YSW on tour | magnificent Fasque Castle
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Fasque Castle couples are encouraged to treat the venue as their home for the duration of their stay.
And stepping through the doors on a chilly St Andrews Day it’s clear to see how you could very quickly feel completely at ease here.
Because even though those doors are the doors to a magnificent baronial mansion, we’ve driven past the estate’s very own deer park to reach them, and the venue was once the home of former Prime Minister William Gladstone, Fasque feels instantly welcoming. It’s simply delightful.
My eye is immediately drawn to the elegant double-staircase at the far end of the hall and house manager Brooke Sandeman informs me brides typically choose to make their grand entrance down it for their ceremony in the hall, which can accommodate 120 guests.
Or if you fancy an outdoors ceremony, you could say ‘I do’ overlooking the deer.
Wherever you decide to marry, the Grand Hall later transforms into one big dance floor for your evening reception with space for 160 revellers.
I can just picture a massive Strip the Willow here!
Next door you’ll find the Dining Room where breakfast is served for the 42 house guests who can stay across the castle’s 19 bedrooms, (accommodation for two nights is included in your hire).
Then it’s on to the Bar.
Fasque Castle was recently taken over by Simon and Susan Flame, the owners of Broxmouth Courtyard, and if you’re familiar with that beautiful venue you’ll recognise the touch of the new owners here.
The couple have big plans for Fasque, which lies outside the pretty Aberdeenshire village of Fettercairn.
While work is due to begin on five new second floor bedrooms, they started their transformation with the bar, opening up a middle window and completing the impeccable décor with a stunning chandelier.
The ground floor is also home to the relaxing Drawing Room (used as a breakaway space), a Billiards Room (perfect for an ice-breaker the night before) and the West Wing Kitchen, which your loved ones can use whenever they wish.
A separate catering kitchen is located in the East Wing and all wedding cuisine is delivered in-house.
The West Wing Terrace is a picturesque setting for an al fresco drinks reception, (or a casual barbecue the night before the wedding), before you ascend the
staircase, or lift, for dinner in the Ballroom.
It hosts up to 120 and the décor is light, airy and easily adaptable to any colour scheme.
In complete contrast is the Library, my favourite room in the entire house.
Decorated in rich wood and aubergine tones there’s a decidedly masculine feel, so it’s no surprise this is typically where grooms get ready.
But it’s also ideal for newlyweds to have a private moment, and some couples even choose to marry here.
Then it’s a case of playing pick your favourite bedroom and Brooke says couples have fun compiling their rooming list and deciding who stays in which uniquely-decorated room.
The West Wing’s master suite is a popular choice with its dressing room located behind the bed, and an award-winning bathtub. (It was unearthed in the basement and restored by the previous owners).
Meanwhile the East Wing is home to the Bridal Suite, and Powder Room, which has space for all your bridal prep.
Following my tour, I walk past the deer park, down to The Garden Rooms, one of the estate’s self-catering cottages where we’re staying for the night.
I say cottage, but with its two turrets it’s like a castle in miniature.
Contact the venue to discover more:
Email | T: 01561 340746 | Website
