See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy BETHAN EDWARDS, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER Published: 09:51 BST, 5 August 2026 | Updated: 10:18 BST, 5 August 2026
Alan Carr has insisted that he lives at his £3.2million Scottish castle and shut down reports of him opening a hotel and spa at the property. The comedian, 50, said he has to 'pinch myself' while living at Ayton Castle, situated in the Borders halfway between Edinburgh and Newcastle, after growing-up on an estate in the suburbs of Northampton.Alan, who purchased the property in February, revealed he has been inundated with CVs for jobs at the castle when it was believed he would transform it into a hotel. The Traitors star told The Mirror: 'I have to pinch myself. The castle is great, brilliant. Everyone thinks it's a gimmick - that's the problem - but I am living there!'It's really exciting. I love it up there. It's got dog-friendly beaches, the people are lovely, it's so nice.' After first purchasing the castle, Alan was left shocked by news reports he said: 'They said it would become a hotel with a leisure centre and spa when it's actually my permanent home. Alan Carr has insisted that he lives at his £3.2million Scottish castle and shut down reports of him opening a hotel and spa at the property The comedian, 50, said he has to 'pinch myself' while living at Ayton Castle, situated between Edinburgh and Newcastle, after growing-up on an estate in the suburbs of Northampton'Now I've been sent lots of CVs from life guards and someone even gifted me a jacuzzi hot tub. But it's Grade A listed so I've had to send it back!'Instead, the TV star is planning to keep the 17 bedrooms and nine bathrooms for himself and will open up a section of the 160-acre grounds to the public for glamping for a few weeks. Alan recently shared the summer escape on social media and that he 'can't wait to welcome guests to my lovely home'. The glamping experience will cost between £140-£160 a night with up to four people per tent with sauna and cold water session plus guided movement classes available.He wrote on Instagram: 'Do you fancy a last minute summer escape? Well, I’ve got just the thing. I’m opening up my castle grounds to a few lovely guests. So if you fancy coming along, I’d love to have you. Links in bio, can’t wait to see you - Alan.'The glamping trips are being run by events firm Bell and Canvas Co who will erect the five metre cone-shaped tents before guests arrive at the castle.The Celebrity Traitors winner is selling his home in the south of England and also said he is hoping to find love in the small village of Ayton, which has a population of just 600.His castle makeover is being documented by streaming channel Disney+, which plans to follow him as he turns it into a luxury venue. The star was inspired to buy the castle after his victorious appearance on Celebrity Traitors last year, which was filmed at Ardross Castle in the Highlands. Alan, who purchased the property in February, revealed he has been inundated with CVs for jobs at the castle when it was believed he would transform it into a hotelThe Ayton estate was once the stronghold of the Home clan, which controlled the area in the Middle Ages and were the ancestors of former Prime Minister Alec Douglas-Home.The sandstone castle as seen today was built during the 19th century for William Mitchell, chief cashier at the Royal Bank of Scotland, with many of the original interior features still intact.Mitchell purchased the estate in 1834 after the original castle burned down.After he purchased the property, Alan said: ‘Some men when they have a midlife crisis buy a Lamborghini or grow a ponytail, but me – I want my very own castle.’
