home
Disney+ has confirmed they will film Carr’s journey in a new series tentatively titled Castle Man. The show will follow the comedian as he attempts to turn the imposing fortress into a comfortable modern home.
Rumors initially swirled that Carr intended to turn the estate into a hotel or spa. However, recent reports clarify that he intends to live there himself. The series is produced by Expectation, the same team behind the massive hit Clarkson’s Farm.
The show promises to highlight the stark reality of castle living. Viewers will likely see Carr grappling with drafty corridors and heating bills rather than just picking out curtains.
The project is expected to be a mix of high-stakes renovation and comedy.
Carr has experience in this area. He previously starred in renovation shows with Amanda Holden in Italy and Spain. This project is on a much larger and more personal scale. It is not just a holiday home but a permanent residence.
A Home with Deep Historic Roots
Alan Carr is not the first famous name associated with Ayton Castle. The building has a rich history that dates back centuries. The current structure was built around an ancient medieval tower house that was once captured by the English in 1497.
American author Mark Twain once visited the castle in 1873. He loved the dining room fireplace so much that he insisted on buying the mantelpiece. He had it shipped back to his home in Hartford, Connecticut where it remains today.
Fast Facts about Ayton Castle:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Scottish Borders, near Eyemouth |
| Architect | James Gillespie Graham |
| Style | Scottish Baronial |
| Main Material | Red Sandstone |
| Famous Visitor | Mark Twain |
The castle has passed through several hands over the last century. It was a family home for the Mitchell-Innes family for generations. Later owners included developers who saved it from disrepair. Now it belongs to one of the UK’s most beloved comedians.
The local community in the Scottish Borders has welcomed the news. Many hope the presence of a high-profile celebrity will boost tourism in the area. The renovation project will likely employ local tradespeople and artisans for months or even years.
Carr has a massive challenge ahead of him. Restoring a Grade A listed building involves strict planning rules and preservation orders. He cannot simply knock down walls or change the exterior without permission. This struggle between modern comfort and historic preservation will likely be the heart of his new TV show.
Alan Carr has proven he can spot a liar in a castle setting. Now we will see if he can spot a dry rot problem in his own home.
