Multiple reports confirm that comedian and presenter Alan Carr has acquired Ayton Castle, a historic estate in Scotland. The property features 17 bedrooms and is designated as a Category A listed building, indicating its highest level of architectural and historical significance. According to Daily Mirror - 3am Showbiz, Alan Carr described browsing property listings online, saying he was drawn to castles with multiple turrets.
He recounted visiting the castle and immediately falling in love with it, despite initial reservations about the purchase. The estate also includes its own miniature railway, adding a unique feature to the grounds. Carr's involvement with the castle extends to television, as he is starring in a new Disney+ show titled 'Castle Man,' which will document his experiences managing the property.
I watch a lot of property porn. I did go castle shopping on Rightmove. It was on the turret section and I wanted two, three or four.
Major media sources indicate he has signed a seven-figure deal with Disney+ to film a series covering the castle's renovation. According to Daily Mirror - 3am Showbiz, Alan Carr described the purchase as genuine and not solely for work, emphasizing his personal move to Scotland. He refuted claims that he bought the castle purely for the Disney+ show, stating the series would allow viewers to join him on his journey.
Community engagement is a central part of Carr's vision for Ayton Castle. He plans to open the castle to locals and host various events, including fetes, dog shows, comedy performances, and vegetable competitions. According to Daily Mirror - 3am Showbiz, Alan Carr described wanting to give back to the community and expressed excitement about judging village competitions.
I just wanted one [a castle].
A public meeting intended to inform villagers about these plans was postponed due to high expected attendance, according to multiple reports. This delay has left some details pending further discussion with residents. Environmental initiatives are also on the agenda, with Carr planning to use the castle's land for animal sanctuary and rewilding projects.
According to Daily Mail - News, Alan Carr described himself as an animal lover who wants the property filled with animals and focused on rewilding efforts. Specific plans for these projects have not been disclosed, leaving uncertainties about the types of animals or ecological restoration involved. Historical elements play a role in Carr's personal connection to the castle.
When I put an offer in, I went up the drive and thought 'don’t fall in love.' And then I just fell in love with it.
He holds the rights to the Barony of Ayton title and intends to create his own tartan. According to Daily Mail - Home, Alan Carr described embracing his new status as a baron and his desire for a personalized tartan. He dismissed previous reports that he was planning to transform the castle into a hotel and spa, clarifying his residential intentions.
According to Daily Mirror - 3am Showbiz, Alan Carr described receiving a jacuzzi as a gift based on spa rumors but having no concrete plans for it. Personal context sheds light on Carr's motivation for the purchase. At 49 years old and turning 50 this year, he was inspired to buy a castle after appearing on Celebrity Traitors.
You sound like a w***er when you say you have got a castle. But I want to do community based things. I want to give something back like with animals. That is what excites me more. I will have fetes, dog shows there; comedy at the castle and the best vegetable competition. I will be there to judge the biggest courgette in the village.
According to Daily Mirror - 3am Showbiz, Alan Carr described enjoying the downtime and atmosphere during the show, which sparked his desire for a castle. He split from his husband Paul Drayton in 2022, marking a period of personal change. According to Daily Mail - Home, Alan Carr described feeling excited about the project and viewing it as a timely life shift.
Resident concerns have emerged regarding Carr's plans, with some worried that public access to the castle grounds could be restricted. These apprehensions highlight potential tensions between private use and community engagement. The postponed public meeting was intended to address such issues, but its rescheduling has delayed clarity on how Carr will balance these aspects.
No … I have bought the castle. I am selling up. I am moving up there. It is genuine. I am moving up to Scotland and it is not for work. When you watch the show the penny will drop and people will want to come on the journey with me. I am 50 [this year] and I won't be doing this at 60. It’s now or never. It is not a gimmick.
Uncertainties persist about the rewilding projects and animal sanctuary, as specific details have not been released. The schedule for the postponed public meeting is another unknown, with no confirmed date for when villagers will be updated on Carr's proposals. Filming timelines for the Disney+ series are yet to be finalized, leaving the exact start date for production uncertain.
How Carr intends to balance private residence use with public community events at the castle is another unresolved aspect, as he navigates the dual roles of homeowner and community host.
I loved it in The Traitors. You have a lot of down time. I was mincing around there and sitting in the library and thought 'this is amazing.' It did make me think 'I want a castle.' I mean I am entering my turret era. I am 50 this year and I know it seems I am having a mid life crisis. I don’t know what came over me!
Someone heard I was turning it into a spa that gifted me a jacuzzi. I have no idea what I am going to do with it. It is just me hitting the ground running.
I'm in my turret era. I want a castle and I'm 50. I'm not going to be around forever. I think 50, I just want to do what I want to do. I've always wanted a castle. I'm a baron. I'm going to get my own tartan.
I have bought it. Someone said someone else has bought it but, no, I have. I haven’t been this excited about a project for ages. I’ve got the survey now and I’m waiting for the keys to come.
I have always wanted a castle and I fell in love with this castle. It’s got a little railway I can drive. I’m an animal lover and I want it filled with animals. It’s not a spa and it’s not a hotel. Why do I want to live in a spa? Can you imagine the smell of chlorine? It is my home and I’m selling up and moving up there. I’m turning 50 and I want a change and a break. When you see what I want to do with it, I think you’re going to love it. It’s about me opening it up to the community and giving back. I’ve got all this land, it will be a bit of rewilding, looking after animals.
It’s a lovely community, really small, and I want it to be magical up there. I might get a nice man up there. I’m a baron and I’m going to get my own tartan. I haven’t been this excited about a project in ages.